IMPERIAL HOTEL

Traditional with modern accommodations. Beautiful rooms with impeccable maintenance. In the central part of Tokyo. Breakfast buffet is almost too much. Both Japanese and western fare. Service is outstanding which is almost the norm in Tokyo. Not inexpensive but you definitively get your money's worth. Highly recommend for your stay in Tokyo. Enjoy.

I was hesitant to stay at this hotel because I had some trouble booking a Premium Tower room on their website. Premium Tower rooms occupy levels 30 and 31 in the Tower, which has a more restricted access than the rest of the rooms in the main building. I had read in other Trip Advisor reviews that these premium tower rooms were better. Although I did not see the interior of any other room, our room on the 30th floor, room 3019, was perfect. We traveled with our 14-year old, too young to stay in a room alone. Most Japanese hotels do not have adjoining rooms. They also require that a minor must have an adult in the room with him/her. Room 3019 had 2 twin beds and a loveseat-sized sofa that was made into a comfortable bed for our teen. The room was actually spacious enough for all three of us. It would appear that the Japanese have embraced technology. The lighting, AC temperature, drapes and curtains open/close, and clock/alarm could all be controlled from the bedside electronic tablet. The room had a larger than expected room safe in the closet, which is where we stored our passports/credit cards/debit card copies. I kept my passport with me so that when I go shopping, I can present it for duty refund at the store. Staying on the one of the premium floors entitled us to free access to the small hotel's gym, which we did not use, and to the indoor pool, which my nephew enjoyed one afternoon. Free 500mL, 16.9 oz, water bottles were complimentary. Tokyo in mid-July was very hot and humid. Hydration was key. I made sure we all drank at least 3 L of water a day. The hotel staff brought us 6 bottles of water almost every day. Another bonus was getting a discount on laundry and dry cleaning services. Although I was initially hesitant to use their cleaning services, I soon realized that their cleaning service was probably even better than the one provided by American hotels. I trusted them so much that I sent my husband's $900 blazer to get dry cleaned. It needed it, but I could never find a reliable cleaner back home in Louisiana. Amazing job! I then sent my black $500 Diane Von Furstenberg cocktail dress. Every t-shirt, underwear, and sock that was laundered came back neatly pressed and folded and encased in a thin sealed plastic bag. The items looked like I had just purchased them from a store. When I had to repack, I simply left the items in the plastic bag. All other items were ironed and hung on black plastic hangers that were much more gentle on the clothes than the horrible, wire, metal hangers most US cleaners and hotels use. The hotel staff, actually pretty much all Japanese people, were not very courteous and polite and bowed so much that I found myself adopting this custom.

The Imperial Hotel has a storied history and is clearly a local favorite. Its reputation will no doubt be appealing to some visitors. The room I stayed in was on par with a middle of the road Hilton. While decent in size, it felt dated, the carpet was worn and the furniture was cheap. There was a musty smell that pervaded the room. The breakfast buffet was plentiful but the quality mediocre. On the plus side, the hotel is very close to the subway and generally in a great location. The check in experience was amazing and the lobby impressive. By the elevator there were typically two to three staff waiting and I don’t think I ever got into the elevator without a staff member right by the elevator bowing to me which is a charming feature you aren’t going to find in other hotels. The extremely friendly and sincere staff seemed to make everybody feel like a VIP. Bottom line: If the most important consideration in choosing a hotel is the quality of the room than the Imperial is overpriced and there are better choices in Tokyo. If having bragging rights that you stayed at the Imperial or the feeling of VIP treatment by an incredibly welcoming and large staff when you enter the hotel, then the Imperial could be worth it.

The location of this hotel is very convenient for access subway and JR. Very short walking distance to Ginza area. Service is very good. This is a very famous hotel in Japan. Buffet restaurant is nice and if you can get window seat, you will have a great view of Ginza area or Imperial Palace. Some of the items they serve here, you won't see at other hotels' buffet. Lobby is crowded. It seems like they have many events going on here. Room is just normal. I would come back here because of the location.

One of the best hotels in the world. First class service and truly excellent service. Hotel is located in one of the best areas in Tokyo and next two metro lines. Employees going out of their way to help.