Akasaka Prince Hotel
Written: Dec 09 '99 (Updated Dec 10 '99)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Efficient for business travel
Cons: lacked character and ambience, stark, 1970 ish decor in the rooms
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| forkids's Full Review: Tokyo |
In life before kids I had a career, in life before kids I traveled (at least overseas), in life before kids I visited Tokyo. And that visit (for business) led me to this hotel. The Akasaka Prince Hotel in Tokyo. Tokyo, Japan. I was living in Singapore at the time working for a company based in San Francisco. I was a Retail Buyer. The purpose of our trips ("Market Trips") were to check out the trends in the streets and in the stores of Tokyo. We needed to be close to the Ginza (THE shopping district, other areas are equally as good, but different) and the subway. The subway was the means of transportation during these trips. While we were gone all day (no, I can not report on any sightseeing excursions) "Shopping", we returned to our hotel the Akasaka Prince Hotel to renew ourselves.
This is an imposing hotel atop a steep hill. It is 40 stories tall and very modern looking. It has 761 rooms. Rooms that George Jetson would have appreciated, but not me. We arrived by cab from Narita (an expensive ride). And made our way through the hustle and bustle of the lobby to the Reservations Desk. Not too impressed thus far with the decor or ambience of the Lobby. Not very cozy, just stark, just white, lots of white. There were a lot of people dressed in Tuxedos, a wedding banquet was in full swing. At least one banquet, the place was packed. I was taken care of efficiently and very politely (the Japanese are one of the most polite societies I have encountered). Oops, I forgot to tell them I was afraid of heights and did I tell them non-smoking? I got to my room just fine, phew! And entered! I turned the lights on and was promptly met with a flashback to 1972. Very George Jetson. Purply decor, lots of vinyl and molded plastic seating. The bed was too thin and flat and hard and uninviting. Bathroom unimpressive. Yes, I saw the phone and TV. Had a minibar which I was terrified to open. Prices in Japan are rather steep. The room had just the basics, nothing more nothing less. I had the view toward the subway. I did get the turndown that they advertise.
I was somewhat comfortable with my new surroundings and was now ready for a quick bite before bed. I met my boss downstairs and headed for the Japanese restaurant in the hotel. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. We sat down at the sushi bar and ordered tempura (we were on a budget). We, also, ordered a beer to go with the tempura. Well, here you order tempura by the piece. A little strange ordering a prawn at a time. Very good, not outstanding. The menu prices were a little intimidating so after 2 prawns and one beer we called it a night. I was starving but didn't let on. He was too, I'm sure. Leading by example, we were on a budget, you see. So far, the hotel was not that impressive.
We left early the next morning without eating and hit the subways. We rode all day checking out the trends, taking pictures taking notes. Walking the smaller shopping districts and neighborhoods. And looking for the fakes in some of the street markets. Being asked to leave Takashimaya for taking pictures (I had thought we did a good job of hiding the camera). etc. etc. We returned to the hotel that evening. We all got our keys and messages promptly, efficiently and courteously. The concierge did a great job of making reservations for our large party that night. Our faxes were received and sent with no problems and phone messages were in voicemail boxes. Impressive. Checkout the following day (we were there for a weekend) was simple and efficient. We left.
Driving away in a cab I reflected about the stay in this hotel. Good for business (cost approx $200-250/night) as it gave you a bed to sleep in, good fax and phone service close to the business areas and the personnel were bilingual, so language was never too much of a problem. Short walk to transportation another plus. But ambience was zero.
Traveling on my own, paying with my own money, I would not stay at this hotel. I like ambience not only in the lobby but in the rooms and restaurants as well. I want a room to be cozy and comfortable and inviting. With the many options available in Tokyo, I would avoid this one.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
forkids
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: The Burbs of Washington, DC
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Taking a long overdue coffee break...back soon.
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