Royal Park Hotel

Description:

• Opened in 1989, the Royal Park is located east of Tokyo Station (about a 10-min. ride by taxi), not far from the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Suitengu Shrine (popular with expectant mothers hoping for safe deliveries). One of its greatest assets, aside from the friendly and superbly efficient staff and its interesting environs, is that it's connected via enclosed walkway to the Tokyo City Air Terminal, the main terminus of the Airport Limousine Bus (which shuttles passengers to and from Narita Airport frequently), making this a convenient place for visitors with only a night or two to spend in Tokyo. It's also the first hotel I've seen with a Woman's Traveler Desk, offering check-in and other special services. But what makes it particularly attractive to business travelers, including many Americans, is its up-to-date guest rooms with a sophisticated computerized TV system that allows guests to access 80 channels and the Internet, send e-mail, and check airline schedules for free, plus watch videos on demand, play computer games, and more. Its views are uninspiring, however, even the so-called "city views," considered the hotel's best.

  Facilities: 6 restaurants; bar; 2 lounges; health club w/20m indoor pool (fee: ¥3,150/$26/£13; ¥1,575/$13/£6.60 for either alone); concierge; tour desk; small 24-hr. business center; small shopping arcade; convenience store; salon; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; same-day laundry/dry-cleaning service; nonsmoking rooms; executive-level rooms.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010

Other features:

The technologically advanced rooms include dedicated computer line, thermostatic controls, stereo and cable radio, 60-channel stereo television with continuous stock market updates, currency exchange rates, airline schedules, 24-hour CNN and BBC World News, eight channels for movies and more. Word processors, typewriters, VCR and facsimile machines are available for guest use in their rooms at no cost.