With so many new luxury hotels opening in Tokyo it can be difficult for one establishment to differentiate itself from the next. Which may be why the proprietors of the Royal Park Shiodome refuse to even acknowledge that their new establishment is a hotel at all — instead preferring to refer to it as a “tower”.

For those who just want to book a room at a standard “hotel”, it helps to know that the the establishment is located on the upper 14 floors of the 38-story Shiodome Tower Building. The prime location means that guest rooms features views of Tokyo Bay, Hamarikyu Gardens, and the Ginza shopping district.

The Royal Park Shiodome features all of the typical luxury amenities you would expect from a world-class Tokyo hotel/tower: multiple gourmet restaurants, spacious rooms, a stunning view, elaborate decor, attentive service. Yes, they have all that. But the real question I know you’re all asking is: how is the Internet access? Free broadband in room – no wireless. Ethernet cables are available from guest services at no charge.

Oh, and if you stay on the tower floor you’ll also have a massage chair and a pants press. Just hope the complementary ethernet cable is long enough to reach the chair.

• Royal Park Shiodome Tower

On the off chance that you happen to be sitting around an Internet cafe in Tokyo searching for a luxury hotel that can cater to your every need and money is no object, we highly recommend the Imperial Hotel.

The staff at the Imperial Hotel takes service seriously. So seriously that they’ll gladly refurnish your room if it’s not to your liking. This is a place that maintains a database on their guests every preference. They’ll guarantee that your pillows are organized just as you like and that the stereo is at just the right volume when you enter your room.
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Unfortunately they don’t give Oscars for the Best Supporting Hotel. If they did, the Park Hyatt in Tokyo would certainly have won one for it’s role in Lost in Translation. Some have gone as far as to suggest the hotel actually had a lead role (although Bill Murray might beg to differ).

The Park Hyatt has been described as the ultimate Tokyo Hotel experience. It’s one of the city’s best known (and most expensive) hotels. Centrally located, the Hyatt is a 15 minute walk from Shinjuku station. If you’ve seen the movie, you already know about the New York Bar on the hotel’s top floor. The New York Grill offers exceptional dining and service as well. The hotel’s pool and spa are also first rate.

If you’re looking for a “deal” the Park Hyatt offers a five night “Lost In Translation” package for ¥380,000 (around $3,300). If the price seems a little steep, consider a single night’s stay in a west facing room with a view of Mt. Fuji.

While pricey, the Park Hyatt consistently receives high marks from it’s guests and is generally considered to be one of the best hotels in the city. You can learn more about the Park Hyatt Tokyo and book a room online at Planet Tokyo.