Tokyo Station Hotel (東京ステーションホテル)

The fabulous Tokyo Station Hotel, on my list since before I envisioned my trip to Japan. Conveniently located at the Marunouchi exit of Tokyo Station, it is a convenient and luxurious historical building with so much class, so much quality. It's difficult not to feel spoiled like an imperial when you visit here, almost like entering a palace and as you explore the inside, you feel as though you're wandering through the imperial courts in an exclusive invitation to the Emperors' party.

My room was a duplex room so it overlooks the plaza which has so much presence. Luxurious even compared with the likes of The Ritz, the price is very reasonable, especially considering how conveniently located it is, and how luxury each of the rooms are. If you are lucky to get a view of the Imperial Palace or Station, then it comes at an inclusive if randomised cost of the room.

Something I never feel disappointed about, but particularly emphasised by this hotel is how clean everything is. Everything is spotless to the magnifying glass, with all the linens smelling brand new. Adding to the luxury aspect of it is how everything is decorated in a royal kind of design.

The King size bed is incredibly comfortable, and just above it, a chandelier made completely of crystal, illuminating the room beautifully with rays of light hitting every corner in a dispersed and randomised manner.

The desk provided was ample, and I liked the marble material which gave it extra substance. Of course, the TV could have been more modern and larger, and the desk could have been larger, but I wasn't staying for work, so it was more than enough.

The mini-bar has all the usual soft drinks and canned beers, my favourite is the Kirin which I haven't had the opportunity to taste yet in Japan. I hear it is distinctively different from the knock-off's we have in China. You'll also notice a Sapporo can of beer and that is no coincidence as the famous Sapporo restaurant is just around the corner.

Perhaps what gives this place it's effortless class, is the fact that it has been around since 1915. It's actually listed as an important cultural property of Japan and has survived all the major earthquakes, natural disasters and even wars to this day. You won't find another hotel with this much history anywhere in Tokyo so it really is a unique place.

Even though the building is now over 100 years old, the interior has been renovated to modern standards whilst retaining the classical look of the early 20th century imperial Japan. I love how sounds inside the bathroom echo like a small concert hall, actually with the height of the ceiling and how large the bathroom is (it's the size of the bedroom) i'm not surprised. Infact, i'm really glad that I could get some bathroom singing in unashamed (as long as people don't understand Chinese!)

So many options to choose from in Tokyo for accommodation, there is very few hotels that can be quite as value for money given what is to offer. Absent from the pictures is something you cannot experience without actually visiting. The Service. It is simply exemplary. You are assigned a butler who tends to your individual needs. Whether you need a booking at the restaurant round the corner, directions to hard to find places, or helping us plan a day trip, it's all possible.

Few places in the modern bustling and frenetic Tokyo can offer the refined and luxury that Tokyo Station Hotel can, so in retrospect, it was well worth the money.