The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo

My husband and I were very happy with the room layout and the overall service. We even received pastries and small gifts for our New Year's Day check-in. We'll definitely choose this hotel again next time we're in Tokyo.

I come to Tokyo several times a year, staying a fortnight or more each time. This time I spent seven nights at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu.

The room faced Hie Shrine. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows I could see the shrine's copper roof and half of Tokyo's skyline. The décor was modern without excess; the layout flowed easily, Bose speakers hidden in the walls, another set in the bathroom ceiling, connected by a 3.5mm jack. The curtains were motorized, though you hardly needed to close them.

The turndown service. I would leave in the evening and return late to find the room changed: only the hallway light and bedside lamp left on, a bottle of water and a glass on the nightstand, two chocolates beside them. The evening tea and teacup, previously stored in the cabinet, had been moved next to the coffee machine. These changes were so slight you had to think back carefully to confirm they had happened at all. The temperature and humidity had been adjusted. As if the room itself remembered your habits.

Room service fell short of the ryokan in Hakone or Lake Toya, but well above the ordinary hotel. Each day I made two or three cups of complimentary coffee, played music, read, wrote. In seven days I finished three books. The research ahead began to take shape.

There were drawbacks. No washing machine, but a decent laundromat ten minutes' walk away—a chance to wander the streets of Akasaka. The room provided HDMI and ethernet ports but no cables; for those who came to rest, perhaps a mercy. The minibar fridge was mostly occupied by drinks for purchase, same as the Imperial, though there was still room for my sparkling water.

The day I left it was half past five and fully dark. I could barely make out the faces of the bellhop and the taxi driver. Together they loaded my luggage into the boot. I wished the bellhop a happy new year in Japanese and told her I liked her hat. She smiled and returned the greeting. As the taxi pulled out of the underground drive, I thought of the inns Kawabata once wrote about: what had to be sought in the mountains of snow country can now be reached by elevator from the B2 exit of a metro station.

I have watched the Shinagawa Prince Hotel loosen quietly over time, slip a little. That kind of decline is rarely one great error. It begins the day someone forgets to leave a glass of water, neglects to move a packet of tea, omits a newspaper. As for The Capitol Hotel Tokyu: in Japanese, what I experienced over these seven days is called ちょうどいい.

I personally feel that the Capitol Hotel Tokyu offers the best value for money among Tokyo's luxury hotels. Safety is, of course, a given, located in the very heart of the government district. Getting around is incredibly convenient, with direct access to Tameike-sanno Station. This station is rarely crowded, making commuting easy and stress-free. For shopping, you can take the Ginza Line directly to Mitsukoshimae Station, home to the Mitsukoshi Nihombashi main store, where tax refunds are quick due to fewer crowds. A taxi to Shinjuku Isetan costs around 2500 JPY. There's also a convenience store in the underground passage directly connected to the subway, though please note it's not open 24 hours.

I highly recommend the Japanese breakfast, which is served by the Japanese restaurant Suiren. The quality is exceptional and very satisfying, but you need to order before 10:00 AM.

Overall, whether you're in Japan for business, shopping, or suburban sightseeing, this hotel is extremely convenient, and the dining quality is excellent. You can even book a table directly at the restaurant to entertain clients or friends.

The hotel's overall scent, which was replicated in the rooms, had a slight spicy note that I wasn't a big fan of. It wasn't crowded and was very quiet. The location was also excellent. You can access the subway directly from the hotel's B2 level, making it incredibly convenient to get anywhere. It's just one stop from Akasaka Station, and you can easily walk to its commercial street for dining. I originally wanted to stay closer to Akasaka Station, but couldn't find any hotels with slightly larger rooms in that area. Overall, I would definitely consider this hotel again for future trips.

Having enjoyed a previous stay in February, I chose to return this July. I requested an east-facing room and was delighted that my wish was granted. The sunrise view towards the Skytree and the National Diet Building around 4:30 AM in summer is absolutely breathtaking, easily rivaling any dedicated observation deck experience. The Japanese set breakfast was both substantial and delicious, and the serene view of pine trees reflected in the restaurant's pond was incredibly soothing. Furthermore, perhaps owing to its prime location near the National Diet Building and the Prime Minister's Official Residence, the hotel offers incredibly convenient direct underground access to public transportation, yet the street-level environment remains remarkably quiet and tranquil. The staff were exceptionally courteous and friendly, and the presence of Chinese-speaking personnel ensures that Chinese guests will face virtually no language barriers. On a delightful side note, the ambient fragrance used in The Capitol Hotel Tokyu's corridors is utterly captivating – I highly recommend making it available for purchase at the hotel's souvenir shop! I will absolutely be rebooking here for my next trip to Tokyo.

Located right next to the Prime Minister's residence, the security here is, understandably, top-notch. However, dining options within walking distance are quite scarce, with only a single Chinese noodle shop available. The swimming pool is rather small, meaning guests often have to take turns. On the upside, direct access to a subway station downstairs makes getting anywhere incredibly convenient.

The 12 PM check-out was a huge plus, giving us the flexibility to return to the hotel for a shower after our outing before finally checking out. Direct subway access from the basement entrance made getting around incredibly convenient; I've never stayed at a hotel with such easy subway connectivity. The service level is noticeably superior to typical hotels. For example, at breakfast, the chef personally explained the omelet options to me in Chinese. Kengo Kuma's distinctive design aesthetic is clearly visible throughout. From my window, I had a view of both the National Diet Building and the Prime Minister's Official Residence – truly putting the administrative heart of Japan right before my eyes.

Excellent! The hotel kindly gave us a complimentary room upgrade. The room was incredibly spacious and spotless, the bathroom was generously sized, and the water pressure was fantastic.

I spent a night at the Wanda Reign *****, and from the moment I checked in, Butler Xiao Jun was there to help with my luggage. His service was patient and thorough, and he even arranged a generous fruit platter for me. At check-out, Butler Xiao Jun surprised me with a small departure gift, which was a lovely touch! I'll definitely be back again. Many thanks! 🙏🙏🙏

Pleasant surroundings and excellent location. The room was a decent size and didn't feel cramped.