The New Otani hotel, when I first stayed there in 1997 was (or seemed) quite 'new'. Now however I prefer to call it the 'not so new' Otani. It is showing its age and the standard rooms certainly need a makeover. Its still comforatable enough however although the standard rooms are very small, particularly if you are used to business type hotels in Europe. If you can afford it, go for the executive rooms which are far more spacious and better furnished. Every room however has a mini bar - although be warned, they are all electronic and if you remove an item just to look at it, it will assume you have consumed it and it will be added to your bill.
From a business perspective the hotel is very convenient, its linked by subway to Kobe station (JR line and other subway lines). A 5 minute walk is all that is required. In the evenings its close to the Mosaic centre which houses many restaurants and bars and close to canal garden shopping precinct. Don't expect a good view out of your window though, New Otani is surrounded by other high rise buildings. If you are lucky you may get a semi obstructed view of the harbour, but that's about as good as it gets.
The bar on the top floor deserves a mention, although expensive (what hotel bar in Japan isn't) it has a cracking view over the city and out towards Rocko Mountain. From a business perspective, it ticks all the right boxes, if however you are a leisure traveller and if you can afford a bit more, go for the Hotel Okura across the harbour, it offers bigger rooms, more leisure facilities and great views.