Hotel Okura

Located across from the U.S. embassy and long considered one of Tokyo's most venerable hotels, the Okura is struggling to keep up with pricier -- and newer -- top-rated hotels in the city. Still, it remains a favorite home-away-from-home of visiting U.S. dignitaries, and the service is gracious and impeccable. Rich decor elegantly combines ikebana and shoji screens with an old-fashioned Western spaciousness. The atmosphere is low-key, almost Zen-like, with none of the flashiness inherent in some younger hotels. All rooms are comfortable, with opaque windows designed to resemble shoji and gold colors offset by fuchsia or other bright-colored armchairs and pillows. My favorite rooms are in the main building facing the garden; some on the fifth floor here have balconies overlooking the garden and pool. Other rooms have views of a rooftop garden or Tokyo Tower, while "Grand Comfort rooms" on the 9th and 10th floors offer free entrance to the spa. Tip: Fees are charged for use of the health club and pools, but become a member of Okura Club International (membership is free) and you can use them for free; fill out an application at the guest relations desk.

Facilities: 10 restaurants; 3 bars; children's day-care center (fee: ¥6,300 for 2 hr.); concierge; health club w/indoor 20m pool (fee: ¥5,775) and spa; nicely landscaped outdoor pool (fee: ¥2,100/$17); room service; free shuttle service to the nearest subways (Sat-Sun only); tea-ceremony room; in-house dentist; private museum showcasing Japanese art (free for hotel guests); pharmacy; packing and shipping service; post office.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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