Not sure if I've ever stayed in a hotel with a reception on the 26th flor of an office building. However, The Strings was a very comfortable and convenient place in which to stay. It is located close to Shinagawa station and an easy ride into central Tokyo on the metro. The rooms are compact but well equipped and extremely comfortable. The hotel has a clean, modern, efficient feel with the added personal ambience of a small hotel. Breakfast was excellent with a large selection of both Western and Japanese options. Would happily stay here again.

My husband and I decided to book the Strings as our honeymoon hotel. We can honestly say it was fantastic. The service was amazing, and the staff have fantastic English-with nothing being too much trouble. My only grumble would be we didn't get an upgrade for our honeymoon!!!! We arrived at 10 in the morning but the staff still checked us in even though it was not meant to be until 2pm, as they said they could tell we were tired from our journey. Its a great base to see the city from as you are right by the station and on the Yamanote line. It was a very quiet hotel even though we were right above the tracks - and they have the most amazing views, our room had a full cityscape with Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji.

I've been staying at the Strings for a few years now. When they first opened, the place was amazing. Contemporary elegance without the hype. A refreshing hotel in an otherwise hectic place.

Over the years and my many stays though, the quality has started to decrease. The rooms are looking warn (especially the carpet) and more times than not they screw up my room rate. I work for a major Japanese company and the rate is supposed to be the same each time I stay but that never seems to be the case lately.

That said, I still give the place 4 stars.. for now. That's because I've had lots of good stays. I'll be back again in June and if things haven't improved, I'll be downgrading them to a 3, not to mention looking for a new hotel in Tokyo.

If you're going to stay, I recommend a corner room. Rooms are a bit smaller but have much better views. Great if you've got a date, too. =) Skip the breakfast unless it's included in your room rate. Bar is okay and wine/scotch selection isn't bad but it's certainly not a place to hang out and meet people. Then again, almost nowhere in Shinagawa is!

Stayed at the Strings Hotel for a total of 2 weeks during business trips in 2006 and 2007 and always found it a very relaxing and pleasant hotel to return to.

The good:
- Modern rooms in contemporary design.
- Nice daybed, big windows, bright and spacious rooms
- Impressive, lofty lobby and restaurant
- Small but nice Gym with view over Shinagawa/Roppongi
- Good (roofed) access to Shinagawa and Yamanote-line
- Good value for money (especially if you book early enough)
- Free minibar in Club Rooms
- Stunning view over tokyo bay (in 25% of the rooms)
- Very impressive junior suites
- Star Alliance miles
- Comfortable bed, LCD-TV with free movies, nice bathroom
- One of the best breakfasts in Tokyo (priced at 2800 Yen)

The bad:
- Not so quiet rooms if you are on the Shinagawa side.
- No view at all if you are on the south side.
- Limited choice in restaurants nearby
- Shinagawa is a business area that's dead on weekends
- The limousine bus stops a 3 minute walk away from entrance
- The limousine bus does not leave as frequently as usual
- Not so easy to find if you are visiting for the first time
- There are only 2 restaurants inside the hotel

All in all, the Strings is an excellent hotel with only very minor flaws. The atmosphere is great, and the rooms are well appointed. It may not be a perfect 10, but quite close.

At rates between 18.000 and 30.000 Yen, you get more than you do at other hotels at this price range. It is fully booked accordingly, so make sure you book early enough.
If you can afford it, try the suites and you will not be disappointed. They have corner rooms with nice furniture and the flair of a well furnished, modern and stylish apartment.




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