As Clsoe to Perfection as Possible
- December 23, 2007
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
I have stayed at hotels all over the world butt he Imperial was fantastic. I have never seen such a polite and professional staff. Everything from the moment I got out of the taxi to the moment I boarded the Narita bus was handled with the utmost proficiency and friendliness. Although there are hotels that are more modern and flashier, nothing beats the Imperial. Great location as well.
Editor Pick
Imperial Hotel
- October 23, 2000
- Rated 4 of 5 by
globe trotter from Manchester, United Kingdom
Having lived in a city for a long time (I lived in Tokyo for 5 years), I think it's always difficult to go back & stay in a hotel in that city you know so well & find it totally satisfactory. For me the hotel that comes closest to meeting my expectations is the Imperial.
It has a certain understated grace about it that's difficult to find in newer hotels (in Tokyo at least).
The staff are very courteous & their English skills are good. For those not used to Japanese customs, the girls bowing & welcoming you by the elevator doors will charm & bemuse you, as will the old lady in the Tempura restaurant in the basement; when she quietly & determinedly starts tying a huge bib round your neck in the expectation that you won't be able to use chopsticks & are liable to drop your food down your front!
For the tired traveler - massages are available in room & a wonderful traditional Japanese hot bath & steam room is located in the health club (approx $US 10.00) fee required. There is also a nice indoor pool - but their cardio equipment leaves little to be desired!
Besides this the location is the best - slap bang in the middle of town - 2 minutes from Hibiya Subway Station, 3 minutes from Hibiya Park, 10 minutes away from the shops & restaurants of Ginza & 15 minutes away from the Imperial Palace.
On the downside, it is very expensive. Don't eat in the restaurants (especially the Sushi places!). Instead, walk out of the back of the hotel, go under the bridge & turn right onto a street littered with some of the best small Japanese (some Western too) restaurants in Tokyo & eat for half the price of the Imperial. Most of them have plastic food that you can point at & some of them have English menus.
From journal Searching for serenity in Tokyo