HOTEL THE CELESTINE GINZA

Hotel The Celestine Ginza is an upscale property that attracts business travelers and tourists who don’t need a lot of extra amenities. The hotel is housed in a tower similar to many others in the area, but interiors are stylish and elegant, and the lobby sets the mood for a sophisticated stay. Lighting throughout this part of the hotel plays a central part in its design, with lights that resemble Champagne bubbles in glasses and pendant-style lamp fixtures suspended above a small chic seating area with olive-green velvet chairs and a small chocolate-brown leather sofa. Brown club chairs with small round tables line one wall with floor-to-ceiling windows and sheer white drapes, while contemporary wall art and a modern bronze chandelier seal the look. 

Although the property lacks common spaces beyond the lobby, the attention to detail and handsome feel continue throughout the rest of the hotel, in particular in the top-floor restaurant, which draws guests and non-guests alike with sweeping city views, well-crafted drinks, and a solid Italian menu. Clientele at The Celestine Ginza tend to be well-heeled guests from Japan, as well as from Europe, the United States, and other Asian countries, and the vibe is quiet and upmarket. 

Hotel The Celestine Ginza has an excellent location right on the main drag in Ginza, within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, and bars. The hotel is a five-minute walk from both the Shimbashi JR and metro stations, and about the same distance from Ginza metro station. It is also just a 20-minute walk south of the main Tokyo railway station. Getting to the Tokyo Tower takes about 20 minutes via subway or half an hour on foot, while it's a 20-minute drive or half-hour subway ride to the Senso-ji temple. The hotel is a 25-minute subway ride from the famous five-story Pagoda of Kan'ei-ji as well as from Ueno Park, a popular cherry blossom-viewing spot and home to many of Tokyo's top attractions -- including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, the National Museum of Western Art, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Narita Airport can be reached in just over an hour on the metro, while Haneda Airport only takes about half an hour to reach.

Starting at 253 square feet (23.5 square meters), the hotel’s 104 rooms are well-sized by Tokyo standards. All feature a subdued yet elegant decor scheme, with a blend of neutral tones and rich textures and patterns, including thick pile carpeting and sofas upholstered in platinum-hued velvet. Warm chocolate-brown wall accents and open shelving stacked with hardcover books and vintage binoculars (in some rooms) add character. Wide work desks paired with spring-green leather chairs and similarly colored silky throw cushions on beds feature in some rooms, while others have modular desks with three-way vanity mirrors. Sliding doors allow for separate entrances to bathrooms, bedrooms, and living spaces, and big windows let in lots of light. Light sleepers, however, may find soundproofing a tad lacking, as trains from the nearby station can be heard in the distance from some rooms. Also be aware that some rooms allow smoking.

Similar amenities are available in all room types, including minibars, flat-screen TVs, Bose sound systems, Nespresso machines, kettles, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Irons and ironing boards are also provided in all rooms. Modern bathrooms are equally elegant and feature spacious vanities with square sinks set in sleek black marble counters, deep bathtubs next to open Japanese-style rainfall showers, and separate bidet toilets. Hairdryers, terrycloth robes, and Bulgari toiletries are provided in all rooms.

For such an upscale property, this hotel falls short on features. The highlight here is the small, 14-floor restaurant and bar, Ginza Casita, which has lovely views out over the Tokyo skyline. A tasty, varied breakfast with Japanese and Western options is served here daily for a fee, while fine Italian cuisine is available a la carte for lunch and dinner along with cocktails and wines. Room service, however, is not available. Basic concierge services are available in the lobby, but there’s no spa, gym, or pool. While Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, there aren’t any meeting spaces to speak of. Limited on-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for a daily fee.