When it comes to choosing accommodations for holiday, many will probably make extra efforts in researching. This is understandable; who would want to spoil their well-planned holiday by staying in some dodgy places?
Last November, TripAdvisor Japan released its top “20 hotels chosen by travellers”. The ranking is based on the real experiences by travellers who left their reviews on TripAdvisor. This list is among the annual surveys conducted by TripAdvisor. Unsurprisingly, most of the hotels in the list are either four-star or five-star hotels. Well, let’s see what the travellers have to say about the hotels after their stays.
Also read: 8 Quirkiest Themed Hotels in Japan
1. Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Tokyo
Type: 5 Stars
Image credits: mandarinoriental.com
“I travel about 7 months out of the year, staying at amazing locations and what I believed to be fantastic hotels. I have to state that the Mandarin Hotel Tokyo has taken the prize for the absolutely best service possible. Thank you for an amazing stay.”
Elizabeth, United States
Image credits: mandarinoriental.com
“I stayed 3 nights there and it is probably my favourite city hotel in the world. The view was breathtaking (the hotel is located between the 32nd and the 38th floors of a tower), the breakfast incredible, the concierge perfect …
Luxury, simplicity, good taste and world class service: it is how I can resume my experience in this hotel.”
Lester_B75, France
Address: 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo 103-8328, Tokyo Prefecture
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com
2. Hotel Mume
Kyoto
Type: Boutique
Image credits: tripadvisor.jp
“Mume is a special place, beyond a hotel. Hisako and her staff’s sole directive seems to be to make your stay in Kyoto incredible. And it will be. And when you leave, you will wish that you had more time to spend in Kyoto, and at The Mume.”
Fishskis, United States
Image credits: hotelmume.com
“Expectation exceeded 110%”
Janique123, Australia
Address: 261 Shinmonzen dori, Umemotocho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0064, Kyoto Prefecture
Website: www.hotelmume.com
3. Park Hyatt Tokyo
Tokyo
Type: 5 Stars
Image credits: tokyo.park.hyatt.com
“With 360 degree views from gym with full-line of equipment; bright skyline swimming pool in which I could walk in shoulder height water for core muscle strengthening coupled with elegant, modern with clean lines in the room; it felt like relaxing on top of the world. Definitely one of the best hotels for me as a worldwide traveller.”
Dragondragon52, Hong Kong
Image credits: tokyo.park.hyatt.com
“…definitely one of the best I’ve ever been to. Can’t find more words……if you can, get it”
Rikisandri, Italy
Address: 3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku 163-1055, Tokyo Prefecture
Website: tokyo.park.hyatt.com
4. Palace Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo
Type: 5 Stars
Image credits: lhw.com
“The stay in the Palace Hotel Tokyo was one of the best hotels in terms of hospitality and service.
The rooms are perfect, the interior designers thought of every need and gadget you might have. Floor to ceiling windows with view of the palace compound are also not something that you get every day. Quite pricy – but that’s Tokyo, right? I’ll be back!”
AndreDienst, Bahrain
Image credits: destinasian.com
“This is by far the best hotel for us in Tokyo. I’ve stayed in the other high end hotels in the area and this is “the one” for me and my family so far. Not the biggest room in the city but very decent size and well appointed interiors. Love it that the rooms have balcony (very safe height of the railings) overlooking the Imperial Palace.”
Dorycook, Philippines
Address: 1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda 100-0005, Tokyo Prefecture
Website: en.palacehoteltokyo.com
5. Intercontinental Hotel Osaka
Osaka
Type: 5 Stars
Image credits: ihgplc.com
“Stayed here with my wife on my Honeymoon and IC Osaka really went out of their way to make us feel special. Room was really huge and comfortable with nice amenities, and the hotel location was also really good and we walked to a lot of places from the hotel without having to take a taxi even once. I’ve also stayed at a lot of IC properties and this has to be the nicest one I’ve stayed at. Highly recommended.”
H0liday2, Malaysia
Image credits: youtravel.com.au
“The Intercontinental Osaka lives up to the chain’s reputation and image. Hotel is nicely appointed with lots of in-room amenities. Service is impeccable and staff is ready to assist your every request.”
CineMaker
Address: 3-60 Ofuka-Cho Kita-Ku, Osaka 530-0011, Osaka Prefecture
Website: www.intercontinental.com
6. Shangri-La Hotel
Tokyo
Type: 5 Stars
Image credits: shangri-la.com
“I’ve stayed in this hotel multiple times. Hands down, it is the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at. From the food to service to room to location, it can’t be beat.”
Mjoleksy, United States
Image credits: shangri-la.com
“This is a top notch hotel compared against any other place. Top hard product and a more than outstanding service. Just perfect. Would give six stars. Treat yourself with the tea ceremony if you have the opportunity.”
KaiserPinguin, Germany
Address: 1-8-3 Marunouchi | Marunouchi Trust Tower Main, Chiyoda 100-8283, Tokyo Prefecture
Website: www.shangri-la.com
7. Kozantei Ubuya
Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Yamanashi
Type: 3 Stars (Onsen Hotel)
Image credits: ubuya.co.jp
“Woke up early and found that Mt. Fuji was towering just before our eyes. Onsen on the balcony was great, just a little traffic noise from down below.
Breakfasts and dinners were of great quality, presented with beautiful Japanese traditional arrangements. This place is surely one of the best rewards for yourself and loved ones.”
Asianchef, Thailand
Image credits: ubuya.co.jp
“Kozantei Ubuya is one of the loveliest places we have stayed. Upon arrival you are given matcha tea with a Japanese Dessert to enjoy before they take you to your room. Our room faced Lake Kawaguchiko and it was simply awesome view. The rooms are well equipped. We highly recommend this resort. You will enjoy the view, food, hospitality as well as the facilities.”
AraleMelbourne, Australia
Address: 10 Asagawa, Minamitsuru-gun, Fujikawaguchiko-machi 401-0303, Yamanashi Prefecture (Kawaguchiko Onsen)
Website: www.ubuya.co.jp
8. Conrad Tokyo
Tokyo
Type: 5 Stars
Image credits: conradhotels3.hilton.com
“Our third stay at this hotel and still impressed. Warm and professional. The food is great. The only strange observation is the smell of smoke by the elevators in the lobby but you don’t have to stay there. Have a great dinner at one of the restaurants or enjoy room service.”
Hhajk, Sweden
Image credits: conradhotels3.hilton.com
“A great hotel, nothing to say. Stunning view, great service, beautiful rooms, stylish common areas, superb restaurants. Highly recommended, especially if you manage to get a room with a view on the bay. Only thing to have in mind is that you need a cab to go to most places: the Conrad is conveniently located but still you cannot walk to most places.
Scalpha, Italy
Address: 1-9-1 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato 105-7377, Tokyo Prefecture
Website: conradhotels3.hilton.com
9. The St. Regis Osaka
Osaka
Type: 5 Stars
Image credits: starwoodhotels.com
“I chose this hotel based on its number 1 ranking on TripAdvisor and was not disappointed. The hotel is truly luxurious. Although the lobby is quite small and strangely arranged, it is very well appointed. The staffs, as all Japanese service staffs are, are amazing, obliging, smiling and all too willing to assist. The rooms are just stunning.”
syd_traveller_8807, Australia
Image credits: starwoodhotels.com
“The hotel staffs make this hotel, from the doormen to the butlers, to the front desk staff to the concierge (often one in the same), et al. Advice is happily dispensed, logistical problems are solved, and small, obscure requests are cheerfully dealt fulfilled. We would not hesitate to return.
Duchetti, Switzerland
Address: 3-6-12 Hommachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-0053, Osaka Prefecture
Website: www.starwoodhotels.com
10. The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
Tokyo
Type: 5 Stars
Image credits: preferredhotelgroup.com
“We stayed for a week over the December holidays. Though we were already very favourably disposed before travelling to Japan, the hotel exceeded our expectations. The rooms are very spacious by any standards (and even more so by Japanese standards), elegantly decorated and very functional. The hotel is conveniently located at the centre of Tokyo with access – through its basement entrance – to four major subway lines, hence rendering easily accessible most parts of the city. We were mostly surprised by the very reasonable price which rendered the choice a great value for money.”
GourgourGT, Greece
Image credits: panoramio.com
“+ very nice modern hotel, rooms are huge by Japan standards, great view, subway station easily accessible in the basement of the hotel, friendly and helpful staff
– location is the only reason why I might not stay in this hotel as I like walking around my hotel area to see shops and stores and it’s a bit challenging to do that when staying in this hotel.”
Dorycook, Philippines
Address: 2-10-3 Nagatacho, Chiyoda 100-0014, Tokyo Prefecture
Website: www.capitolhoteltokyu.com
11. Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo
Type: 5 Stars
Image credits: fourseasons.com
“Rooms layout very functional yet designed elegantly. Concierge amazing and willing to help any requests. Hotel very accommodating to children. All this makes the hotel better than other five star hotels in Tokyo. If you want a combination of luxury, great service and a child friendly setting, this is the hotel to choose.”
KerryAdrianto, Indonesia
Image credits: fourseasons.com
“This hotel is quite small (7 floors) comparing to average 5 and 6 stars hotels in Tokyo. This little pearl is quite hidden next to the Tokyo central station and therefore we would recommend asking for “welcome service” at the train. The hotel is beautiful as all Four seasons hotels, but the big difference is great location, more family – boutique feeling and staff which recognize you second day.”
alexandra k
Address: 1-11-1 Marunouchi | Pacific Century Place, Chiyoda 100-6277, Tokyo Prefecture
Website: www.fourseasons.com
12. Hotel Niwa Tokyo
Tokyo
Type: 3.5 Stars
Image credits: hotelniwa.jp
“I was sorry to discover Niwa so late – after many trips to Tokyo and varied hotel experiences over the years. The staffs were great and accommodating, the Japanese restaurant was top notch, the rooms very comfortable and although it was close to the station, it was tucked away enough to feel cozy.”
Dishadisha, India
Image credits: hotelniwa.jp
“Excellent service, rooms are small but comfortable, free WiFi in the room, closest station is Suidobashi, about 5 min walk. Relatively closed to Tokyo station but in a taxi (about 1600 Yen- 6 to 7 min ride) – Food at the Lieu restaurant is delicious albeit expensive. Highly recommended.”
Claudia U, New Zealand
Address: 1-1-16 Misakicho, Chiyoda 101-0061, Tokyo Prefecture
Website: http://www.hotelniwa.jp/english/index.html
13. The Tokyo Station Hotel
Tokyo
Type: 4.5 Stars
Image credits: richint.com
“This was one of the best hotels we stayed in on our trip to Japan. An upgrade is advised to secure a large room, the entry level rooms are Tokyo small be warned, but the quality of the decor and great service were a stand out and the location is the icing on the cake – enjoy!”
Jamie35_5, United Arab Emirates
Image credits: flyertalk.com
“Understated entrances from the side exit of Tokyo station, but once inside, you’re in a different, much more upscale world. Rooms are lush and comfortable, although wished the bathtub and bathroom could be slightly larger but then again, this is Japan. Location is fantastic too amidst Tokyo station and its assortment of food / retail outlets.”
Jacjac29, Malaysia
Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda 100-0005, Tokyo Prefecture
Website: www.thetokyostationhotel.jp
14. Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo
Tokyo
Type: 3.5 Stars
Image credits: ryumeikan-tokyo.jp
“It’s a Hotel which offers convenience, cleanliness and Service at an affordable price. Feeling is New and Contemporary. Staffs are courteous. Location is Excellent at 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Station. Book early to avoid disappointment and to get best rates. I will be back for sure.”
Sunil D, Singapore
Image credits: orbitz.com
“This hotel is in an excellent location — close to the subway lines and a major shopping area. The service, cleanliness, amenities and design of the hotel are all outstanding. Helpful, efficient staff and spacious rooms are two particular highlights. We will stay here again on our next trip. This is a gem of a hotel that you’d tell your friends about.”
DJR1111, Canada
Address: 1-3-22 Yaesu, Chuo 103-0028, Tokyo Prefecture
Website: ryumeikan-tokyo.jp
15. Sierra Resort Hotel Hakuba
Hakuba-mura, Nagano
Type: 4 Stars
Image credits: sierrahakuba.com
“The hotel staffs were very welcoming; although a bit challenged with communicating in English. The hotel grounds were beautifully landscaped and you could even sit in the lower lobby and gaze at the forest in the evening while enjoying a glass of complementary local wine. The resort had two new smaller ‘private’ onsens in addition to their main men-women separate onsen. Our trip to Hakuba and the stay at the Sierra Resort Hotel was amazing.”
TerraNomad, China
Image credits: sierrahakuba.com
“This property is so beautiful. The staffs are fantastic and English speaking. Whatever I asked for or requested they helped in every way. The beds where comfortable, very clean room. Not great internet connection but you have to think about where you are.”
Lee E, Australia
Address: Ochikura Kogen, Kitaazumi-gun, Hakuba-mura 399-9301, Nagano Prefecture
Website: sierrahakuba.com
16. Sheraton Hotel Hiroshima
Hiroshima
Type: 4 Stars
Image credits: starwoodhotels.com
“The location is perfect when you’re travelling as it is right by Hiroshima Station. The rooms are very modern and clean. Buffet breakfast was nice with loads of choices. Staff was attentive too.”
kaymet, United Kingdom
Image credits: starwoodhotels.com
“Obviously western style this Sheraton is super modern, well designed and very comfortable. At an upper floor we had a fantastic view over the city (and no noise at all from the train station below). Delicious European pastries are available for breakfast or tee. For a brief visit in the city, this is probably the best place to stay.”
FloBerndt, Germany
Address: 12-1 Wakakusacho, Higashi-ku, Hiroshima 732-0053, Hiroshima Prefecture
Website: www.sheraton-hiroshima.jp
17. Oriental Hotel
Kobe, Hyogo
Type: 4 Stars
Image credits: orientalhotel.jp
“Simply put one of the best hotels I’ve stayed in Japan. Rooms are tasteful decorated and very spacious. The breakfast buffet was great with a good selection of both European and Asian cuisines which are freshly cooked. Location was good only 15 minutes from Sannomiya JR which provides excellent links to Osaka. Would definitely stay here again in the future.”
Karimohm, Thailand
Image credits: plandosee.co.jp
“A very nice and charming hotel, about 600 m from Sannomiya station. The rooms are very nice. Huge by local standards. Very good wi-fi. Good airconditioning. Great breakfast. Fantastic service from the staff, which was very helpful. The price was very reasonable too, which came as a surprise, considering the services and room size.”
Arvid59, Norway
Address: 25 Kyomachi Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0034, Hyogo Prefecture
Website: www.orientalhotel.jp
18. Aqua Alpine Hotel
Hakuba-mura, Nagano
Type: Boutique
Image credits: aquaalpine.com
“Super friendly and helpful staff, clean rooms, delicious food…overall a great stay at the Aqua Alpine! This lovely hotel is very conveniently located, only a few minutes by foot from nearest ski resort. I’ve stayed here before and would definitely stay here again!”
EvMarAm, Japan
Image credits: aquaalpine.com
“Everything you could want from a hotel in a ski resort – great food, comfy beds, heating, soft carpets, a well-stocked bar and a crackling log fire to cosy up in front of. Staff were friendly, knowledgable and attentive without being intrusive and it’s only a short walk from the slopes. Bailey’s hot chocolate made my day.”
thecurlsunfurl, United Kingdom
Address: 22203-151 Kamishiro, Kitaazumi-gun, Hakuba-mura 399-9211, Nagano Prefecture
Website: www.aquaalpine.com
19. The Peninsula Tokyo
Tokyo
Type: 5 Stars
Image credits: tokyo.peninsula.com
“We went through mails several times to check all the facilities in the room was suitable for our baby going with us. I feel so released to stay with them. Most of their staffs were so nice, but it is really a busy hotel with lots visitors, and I would like to be more patient especially in the heavy hours.”
he237, Taiwan
Image credits: tokyo.peninsula.com
“We had a full dressing room which was amazing, bathroom was amply large with every amenity you could think of at your fingertips. Sound proofing of the room was exceptional I never heard any road noise despite being in the centre of Tokyo. Bed and linen were excellent – every morning with the blackout curtains I could have slept all day! “
tripticnz, New Zealand
Address: 1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda 100-0006, Tokyo Prefecture
Website: tokyo.peninsula.com
20. Royal Park Hotel
Kyoto
Type: 3 Stars
Image credits: sg.hotels.com
“I really recommend this place, transports are expensive in Japan and if you stay here you will save some money, and you can explore by foot all at this area. Many places to eat, the market is also close to the hotel, and after a tired day it feels good to have a nice bed to sleep.”
Lucy1616_12, Portugal
Image credits: yado.knt.co.jp
“The hotel is brand new and has a dark but nice design throughout the hotel. The staff is quite helpful and can speak English quite well. The rooms are small, which is standard in Japan, but layout is very good. Restaurants and shopping are next door and the subway is a very short walk away from the hotel. All in all I can highly recommend this hotel to any visitor to this beautiful city.”
Mr_selo, Austria
Address: Higashiiru Kawaramachi Sanjodori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8004, Kyoto Prefecture
Website: www.rph-the.co.jp
Also read: 16 Things Japan Does Better Than Your Country
Contributed by tsunagu Japan.