A Wonderful Stay in Japan
by A TripAdvisor Member
We stayed at the New Otani, Tokyo in November 2005 and it we had a wonderful, unforgettable time. The hotel is HUGE (lost our way several times) but the size of the hotel didn’t prevent us being treating as very special guests. The staff are gracious, super efficient and simply go out of their way to meet your every need.
This was our first visit to Japan and we were overwhelmed by the politeness we were shown by everyone we met and the cleanliness of everywhere we went.
We booked through Expedia and got a good deal (flew with Virgin – they’re great too). Our room was large (we stayed in the Main building). We had a walk in wardrobe, big telly, desk, sofa, kettle constantly hot, newspaper ever morning, fresh flowers in the bathroom, turn down service with mints in the evening, freshly laundered cotton robe and a towelling robe every day… I could go on…
Here’s a good tip: We booked only 8 days before we were due to travel. After reading other Trip Advisor reviews regarding the New Otani Discount card, we applied online for one each through their website. Naturally, there was no way that these cards would arrive at our home address within a week. I emailed the hotel directly asking if we could simply use a printout of their email confirmation instead. They sent me a prompt and courteous reply informing us that “Your cards will be waiting for you at reception on arrival”. And indeed they were! Now that’s service. The card is worth getting – there are many benefits, but the two we found most useful were the waiver on some service charges in the hotel restaurants/bars and the free breakfast (beverages, juice and pastries (In the Tower - great morning view of Tokyo).
The hotel has many, many posh shops and they are dear, but window shopping is fun!
The restaurants and bars are expensive, too. As this trip was my birthday treat, we did eat and drink at the hotel on occasions, and we nearly feinted at the bill, but the experience was worth it.
The service we received was faultless. Tipping is not expected; indeed the concept is not really understood. But you will really want to provide a tip – not feel obliged to give one because you feel you have to, as with some other parts of the world…
I can’t comment on the gym and pool as we never used them.
I have nothing negative to say to say about the hotel. If forced, I would say that it was a bit ‘dated’ but I heard it was due for a facelift. But, regardless, the New Otani is Fantastic.
Recommend this Hotel? DEFINITELY
Huge but Luxurious
by TripAdvisor Member khw225
Now this was a really luxurious place! Bring your Corporate Amex, though – the place is as expensive as it is beautiful. In fact, avoid the restaurants in the hotel area altogether.
My room was gorgeous, with all the latest amenities. Especially the electric kettle with constant hot water was much appreciated. The bathroom had a nice large tub and was squeaky clean. Hairdryer, coffee maker, slippers, bathrobes, etc.
High-speed internet access is free only through the corporate package.
I was in the Tower, so I had a great panoramic view. On the flip side, the place is so big that it takes 15 minutes to get out of the building.
For breakfast, there are actually several restaurants to choose from, with Japanese and Western buffet choices, including items cooked to order. I watched them fix omelets with chopsticks – apparently I’m easily impressed.
Location is ok, close to two metro stations but not in any of the actual tourist zones. This is probably an advantage, though.
Service was great. They even rose to the challenge of getting me a converter for a Swiss 3-prong plug.
Unfortunately, AC broke during my stay, but when I told them that I would prefer to stay in this room, they fixed it immediately.
The only disappointment was the spa. Pool access is very expensive, even for hotel guests, and we didn’t find it worth it just for a quick swim.
All in all, this was a great place to stay, and I would love to come back if I can afford it.
Luxury hotel but very expensive
by TripAdvisor Member 4FamilyMan4
Now this is luxury! One of the nicest rooms we've ever seen. The rooms are hugh, clean, modern and comfortable - lots of nice toiletries. This was a really comfortable place to stay. The location is more for business travellers rather than tourists but the location is nice, safe and not too far from the tourist spots (about 2 to 3 metro stops away). The hotel did seem a bit impersonal to us - for example the help desk seemed keen to sell their guided tours to us but did not help us much to plan our own trips. Don't get me wrong - the staff are not rude at all - just less helpful than the previous Kyoto hotel we stayed in. The restaurants and shops in the hotel are really expensive - and I mean really expensive. However, there are loads of shops and eating places near the hotel. Overall a really nice hotel but very pricey (as Tokyo generally is).
excellent - would stay here again
by TripAdvisor Member patmoffett
Well placed on the Ginza line that'll take you from the shrines and markets at Asakusa to the nightlife of Shibuya. The limosine bus from the airport picks up and drops here so it makes getting there as easy as using a package deal.
Hotel bars and restaurants were pricey - but a 5 min walk takes you to the centre of Akasuka with loads of choice - cheaper than the uk for good quality food. There is a fridge in the room for keeping anything ou bought from the supermarket. The garden is lovely and great to have a retreat to hand in such a busy city. I read on here about joining the Hotel club - it's free, but takes about a month for the card to arrive - if you do this you'll get entrance to small breakfast lounge with a view of Roppongi and Fuji - well worth it.
Nice hotel, good location, good faclities
by A TripAdvisor Member
A great hotel in lovely grounds. The rooms are as you would expect and some have good views of Tokyo. The shops are the usual designer stuff but it does have a post office, bakery, news agency, drugstore, and a travel agency in the hotel.
A good location in Tokyo, the Metro is really close (use the covered underground walkway most of the way that means you don't have to cross any roads to get there) and provides good access to both East and West of the city and Akasaka has a good mix of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
I would stay there again.
Forum Posts
Narita to Hotel New Otani Tokyo
by gnilrews
Every map and every site I look up is unclear as to which railways/subways I need to take from Narita terminal 1, to get to the Hotel New Otani Tokyo. Any help? Arigat gozaimasu.
RE: Narita to Hotel New Otani Tokyo
by Norasuz5
For your info, please try this site;
http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/e/ --- bus schedule from/to Narita airport
http://www.newotani.co.jp/en/tokyo/ --- Hotel guide (including location map)
From Narita airport please take JR (East Japan Railway) train.
At Tokyo station transfer to Tokyo Metro Marunouchi subway line, and get off at Akasaka Mitsuke station.
Have a nice stay!
RE: RE: Narita to Hotel New Otani Tokyo
by gnilrews
Many Thanks!!
RE: Narita to Hotel New Otani Tokyo
by amadeus.schuller
once you get into the arrival hall in narita there will be english speaking limosin bus agnets and tourist information desks.
it is very very very easy. they love to help and get you on the right way!
enjoy
