Ginza International Hotel

The rooms, bathrooms, and building are comfortable enough, though nothing feels especially luxurious or modern. Our rate reflected that, so we knew what to expect. If you want a decent, comfortable base in a great area for exploring Tokyo and don’t need a smart TV or a modern bathroom, this works well. The staff were discreet, professional, and very helpful. There’s a convenience store downstairs, plus bathroom amenities at reception that guests can help themselves to. The location is a fun, pleasantly lively, maybe a bit gritty corner of Ginza, close to Shimbashi station and just around the corner from the district’s shops and sights.

The beds were so uncomfortable, like trying to sleep on a picnic table. Everything else was amazing: great location, tasty food, and wonderfully friendly, helpful staff. There’s a 24-hour convenience store and ATM on site, and the lounge is a nice place to unwind with free drinks.

The location was good, close to shops and other things. The rest was a letdown. The room photos were misleading, the room and bathroom were old and dated, the carpet was worn, and the linens weren’t clean. The lighting was dim too. For what we paid, this felt like a two-star hotel at a four-star price, and it was one of the worst hotels on our Japan trip. I’d avoid it.

The staff were friendly and spoke English, and being right in Ginza, two blocks from Shimbashi station, was definitely a plus. But the room layout was probably the worst I’ve come across in a hotel in Japan. A rounded desk took up most of the little free space, the bathroom was very dated, and I kept catching the shower curtain at my side. Even as a solo traveler, I was given just one pillow. Given the room quality, I wouldn’t stay again.