Ginza Mercure

This French-owned hotel opened in autumn 2004 in a great central location, just behind Matsuya department store. Niftily converted from an existing office building, it has the feel of a European boutique hotel, featuring smart cherry-wood furniture, stylish wallpaper and black-and-white photos of old Paris. All the rooms vary in size (numbers 16 and 18 are the biggest), and there are 18 special ‘ladies’ rooms’ on the eight, ninth and tenth floors. The breakfast room doubles as a French bistro, and staff speak English. A good choice for both business and independent travellers.