The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo

In the traditional Tokyo style, the Strings is a high-rise hotel, occupying the top floors of an office tower just across from the Shinagawa train station. Operated by an airline (All Nippon Airways) and aimed primarily at business travelers, the Strings is nevertheless just about as stylish as they come.

The style is quietly contemporary, somewhat European, with subdued expanses of wood and stone rather than the traditional lacquer and marble. The seven-story atrium is filled with natural light, and comes complete with a pond and a view of the city.

City views are on display in the guest rooms as well, especially the corner rooms, with two walls open to the panorama. Club rooms, confusingly, don’t seem to be associated with any club, but do benefit from superior views over Daiba and the Rainbow Bridge. All rooms, irrespective of view, are decorated in browns and creams, with rich wood finishes and sleek contemporary furnishings. It’s a modern style, minimal but not stark, more inspiring than the traditional luxury hotel but more livable than the average boutique.

Jet lag is a fact of life for travelers to Japan; fortunately both the business center and the gym are open 24 hours, and high-speed internet access in the rooms is free. The Strings caters mostly to executives, during the week at least, and is perfect for business, but what’s good for the salaryman is good for the shopper and sightseer as well—Shingawa station is a hub for the regional train lines, and a stop on the express from Narita airport. Two restaurants are available, Italian and Chinese, in addition to the wealth of options in the Shingawa district.