Monterey Hotels in Japan are known for European style and reasonable cost. I've stayed at the Monterey in Sapporo and in Sendai (both great experiences) and the Ginza Monterey simple doesn't compare. Rooms are small and business-hotel-like (in the cramped Japanese sense) and I had a double. Dull best describes the room. I reserved non-smoking and got a smoking room. The TV had BBC World but every time I hit the sub button for English it reverted to Japanese within a minute. And I was requested to pay the equivalent of $500 U.S. upfront (without even seeing my room) as 'policy of the hotel', despite the fact that I have both a permanent Japanese address and solid Japanese ability. A credit card imprint was not enough, I was billed the moment I signed in. This is the only hotel to ever request that of me in Japan and I've lived here for 11 years. Basically, the hotel needs to be renovated. It was probably a much nicer place in the 1970s. The hotel is convenient for Ginza shopping, but there are much better hotels available at roughly the same cost.

I would recommend this hotel to family and friends. It's central location makes it a gem, not to mention the reasonable price. From the Ginza Itchome metro, take exit 11 and turn right. It's just two short blocks from there (1 minute walk). Hotel staff were hospitable and helpful. As per other reviews, don't take the breakfast; it's not worth $20. Try the McDonald's or Starbuck's, both a minute or two away by foot.

The room itself is simple yet comfortable and ultraclean. I asked for a quiet room and found myself on the 12th floor, far above any of the minor traffic noise below; it's a very quiet area in any event. But a mere five minutes away and you are on Ginza Dori, the Oxford Street or Park Aveneue of Tokyo. Connections from the nearby Ginza metro (exit 13 is most convenient to hotel) are excellent.

Overall, I would stay here again without hesitation. A very comfortable, clean and quiet hotel.

Great boutique hotel with atmosphere and location. Just off the Ginza and within walking distance to metro and JR line. Deco is 1930's touches throughout. Rooms are well appointed, quiet and with small modern bathroom. Excellent service.

The great value and location were what made this hotel. In a quiet street just off the Ginza and literally meters to the subway or within a five minute walk to a major station (saves more time-consuming changing), this hotel had good local shops nearby and it was very easy to get taxis. It's not flash, but neither is it basic - it is a tourist class hotel. The bathroom was good for a hotel of this class. The internet access is very good, but if you bring your own LAN cable you'll get connected a lot faster (they loan them from reception). Our only complaints were that the breakfast wasn't good (Monterey breakfasts are very average), and there was only one light at one side for our double bed (which had to be pulled out from the wall). There was limited English spoken, so patience was needed. I'd highly recommend this hotel as a base for Tokyo.