Despite its attractive high-rise exterior, the Hotel New Otani Garden Tower’s overall interior is outdated. A close look shows that care has been taken in the property’s maintenance, and there are very few signs of wear on the furnishings. Still, everything from the decor to the wallpaper to the carpeting is a flashback to luxury in the late '80s or early '90s. The Japanese garden that envelops the hotel (and extends to other New Otani properties) dates back more than 400 years and was once owned by a samurai lord. From the street, Hotel New Otani Garden Tower is all business. It doesn’t have much personality or grandeur, but it’s still very polished, and rooms are particularly spacious.

Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower sits in Akasaka with three subway stations and access to the Japan Rail (JR) less than 10 minutes away on foot. It’s in the city center, however its location doesn’t isolate it from noteworthy cultural sites. The Hie Shrine, Akasaka Palace, and Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin temple are all less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Imperial Palace is just 10 minutes by car, and the National Diet building is about a 15-minute walk from the property. Multiple restaurants are just across the street and can be reached in about five minutes on foot. Haneda Airport is about a 22-minute drive away, without traffic. 

Rooms are surprisingly spacious throughout the hotel, with many rooms offering living space with couches and chairs. Even the Standard Twin Room has enough space for two guests to move about comfortably. Some of the larger suites rival the size of a small apartment, with both living and dining areas, the latter with a full-sized dinner table. Higher floors give guests sweeping views of Tokyo; some overlook the cityscape and gardens and others have a view of Mt. Fiji. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and modest minibars with coffeemakers. The decor is still outdated, but the linens, furnishings, and vanities are in good condition. Bathrooms feature Japanese-style toilets with bidet functions and shower massagers, and the more luxurious rooms have high-end toiletries. Personal touches include courtesy sleepwear and slippers. 

There are multiple restaurants at this hotel, including Trader Vic’s and Bella Vista Italian. Senbazuru specializes in Kaiseki cuisine and has a traditional Japanese feel with tatami mat floors and bamboo ceilings. Other amenities include a business center, banquet space, and free Wi-Fi. There's a small workout room with a few cardio machines and weights, but the wild color palette and striped walls are a bit overbearing, and yes, outdated. The Japanese garden surrounding the hotel however, is full of natural beauty. A jogging trail winds through the lush green space, and there's a small waterfall connecting the ponds.