"Why book? Great service and prim rooms make this a strong pick when you want the amenities of a high-end hotel in a major global city, but cringe at a four-digit price tag. Set the scene Off the anonymous streets of Shinjuku is a hangout attracting locals and international visitors into the small-but-social dining spaces. A hero during the pandemic, the Kimpton leaned into its pet-friendly policy and has become the go-to hangout for dog owners, and because it’s Tokyo, these postage stamp-size pooches are perfectly preened and behaved (you may even see a teacup pig as you’re brunching on your bacon!) The backstory IHG’s Kimpton hotels have their sights set on hoisting the perception of the brand up into the luxury stratosphere, with a bevy of new hotel openings in Asia including this highly anticipated Tokyo outpost. With reasonable room rates relative to its luxury foes, the Kimpton Tokyo Shinjuku remains a standout in our midrange price bracket for offering cut-above service. Is it a serious competitor against legendary luxury brands? No, but with a much smaller footprint, it’s absolutely not trying to be—carving out an interstitial reputation instead, and hoping to capture wealthy travelers with little interest in spending tons of time in their rooms while in town. Rooms If this is your first time in Tokyo, you’ll find the rooms to be surprisingly small, but we promise you: there’s much, much smaller in Japan’s capital. Large windows and blonde wood accents help create the feeling of more space—suites are kept so spic and span you’d swear you were the first person stay in them. Food & drink It seems rather antithetical to have a New York themed dining concept on site not only in Tokyo—one of the best food cities on the planet—but next door to the Park Hyatt Tokyo, which has the world-famous New York Bar. But then you realize that perhaps the food and beverage options are pointed outward, for locals to stop by and consume. One meal you should absolutely try as a visiting guest is the breakfast—a delectable multi-course adventure worth carving out extra time in the morning before painting the town red. Neighborhood The Shinjuku location isn’t a favorite for everyone, but morning joggers will love being close to the forested grounds of Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park. Service Some of the best English spoken by hotel staff in Tokyo; a huge plus for Japan newbies who are finding their footing upon arrival." - Brandon Presser
