Westin Tokyo

Description:

• A black marble floor, neoclassical columns and statuary, huge floral bouquets, and palm trees set this smart-looking hotel apart from other Tokyo hotels -- it would be a perfect fit in Hong Kong. Opened in 1994 and set in the attractive Yebisu Garden Place (Tokyo's first planned community), it's still a hike from Ebisu Station, even with the aid of the elevated moving walkways. It's also far from Tokyo's business center. But the largely Japanese clientele (though North Americans account for 25% of the guests) favors it for its European ambience, relaxed atmosphere, Westin name, and Yebisu Garden Place with its restaurants and shopping.

  The spacious, high-ceilinged rooms blend luxurious 19th-century Biedermeier styles with contemporary furnishings and Westin's trademark "Heavenly Beds" that are either king-size (in double rooms) or two double beds (in twins), oversize desks, separate lighted vanities, and large bathrooms with separate shower and tub areas. Rooms on higher floors cost more, with the best views considered those facing Tokyo Tower, though on clear days those facing west treat you to views of Mount Fuji. Executive Club rooms include Guest Office rooms (which provide such additional features as laser printers, fax machines, and office supplies), Workout Rooms (with exercise equipment), and a Ladies Floor with heightened security along with a yoga DVD and mat, jewelry box, vanity, humidifiers, female toiletries, and free espresso.

  Facilities: 5 restaurants; 2 bars; lounge; exercise room (fee: ¥1,000/$8.30/£4.20; free for Starwood Preferred Guest and Executive Club members); access to nearby health club w/heated indoor pool and gym (fee: ¥4,000/$33/£17; ¥2,000/$17/£8.40 for Starwood Preferred Guest members); spa; concierge; business center; 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:

Concierge, interpreting service, express checkout, shops and commercial services, VIP rooms and services.