Imperial Hotel Tokyo

The rooms at this hotel are small and dark and the lobby is a popular meeting place for coffee which means smoke smoke smoke.

The hotel is priced at about half one would pay at the Ritz and the service may actually be a bit better. It has a warmer feeling than the Ritz but make no mistake - this is a local hotel and not an international one. Westerners may not feel entirely comfortable although every effort is made by the staff to be hospitable and accommodating. The hotel - rebuilt and rebuilt - has a certain history in Tokyo and this newest structure is hardly inspiring. That said, it seems to attract a degree of local older-money and is viewed as classy and reserved whilst in reality it is largely resting on its laurels.

The hotel also regards things as "close" which are actually several kilometres away! Overall a nie downtown location, though.