Imperial Hotel, Tokyo

The iconic Imperial Hotel, a landmark in Japan for over 130 years, is also the birthplace of the Japanese buffet, introduced in 1958. Its location is excellent, just a 10-minute walk from Ginza and only 3 kilometers from Tokyo Station, with the Imperial Palace also within walking distance. The breakfast selection is extensive, offering options from the 17th-floor buffet to Japanese breakfast in the basement, French cuisine, and other gourmet choices. The service is truly top-notch. While the hotel shows its age, it is incredibly well-maintained. I revisited for afternoon tea after more than a decade, and it was just as wonderful and unchanged as I remembered.

Our first stop in Tokyo, the Imperial Hotel, brought many pleasant surprises. The hotel's decor has a classic, aged feel, which might not immediately impress at first glance. The bathtub in the room fills up very quickly, perfectly showcasing the Japanese bathing culture. The architectural style is retro, yet it's fully equipped with modern amenities like lighting, smart curtains, and control panels, creating a distinctive blend of old and new. The staff are attentive and polite, and fresh flowers are always on display throughout the hotel, adding to its elegant and vibrant old-money atmosphere. The buffet breakfast is very popular, requiring a queue as reservations are not accepted. However, the quality of the food is excellent, with every dish meeting à la carte restaurant standards. Room cleaning is thorough, making for a comfortable stay. Aside from the somewhat older decor, the hotel excels in all other details, making for a highly satisfactory stay.

The service at the Imperial Hotel is truly exceptional. From the front desk concierge who escorts guests to their rooms and explains the facilities, the staff are incredibly friendly without being overly formal. It perfectly embodies the hospitality and service standards from Japan's economic boom era. Honestly, the photos don't do the hotel justice, and the facilities aren't the newest, but once you stay, you'll find it incredibly comfortable. The provided toiletries are also excellent. The toilet area, designed so you can sit and do your makeup, is a really thoughtful touch – the Imperial Hotel in Osaka has the same feature. It might look unassuming, but it's very thoughtful and provides a comfortable stay. I found the breakfast buffet to be just okay, not as amazing as some reviews suggest, but it's definitely superior to many hotels in the same price range. Personally, I prefer the Japanese set menu; it truly captures the essence of a Japanese breakfast.

Although it's an older hotel, it's incredibly well-maintained! The service was excellent from check-in to check-out. Every morning, a newspaper was left outside the room. The main building I stayed in was under renovation, but there was no noise at all at night. In the morning, there would be some noise around 10 AM, which might bother some people. The location is fantastic, very close to Ginza. If you're tired after shopping, a taxi ride is only about 700 yen. Overall, I highly recommend it!

The Imperial Hotel's location is excellent, just about a 10-minute walk from Ginza, making it incredibly convenient for dining and shopping! It's an older, well-established hotel, so it's a bit dated, but everything else was great. I was quite satisfied overall.

The breakfast on the 17th floor was indeed very crowded. I arrived at the restaurant entrance at 7:18 AM and already had ticket number 41, meaning a 40-minute wait. The staff were all very polite. The first person who escorted me in was a tall, well-built, very gentlemanly middle-aged man. The older male staff member I saw during check-in yesterday also stood tall and was very courteous. While the Imperial Hotel's facilities are showing their age, they are very well maintained, and the soft services are also excellent. You can also order room service for breakfast, and the staff bring in a full meal setup on a trolley. Enjoying food and drinks while taking in the unbeatable views was very satisfying.

The hotel's location is excellent, the rooms are spotless and quiet. The service is attentive, and the facilities are comprehensive. Check-in was smooth, and overall, I'm extremely satisfied and would highly recommend it. Very good.