PRICE:
Frommer's Highly Recommended

This aging hotel across the street from Shinagawa Station occupies grounds that once belonged to Japan's Imperial family, a reminder of which remains in the peaceful, tranquil garden with pond and waterfall that serves as a dramatic backdrop for the lobby lounge. Approximately 50% of the hotel's guests are foreigners, mostly French, German, and American. Its location on the Yamanote Line makes it convenient for travel in the city, while trains to Kamakura and other points west and south, as well as the Shinkansen bullet train, make it convenient for travel farther afield. I also like its glass-enclosed coffee shop, which serves buffet meals and has views of the garden. Room rates are based mostly on room size, with those facing the front slightly larger and offering partial views of Tokyo Bay between buildings. Smaller rooms at the back are a bargain, as they face the garden and are quieter. In any case, rooms offer nothing out of the ordinary, and most bathrooms are surprisingly small, with almost no counter space to speak of. Tip: The outdoor pool's fee is for use of a locker; forgo that, and you can use the pool free of charge. Facilities: 7 restaurants; 2 bars; 2 lounges; outdoor pool (locker fee: ¥1,500/$12/£6.30); access to fitness center at Le Meridien Grand Pacific on Odaiba (fee: ¥1,050/$8.70/£4.40); concierge; free shuttle bus to Le Meridien Grand Pacific Tokyo Hotel on Odaiba and Tokyo Disneyland; business center; small shopping arcade; salon; limited room service (6am-midnight); in-room massage; babysitting; same-day laundry/dry-cleaning service; nonsmoking rooms.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Tokyo, 10th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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