Where to Stay - Tokyo - page 101

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book elsewhere. Rates are based on size; even the cheapest units are adequate, but they
do face another building and don't receive much sunshine. If you can afford it, spring for
a more expensive room on a high floor with bay windows overlooking the park (in win-
ter, you might also have a view of Mt. Fuji).
2-7-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023. & 800/233-1234 in the U.S. and Canada, or 03/
3348-1234. Fax [phone]. http://tokyo.regency.hyatt.com. 744 units. ¥32,270 single; ¥42,735-
¥47,355 double. Regency Club from ¥49,665 single; ¥53,130 double. Rates exclude hotel tax. AE, DC, MC,
V. Station: Tochomae (1 min.), Nishi-Shinjuku (3 min.), or Shinjuku (a 10-min. walk, or a free 3-min. shuttle
ride). Amenities: 6 restaurants; bar; concierge; executive-level rooms; health club w/indoor pool (fee:
¥2,000) and spa; room service; free shuttle service to Shinjuku Station every 20 min. In room: A/C, TV, hair
dryer, high-speed Internet, minibar.

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo The closest hotel to Shinjuku Station's west side,
the Keio Plaza is also West Shinjuku's oldest and biggest hotel, built in 1971. It has the
distinction of being not only Japan's first skyscraper, but also, at 47 stories high, still one
of Tokyo's tallest and largest hotels. It's popular with both Japanese and foreign travelers,
including group tours, and the lobby bustles with activity—sometimes too much, mak-
ing it difficult to get personalized service. But the hotel boasts a number of first-class
facilities and services, including several that appeal to families, such as day care for chil-
dren 2 months and older, and free access to an outdoor pool and children's pool. With
almost 20 restaurants and bars, choices seem limitless. Rooms are small but comfortably
furnished, with views of the surrounding Shinjuku area. Most expensive are the Plaza
Premier rooms on the 35th to 37th floors, with MD/CD players, air purifiers, and safes
with electric outlets so that laptops can recharge while being stowed. Tip: Become a
member of the Executive International Club (it's free), and you qualify for discounted
room rates, complimentary buffet breakfast, and use of a club lounge.
2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8330. & 800/222-KEIO (5346) in the U.S., or 03/3344-
0111. Fax [phone]. www.keioplaza.com. 1,438 units. ¥31,500-¥45,150 single; ¥34,650-¥48,300
double; from ¥97,650 suite. Rates exclude service charge and hotel tax. AE, DC, MC, V. Station: Tochomae
(1 min.) or Shinjuku (5 min.). Amenities: 12 restaurants; 3 bars; 1 lounge; children's day-care center (daily
10am-6pm; evenings by reservation only: fee: ¥3,150 for 1 hr.); concierge; executive-level rooms; fitness
room; outdoor pool w/wading pool; room service; in-house doctor and dentist. In room: A/C, TV, hair
dryer, high-speed Internet, minibar.

5

AKASAKA & ROPPONGI
Hotel New Otani If you like small, quiet hotels, this monolith is not for
you. Like a city unto itself, the New Otani is so big that two information desks are
needed to assist lost souls searching for a particular restaurant or one of the shops in the
meandering arcade. The hotel's most splendid feature is its garden, the best of any Tokyo
hotel—a 400-year-old Japanese garden that once belonged to a feudal lord, with 4 hect-
ares (10 acres) of ponds, waterfalls, bridges, bamboo groves, and manicured bushes. The
large outdoor pool, flanked by greenery, is also nice. A variety of rooms, in a main build-
ing built for the 1964 Olympics and a newer tower, are available. Those in the main
building are comfortable, with full-length windows to take advantage of city and garden
views. Tower rooms, including “ fusui healing” rooms with such extras as in-room
humidifier and foot bath, offer the best views—of the garden, the skyscrapers of Shin-
juku, and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. Because rates are the same no matter which way
you face, be sure to request a room overlooking the garden. Parents appreciate the
24-hour Baby Room and the fact that the outdoor pool is free for those who become
Hotel Club members (membership is free).