Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel Shibuya

This grand hotel towers above its neighbors in the business end of Shibuya. On a fine day you can see Mount Fuji on one side and Tokyo Tower on the other side, and it is just a five minute walk west of the station. It is therefore also only a short walk from Shibuya Crossing and the entertainment district on the east side of the station, as well as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory on the west side. There are airport buses leaving directly from the building, and it takes about 1.5 hours to get to Narita Airport (3000 yen).

What it lacks for in boutique intimacy it more than makes up for in its service levels. Nothing is too much to ask for, from early check in (if available) to insightful advice on nearby restaurants.

The corner rooms on the higher floors have a fantastic view of the city. If you are not on a higher floor, go up to the bar on the top floor for the views and some expertly made cocktails.

All the rooms have deep baths and a separate shower, and are very spacious. Each room is stocked with Shisedo products and there is a large flat screen TV, though the choice of channels is mainly limited to Japanese language ones. You can always listen to music from the CD player instead. The beds are comfortable with super smooth crisp linen and a choice of two pillow sizes. At over 35,000 yen a night it is more than three times the business hotels down the road, and as it is not three times bigger, you are paying a lot for this real estate. You also have to pay for Wi-Fi, but at least it is very fast. However, the rooms are very tastefully decorated and you can also access the fitness center, sauna and pool for a fee. The entry charge to the pool is a mixed blessing. It ensures that you have the pool to yourself most of the time, and this is a great place to relax and unwind.

For those needing to work, room service and the business center is open 24 hours a day.

A buffet breakfast is available which includes cooked to order and a reasonable choice of Western and Japanese dishes, as well as freshly squeezed juice and a selection of fresh fruit.