Hotel Princess Garden

A prince’s residence during the early 20th century, the Princess Garden Hotel has obviously been updated since. Still, both the exteriors and interiors are more simple than ornate. Inside the cream brick facade, the spacious lobby is decorated in clean, neutral shades. Off-white granite tile floors and white leather couches, along with large windows looking out onto the garden keep the space bright and sunny. Red carpeted staircases add to the classic vibe, but can feel slightly old-fashioned. As the hotel's name suggests, the garden is one of its perks, providing a lovely view from many rooms and the on-site restaurant. While small, its koi pond and tastefully arranged greenery offer a tranquil ambience that matches the hotel’s generally quiet atmosphere. The overall scene makes for a welcome break from the city noise for its business travelers and tourists alike. 

Located in the Meguro District, a residential and quieter Tokyo neighborhood, the hotel comes with the benefit of being close enough to tourist sites while far enough away from the noise and bustle of the city center. Convenience stores, restaurants, and department stores are all within two to three minutes away on foot, and the Ebisu Garden Palace is a 10-minute walk away. The closest major train station, Meguro, is a three-minute walk away, and travelers can reach central areas like Shibuya and Harajuku by train in eight minutes, or Shinjuku in 15 minutes. The Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji fish market, Tokyo Tower, and Roppongi nightlife are all between 25 and 30 minutes away by train. Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is a 23-minute drive away. Narita International Airport is an hour away by car. 

Most rooms here, like at many Tokyo hotels, are spotless, but a tight squeeze. Standard Single and Economy Twin Rooms don’t allow for much luggage, closet, or even floor space. The decor in standard-level rooms isn’t standout either; from the green-gray carpeting and matching bedspreads to the single, small print hung on the walls. Functional wooden desks and bedside tables are visibly worn. Rooms on higher floors look out onto beautiful Tokyo views, but the windows are on the small side. Deluxe Twin and Superior Double Rooms offer slightly more space. 

The white-wallpapered bathrooms are also tiny, with little wiggle room between the toilets, sinks, and bathtubs. All bathrooms have shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads. Free toiletries and hairdryers are also provided. 

All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, tea sets and kettles, mini-fridges, air conditioners, humidifiers, and mobile phone chargers. Extras like trouser presses and adaptors are provided for free upon request. Inconveniently, none of the rooms have Wi-Fi; internet connection is available via a LAN network.

Smoking rooms are available and the smell can permeate the floors, so guests should be sure to specify their preferences.

The on-site restaurant, Chez Daigo, with its magenta carpeting and matching table overlays plus rose-themed accents, offers daily breakfast for extra fees. The spread is focused on Japanese food items. The restaurant also has a decent lunchtime deal, and serves afternoon tea in a separate lounge overlooking the garden, along with dinner. The other on-site dining option, the Four Season restaurant, is more of a large banquet hall for private events. 

Aside from its dining options, amenities here are surprisingly limited. While there is a coin operated laundry room on-site, the lack of a pool, fitness center, or business center can be both inconvenient to guests on business, and disappointing to leisure travelers. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby, though it can get spotty in other common areas. Parking is available on-site for extra daily charges.