Hilton Tokyo

"How did it strike you on arrival?An easy walk to the Shinjuku’s frenzied center. Towering office-type buildings are spaced far apart, and the crowds are mostly indoors, so the area can feel like strolling through a business district on the weekend (even on a weekday). Hilton Tokyo isn’t sparkling new, but it’s a Hilton, which means international comfort comes standard across its 28 floors. Nice. What’s the crowd like?It’s an all-purpose location. Expect the occasional busload of group travelers, small families, and individual business or leisure travelers. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.King Hilton rooms are up high with glimpses of Shinjuku Central Park. Hilton's branded interiors have a familiar feel—which is not such a bad thing if Tokyo is unfamiliar territory—with just a hint of local flair. Large windows overlook skyscrapers and are closed off with traditional shoji screens, while teapots sit on the console above a mini-bar. The bright, clean design is the type of comfort you'd expect from the brand. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Bathrooms are on the smaller side, but Toto toilets expand the facilities with too many buttons to count, for a heated seat, or a bidet function. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?The Wi-Fi works fine, although it’s only free if you're a Hilton Honors member. Room service: Worth it?Room service is nothing to write home about—it does the job—but the selection of restaurants and bars throughout the hotel are worth noting. The lobby’s main feature, the Marble Lounge, is a glossy, mood-lit space with comfy seats—and love seats—that makes for a decent breakfast buffet. Other, more contemporary spots are nice and stylish, whether it’s Chinese with a twist at Dynasty or sushi (and beyond) at the clean-lined Junisoh. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?After a long-haul flight, the clerks at the check-in desk offer a swift greeting, and it’s all the more pleasant once they mention that, even if the room isn’t ready, you can access the fitness center upstairs to take a shower. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The fitness center pool is up high and flooded with natural light from a row of skylights—start your morning with a splash. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The immediate area empties out at night and is perhaps too calm for anyone hoping to vibe with the constant buzz of Shinjuku—but yet again, it feels silly to complain about the lack of commotion. Bottom line: worth it, and why?It’s affordable, offers familiar comforts, and it’s right in Shinjuku—it’s not a hyper-local or culture-rich experience, but it’s a comfortable place to sleep." - Keith Flanagan

Hotel 3