Hotel Monterey Akasaka

The reception team were polite and welcoming, and the complimentary drinks and extra face masks and self-care items there were a lovely touch. The hotel felt like home, everything was spotless and well maintained, and the room had a thoughtful range of amenities, including skincare and body care products and little things you might forget to pack. I had an amazing stay and will definitely return.

The location was excellent, close to the station, and the area felt safe. I also appreciated that the hotel was non-smoking. The soundproofing worked well: from the 8th floor I couldn't hear the road, which suited me as a light sleeper. I had a pleasant four-night stay. The lobby had a classic feel, and I enjoyed the music there and in the hallways. My room was clean, comfortable, and well maintained, and the room and lobby amenities were useful. The in-room drip coffee was good, and the hair dryer was unusual. For the first couple of nights I was too hot because I couldn't figure out the air conditioning. I think the instructions in the room booklet might be outdated. The front desk had a newer instruction booklet available on request, which solved the problem.

It was a good price, and the hotel worked well without any issues. The decor feels a little old-fashioned, but the staff were friendly and spoke English, the Wi-Fi was good, and the usual Japanese amenities were very good. The room size was normal for Tokyo. Getting to the subway is reasonably easy, though how close it feels depends on you. It could be a long walk for older people or anyone with disabilities, and the surrounding streets have slopes that may make a stroll difficult for some. From here, though, the west and southwest parts of Tokyo are well connected, so Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi are fairly easy to reach.

The beds were really comfortable, and the lobby has useful freebies like sample-size skincare and hair products, face masks, and bottled drinks. There is an 800 yen local fee at check-in, and extending checkout until 3 pm costs 1500 yen. Akasaka Mitsuke station is about a five-minute walk away, with plenty of places to eat on the streets behind the hotel. There’s also a beautiful temple across the road. A Narita Airport limousine bus stop nearby makes airport transfers easier, especially if you’d rather not take your luggage onto the trains.