Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu

The Excel Hotel Tokyu is a sprawling behemoth of a hotel that’s right at home in the bustling Akasaka district. The exterior seems like an older '60s building, but interiors are up-to-date with contemporary decor and a warm color palette. The lobby's wood floors, wood laminate furnishings, and wood paneling (near the elevator banks) can feel somewhat dark, though warm lighting, some potted plants, and floor-to-ceiling windows help to brighten the space a bit. Hallways feel corporate, with cream-colored leather chairs and bold, brown-striped carpeting. Due to the sheer size of the property, there are a number of lounge areas -- the cafe is especially inviting with its floor-to-ceiling windows and sofas arranged into conversational clusters. The hotel has 14 stories above ground, and two underground, with public access to some of its restaurants. Guests include a mix of families, business travelers, and couples seeking a taste of the local nightlife and dining scene. 

Akasaka is a trendy neighborhood known for its social scene, and the Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu is right in the midst of it all with a number of trendy shops and top-rated restaurants within a five-minute walk. The hotel is right on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, with the Akasakamitsuke Station just two minutes away on foot, connecting travelers to the Ginza and Marunouchi districts in about 15 and 20 minutes, respectively. Nearby attractions include the Tokyo Imperial Palace, and the chic Tokyo Midtown Tower, both of which are around a 10-minute car ride. Haneda Airport is 20 minutes away by car, and the hotel offers an airport shuttle (for a fee).

The hotel has a whopping 487 guest rooms, 17 of which are specifically allocated for women travelers. These rooms provide makeup remover and skincare products, as well as nightgowns and down duvets. Other rooms each have a men’s pajama shirt, and a razor kit on top of a generous number of toiletries. The decor throughout the room categories -- there are many, ranging from Singles to Twins to Doubles and Suites -- is clean and simple, with neutral tones and contemporary patterns, light wood furniture, and warm lighting. Amenities in each room include a stocked minibar, tea kettle with two types of Japanese tea (some also have Nespresso coffeemakers), and a portable fan. Cable channels aren’t offered, but the flat-screen TVs have local channels and paid videos on-demand. There are no safes. 

There are several dining options on-site at Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu. The main buffet restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The salon lounge has a full bar and plenty of dining space. And Zipangu is a sophisticated restaurant with an open kitchen and large dining room; the space also has a bar and cigar lounge. There isn’t a fitness center on-site, but hotel guests receive a discount to use the gym at a nearby property. Both on-site parking and an airport shuttle are available (for a fee). One interesting business feature is that guests can rent PC laptops from the hotel for a daily fee. There are also several pay computer stations and a business center with a copier. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.