ANA InterContinental Tokyo by IHG

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ve stayed at my fair share of Tokyo hotels, and the ANA InterContinental in Akasaka honestly surprised me – in a really good way. You know how some five-star places feel stuffy or try too hard? This one doesn’t. Walking into the lobby, there’s this understated elegance that feels distinctly Japanese, not like they’re copying some European grand hotel playbook. The staff actually remembers your name after day one (I mean, they probably have notes, but still), and the check-in was refreshingly quick even during that crazy cherry blossom season rush.

What really sold me on this place is the location – and I don’t just mean it’s “convenient.” You’re right in Akasaka, which honestly feels like the best-kept secret for visitors who want to be central but not in the tourist chaos of Shibuya or Shinjuku. Step outside and you’ve got the Hie Shrine literally around the corner, perfect for early morning walks before the city wakes up. The subway connections are fantastic – Tameike-Sanno station gets you anywhere fast – but here’s what the guidebooks won’t tell you: there’s this little stretch of restaurants and izakayas just two blocks over that locals actually frequent. No English menus, but the hotel concierge (ask for Tanaka-san if he’s still there) will write down recommendations in Japanese for you.

The rooms themselves feel spacious by Tokyo standards, which is saying something. Floor-to-ceiling windows give you these sweeping city views, and I actually slept well despite being on a relatively busy street – good soundproofing, I guess. The bathrooms are properly luxurious without being wasteful, and honestly, after walking 20,000 steps around the city, that deep soaking tub becomes your best friend. One small thing that impressed me: the breakfast buffet strikes this perfect balance between international options and proper Japanese choices. None of that sad hotel sushi you sometimes see – they do it right or not at all. The coffee’s excellent too, which… well, you know how hit-or-miss hotel coffee can be. Parking’s available if you’re crazy enough to drive in Tokyo (I wouldn’t), and the fitness center’s decent enough if you need to work off all that incredible food you’ll be eating. At 8.7 rating, it feels about right – not perfect, but the kind of place where everything just works smoothly and you can focus on exploring this incredible city instead of worrying about your hotel.