Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo

Dai-Ichi Hotel Tokyo occupies a high-rise building on a busy thoroughfare. From the outside it looks sleek and corporate, but the interiors are decorated in a stately Old-World style that may be too stuffy for some. Hallways have baroque carpeting in royal blue and pink hues, walls feature a mix of wainscoting and wallpaper, and Edwardian-style furniture dot common spaces throughout. The lobby is even more ornate, with a large marble floral pattern on the floor and a floor-to-ceiling mural of Corinthian columns against a sky and garden backdrop. The hotel draws an even number of business travelers and tourists, and it can feel chaotic here at times, like a train station -- ironic given that the hotel faces train tracks, and trains are loud enough to be heard even in the middle of the day over traffic.

Dai-Ichi Hotel Tokyo is located in the Minato area, a two-minute walk from the Shimbashi Station, where travelers can access the metro and the JR lines. The area immediately surrounding the hotel is dominated by office buildings, and restaurants are typically local chains and small shops for fast meals for people working in the area, though there are a few nicer sit-down restaurants. Better dining and shopping are a short walk away in Ginza. Minato is just as lively in the evening, as people getting off work hit up the bars and yakitori hotspots during happy hour. The Imperial Palace takes around 20 to 30 minutes to get to using public transportation, while Ueno Park, where many of the city's museums are located, takes 20 to 25 minutes to reach. Getting to Narita Airport takes an hour to an hour and 40 minutes to reach, while travelers can get to Haneda Airport in as little as 40 minutes in the Keikyu-Kuko Line.

The hotel's 278 rooms are spacious by Tokyo standards, and while the decor mirrors what’s found in public spaces, it isn't as stuffy. Most feature classic albeit simple decor, including damask fabrics, wall-to-wall carpeting in neutral hues, fabric headboards with dark-wood trim, and painted ceramic lamps. Cream-colored striped wallpaper and gold-rimmed frames are elegant touches, but some may find the style dated rather than classy. Amenities are extensive, with flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, kettles with free coffee and tea, air purifiers, and free Wi-Fi. Higher-category rooms add Nespresso machines and free minibars, and some have pull-out sofas. Some rooms can also accommodate extra beds or cots, for a fee. The hotel’s proximity to elevated train tracks means a lot of train noise in some units, especially during the day. Soundproofing between rooms and the hallways is also poor.

Like the rooms, bathrooms are classic, with black-and-white floor tile and marble or granite vanities with gold fixtures. All come with showers (and separate tubs in some categories), bidet toilets, and wide vanities with a generous stock of toiletries, including Shiseido products (L'Occitane in some of the more expensive rooms), plus extras such as toothbrushes and combs. Hairdryers, slippers, and robes are provided. Overall, rooms and bathrooms are well-maintained, though we noticed some stained grouting and trim and a leaky tap during our visit.

Dai-Ichi Hotel Tokyo is overall light on amenities but offers a staggering array of on-site dining options that cater to all tastes. The star of the show here is the top-floor teppanyaki restaurant, serving up Kobe beef cuts along with seafood and panoramic city views. The adjacent lounge serves drinks and small bites, also with excellent views. Additionally, there are a la carte French, Chinese, Japanese, and sushi options, plus an international buffet. The hotel also features a lobby bar, a lounge with cocktails, and a patisserie selling sweets and chocolate treats. The breakfast buffet here is extensive, offering Japanese and Western items, but the meal is not included in room rates. Room service is also available.

Business-oriented features include free, property-wide Wi-Fi, a small business center with a photocopier, and valet laundry. There are also five meeting rooms, including a large ballroom for up to 650 guests. The hotel offers paid access to a gym with a lap pool located across the street.