Lonely Planet Review

Within walking distance of the sights of Ginza and Hibiya-koen, this is one of Tokyo's grand old hotels. The present building replaces Frank Lloyd Wright's 1923 masterpiece, and an occasional small tribute to Wright in the form of a chair or a modernist motif can be seen throughout the lobby.

A Tokyo grand dame, the Imperial Hotel continues to metamorphose with the times as it has since 1890. Rooms in the newest Imperial floor have been updated with features like large-screen plasma TVs while maintaining the classic lines and refined design of this venerable hotel. But even the standard rooms are spacious and plush, with high-speed internet and subdued jewel-toned colours. Rooms in the Tower Building have views of Hibiya Park or Ginza, and room key cards provide added security in the elevators of each hotel wing. The Imperial's personality reflects its surroundings: proximity to the Imperial Palace lends not only its name but a regal bearing, while Ginza glitters on the other side, all bustling commerce. A little history, a dash of glamour and a smashing choice.