3 Best Hotels in Tokyo: Where to Stay and Why Location Matters
Lila (๑>◡<๑)
Tokyo is one of the world’s most exciting cities, but choosing where to stay can be surprisingly difficult. With enormous neighbourhoods, countless train stations and thousands of hotels, finding the right accommodation involves more than choosing a comfortable room. Your hotel’s location can completely change how you experience the city.
Some visitors want luxury overlooking the Imperial Palace. Others prefer a peaceful boutique hotel with easy access to Tokyo’s major attractions, while some want to step straight into Shinjuku’s neon-lit streets, restaurants and nightlife.
We’ve selected three standout Tokyo hotels, each offering a different experience of Japan’s capital. Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time, planning a romantic getaway or looking for accommodation that makes sightseeing easier, these are three excellent places to start.
Tokyo’s Top 3 Hotels at a Glance
| Hotel | Area | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Palace Hotel Tokyo | Marunouchi | Luxury, couples and special occasions |
| Hotel 1899 Tokyo | Shimbashi / Minato | Boutique charm, value and quieter stays |
| Hotel Groove Shinjuku | Shinjuku | Shopping, nightlife and first-time visitors |
1. Palace Hotel Tokyo — Best for Luxury and an Exceptional Location
Location: Marunouchi, beside the Imperial Palace
Best for: Luxury travellers, couples, special occasions and visitors travelling onwards by bullet train
Nearest stations: Otemachi Station and Tokyo Station
For travellers looking for an extraordinary Tokyo hotel experience, Palace Hotel Tokyo is one of the city’s finest luxury addresses.
Located beside the Imperial Palace gardens in prestigious Marunouchi, the hotel combines the energy of central Tokyo with a remarkably peaceful setting. Its position overlooking the historic palace moat and surrounding greenery is particularly special in a city famous for its dense urban landscape.
The hotel features elegant accommodation, sophisticated dining, an impressive spa and exceptional attention to detail. Selected rooms offer balconies and views across the Imperial Palace gardens, creating a sense of space that can be difficult to find in central Tokyo.
What Makes Palace Hotel Tokyo Special?
One of the biggest advantages is its location. Many luxury Tokyo hotels occupy busy commercial districts or the upper floors of skyscrapers, but Palace Hotel Tokyo sits beside a substantial green space.
Guests can begin their mornings walking around the Imperial Palace surroundings before exploring nearby Marunouchi, one of Tokyo’s most sophisticated shopping and dining districts.
The hotel also has 10 restaurants and bars and the evian SPA TOKYO, making it particularly appealing to travellers who want their accommodation to be part of the holiday experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep.
What’s Nearby?
Imperial Palace Gardens: The palace grounds and surrounding walking routes are immediately nearby. The gardens and historic architecture provide a refreshing contrast to Tokyo’s skyscrapers.
Marunouchi shopping and dining: This elegant business and shopping district offers designer boutiques, sophisticated restaurants and stylish cafés within walking distance.
Tokyo Station: Approximately 8–10 minutes on foot, giving visitors access to major train lines and Shinkansen services for journeys to Kyoto, Osaka and other Japanese destinations.
Ginza: The famous luxury shopping and dining district is within easy reach by public transport or a longer walk.
Is Palace Hotel Tokyo Worth the Money?
For travellers with a generous budget, Palace Hotel Tokyo offers much more than beautiful accommodation. The location is exceptionally convenient, particularly when combining several destinations on a Japan itinerary.
However, it is firmly in the luxury category. Travellers planning to spend most of their days sightseeing may find that a less expensive hotel provides better overall value.
Our verdict: Choose Palace Hotel Tokyo if you want a memorable luxury stay, peaceful surroundings and excellent access to central Tokyo. It’s especially appealing for a honeymoon, anniversary or a special first visit to Japan.
[Check Palace Hotel Tokyo rates and availability]
2. Hotel 1899 Tokyo — Best for Boutique Charm and Value
Location: Shimbashi, Minato City
Best for: Couples, solo travellers and visitors seeking a peaceful Japanese-inspired stay
Nearest stations: Onarimon Station and Shimbashi Station
Not every memorable Tokyo hotel needs a luxury price tag. Hotel 1899 Tokyo is a beautiful example of how thoughtful design, Japanese hospitality and a distinctive concept can create an exceptional boutique accommodation experience.
Inspired by Japan’s traditional tea culture, this intimate hotel offers a peaceful retreat from the surrounding city. Rather than competing with Tokyo’s enormous luxury properties, Hotel 1899 focuses on smaller details that make a stay feel personal.
The hotel’s calming interiors, warm atmosphere and dedicated tea experiences create a distinctly Japanese experience without requiring guests to stay in a traditional ryokan.
What Makes Hotel 1899 Tokyo Special?
Tea is central to the hotel’s identity.
Guests can enjoy matcha, sencha and seasonal Japanese teas prepared by trained tea sommeliers at the hotel’s dedicated tea counter. The experience introduces visitors to an important part of Japanese culture in an accessible, relaxed setting.
The guest rooms also incorporate Japanese tea-making facilities and understated design touches.
With just 63 guest rooms, Hotel 1899 feels more intimate than many of Tokyo’s enormous city hotels. Rooms range from compact standard doubles to more spacious corner deluxe twins.
Although this isn’t a conventional budget hotel, it offers an appealing alternative to Tokyo’s premium luxury accommodation.
What’s Nearby?
Tokyo Tower: Approximately 14 minutes on foot. One of Tokyo’s most recognisable landmarks, particularly beautiful when illuminated after dark.
Zojoji Temple: Around 12 minutes on foot. A historic Buddhist temple where traditional architecture meets the modern Tokyo skyline.
Shimbashi: Approximately 10 minutes’ walk to the station. This lively district is known for its restaurants, casual bars and traditional izakaya dining.
Ginza: Easily accessible by train from Shimbashi, making shopping and dining convenient without paying Ginza luxury hotel prices.
Odaiba: Accessible via the Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi Station, making it a practical destination for a half-day or evening excursion.
Is Hotel 1899 Tokyo a Good Location for First-Time Visitors?
Yes, particularly for travellers who prefer a quieter base.
Shimbashi offers excellent transport connections, with access to multiple railway and subway lines. However, unlike Shinjuku or Shibuya, the hotel’s immediate surroundings are generally less focused on nightlife and major tourist attractions.
Onarimon Station is approximately six minutes away on foot, while Shimbashi Station takes approximately ten minutes.
The main consideration is room size. As with many Japanese boutique hotels, the standard rooms are compact, so travellers with several large suitcases should check room dimensions carefully before booking.
Our verdict: Hotel 1899 Tokyo is our pick for travellers who value atmosphere, Japanese culture and thoughtful hospitality more than oversized rooms or luxury facilities. It’s a lovely option for couples and independent travellers wanting a calm place to return to after busy sightseeing days.
[Check Hotel 1899 Tokyo rates and availability]
3. Hotel Groove Shinjuku — Best for Shopping, Nightlife and Experiencing Modern Tokyo
Location: Kabukicho, Shinjuku
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, friends and travellers who love shopping, food and nightlife
Nearest stations: Seibu Shinjuku Station and Shinjuku Station
If your idea of Tokyo involves bright neon signs, bustling streets, incredible restaurants and late-night adventures, Hotel Groove Shinjuku places you right in the middle of the action.
Located within the striking Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, this contemporary lifestyle hotel offers an entirely different experience from the elegant Palace Hotel or tranquil Hotel 1899.
The hotel occupies the upper levels of the entertainment complex, with guest rooms on floors 20 through 38. Its elevated setting offers impressive city views from selected rooms, while the surrounding streets showcase some of Tokyo’s most recognisable urban scenery.
What Makes Hotel Groove Shinjuku Special?
The location is the biggest attraction.
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most exciting neighbourhoods, packed with department stores, restaurants, entertainment venues and atmospheric backstreets.
Hotel Groove brings this urban energy into its design, with contemporary accommodation inspired by the district’s entertainment and creative culture.
The hotel also features JAM17 dining and bar facilities, while the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower itself houses entertainment attractions, including cinema, music and nightlife venues.
Guests wanting to experience Tokyo after dark won’t need to travel far to find something happening.
What’s Nearby?
Kabukicho: Immediately outside the hotel. This famous entertainment district is filled with illuminated signs, restaurants, bars and nightlife venues.
Shinjuku Golden Gai: A short walk away. This atmospheric collection of narrow alleyways and tiny bars is one of Tokyo’s most distinctive nightlife destinations.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Within walking distance or a short journey. One of Tokyo’s most beautiful parks, particularly during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Omoide Yokocho: A short walk near Shinjuku Station. Known for its narrow lanes, tiny restaurants and traditional yakitori establishments.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Accessible on foot or by local transport, with observation facilities offering views across the city.
Shinjuku Station: Approximately seven minutes’ walk according to the hotel’s official access guide, although navigating this enormous station can take additional time.
Is Shinjuku the Best Area to Stay in Tokyo?
For many first-time visitors, Shinjuku is one of the most convenient neighbourhoods.
The station provides excellent connections to major Tokyo districts, including Shibuya, Harajuku and central Tokyo. It also serves as a departure point for trips towards destinations such as Hakone and the Mount Fuji region.
However, location matters even within Shinjuku.
Hotel Groove sits in Kabukicho, an energetic entertainment district that can become crowded and noisy at night. While the hotel rooms are high above street level, the surrounding neighbourhood may not suit travellers seeking quiet evenings or families with young children.
For couples, groups of friends and travellers who want Tokyo’s famous nightlife on their doorstep, the location is difficult to beat.
Our verdict: Hotel Groove Shinjuku is an excellent choice for visitors who want to experience the bright, energetic side of Tokyo. Its transport connections, entertainment options and central Shinjuku setting make it particularly appealing for first-time visitors.
[Check Hotel Groove Shinjuku rates and availability]
Which Tokyo Hotel Should You Choose?
All three hotels offer excellent experiences, but the right choice depends on how you want to spend your time in Tokyo.
If your priority is luxury, peaceful surroundings and a truly memorable hotel stay, Palace Hotel Tokyo is the standout option.
For travellers seeking a beautiful boutique experience that celebrates Japanese culture without committing to the expense of a five-star luxury hotel, Hotel 1899 Tokyo offers excellent appeal.
And for visitors who want to explore Tokyo’s shopping districts, restaurants and vibrant nightlife, Hotel Groove Shinjuku is an exciting base with convenient transport connections.
A Few Things to Know Before Booking a Tokyo Hotel
Tokyo hotels can have surprisingly small rooms. Before booking, check the room size in square metres rather than relying on photographs. A compact room might be perfectly comfortable for a solo traveller but inconvenient for a family or two people with large suitcases.
Being close to a station matters. Tokyo’s public transport is excellent, but some stations are enormous and navigating between platforms or exits can take longer than expected. A hotel within walking distance of a useful train or subway line can make sightseeing much easier.
Consider your arrival and departure plans. If you’re continuing to Kyoto or Osaka by Shinkansen, staying near Tokyo Station may be especially convenient. If your itinerary focuses on western Tokyo, Shinjuku can be a practical base.
Book popular travel periods early. Cherry blossom season, Golden Week, autumn foliage season and major holidays can all increase accommodation demand. Booking in advance usually gives you a better choice of hotels and room categories.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Best Place to Stay in Tokyo
The best hotel in Tokyo isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the one with the most impressive facilities. It’s the hotel that fits the way you want to experience the city.
Palace Hotel Tokyo delivers refined luxury beside the Imperial Palace. Hotel 1899 Tokyo introduces guests to Japanese tea culture in a peaceful boutique setting. Hotel Groove Shinjuku offers a front-row seat to one of the world’s most energetic urban neighbourhoods.
Three very different hotels, three very different Tokyo experiences — and three excellent starting points for planning your stay in Japan’s extraordinary capital.
Planning Your Tokyo Trip? Try Our Free Japan Travel Tools
Choosing the right hotel is just the beginning of planning an unforgettable Japanese holiday. Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for a few days or exploring several regions of Japan, our free travel resources can help make planning easier.
Not sure where else to visit in Japan? Try our Japan Our Way Stay Finder, an interactive tool designed to help you discover which Japanese destinations best suit your travel style, interests and budget.
Need help organising your trip? Our Ready for Japan Interactive Planner helps you work through essential travel preparations, so you can spend less time worrying about the details and more time looking forward to your adventure.
And before you leave, explore our Japan Travel Insurance Quiz to better understand what travel insurance coverage might suit your trip, from medical emergencies to unexpected cancellations.
Explore our free Japan travel planning resources and start building a holiday that works for you.
