What kind of hotel is Palace Hotel Tokyo?
In mid-November, when the trees on the streets of Tokyo were beginning to turn yellow and red, we decided to stay at this hotel again to celebrate my husband’s birthday. To get straight to the point, it was a quiet, relaxing five-star hotel where quality time flows, without the flashy decorations and glittering presentation of more recent luxury hotels. This was truly a luxury hotel that we would return to again and again. New and innovative hotels open one after another in Tokyo every year, and although we would like to stay there at least once, there are surprisingly few hotels that we would like to stay at again and again. In the end, we are most comfortable in places that always remain the same.
We arrived at the hotel around 3:00 p.m., getting off at Otemachi subway station and exiting through exit C13b of the underground passageway.
Across Sotobori Street from the office district of Marunouchi, Tokyo, with its towering skyscrapers, lies the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens, and the hotel is located on the edge of this garden. Arriving at the main lobby, we found ourselves in an open space with a 6-meter-high ceiling. The lobby was filled with the fragrance of eucalyptus and citrus fruits, with a huge painting of a sunflower flower near the entrance and a gorgeous floral arrangement on a round table in the center. In addition, contemporary artwork modeled after Japanese and ink paintings was on display, giving the lobby a very pleasant feeling. The hotel’s collection of more than 720 pieces of artwork was displayed throughout the hotel, including in the guest rooms, making it look like a museum.
The large windows in the lobby offered a view of the trees and moat around the Imperial Palace, and the interior and furnishings in soothing colors such as beige, brown, and olive were in perfect harmony. Then the artwork of endangered flowers painted with crystals mixed with correction fluid, displayed behind the reception counter, was a representation of something that is disappearing, and the picture came to life depending on how the light from outside shone on it. The space, with its overwhelming dignity unmatched by any other hotel, combined with a somewhat heartwarming sense of serenity, seemed to be the very essence of a quality experience. In the lobby, we felt not a sense of exaltation from the luxury and splendor of the hotel, but a sense of peace of mind.
We informed the staff that we were staying on the Club Floor, and they directed us to the Club Lounge on the 19th floor. Upon entering the lounge, we were greeted by large windows that offered a view of the Wadakura Fountain Park with its beautiful autumn leaves under a blue sky, the Marunouchi business district, and the Imperial Palace, all in perfect harmony. In the distance, we could see Nijubashi Bridge, Sakashita Gate, the National Diet Building and Tokyo Tower. The club lounge is not large, but it is surrounded by an open ambiance. We checked in here while enjoying a welcome drink of peach tea and fresh white chocolate and milk caramel chocolates. It was just about time for afternoon tea at this point, so we relaxed here to enjoy Laurent-Perrier champagne and watch the ever-changing autumn sky.
After a short while, the staff prepared a beautiful two-tier tea stand. It was lined with brightly coloured frumpoise macaroons, opera, shortcakes, canele, scones, ham and salmon sandwiches, orange cake, mango jelly and straw rice cakes, etc. Drinks included beer, champagne, coffee, espresso, cafe latte, cappuccino, Ronnefeldt tea, herbal tea, Chinese tea, Coca-Cola, ginger ale, soda, orange juice, apple juice, pineapple juice, tomato juice, and more.
After this, a staff member showed us to our room. This time, we stayed in a Club Deluxe Twin room on the 22nd floor. The room was elegantly and simply decorated with a warm design in olive, beige, and pale gold colors that harmonized with the natural light. In addition, the carpets, walls, cushions, and lamps were decorated with patterns and decorations inspired by Japanese culture.
Then from the balcony of the room, overlooking the coloured trees of Wadakura Fountain Park, the blue sky and the outer gardens of the Imperial Palace, it was so peaceful and elegant that it was hard to believe that we were in the middle of a big city. Being in Tokyo, it is not easy to get away from the concrete-painted buildings and shiny artificial neon lights, but this hotel was truly a different world in Tokyo.
After this, it was past 5pm, so we decided to go to the club lounge again and enjoy “Cocktail time” for a while. Since it was during the coronavirus pandemic when we stayed, a variety of food and beverages were served to order rather than in buffet style. Since we were planning to have dinner at Tempura Tatsumi on the 6th floor of the hotel, we had only red wine and left the club lounge early, but the level of service was top notch compared to other luxury hotels.
Appetizers included canapés, prosciutto, grissini, salmon rillettes, cheese, bagna cauda, olives, pate de campagne, tapas, cutlets full, etc. Hot meals included beef in cream sauce, shrimp and pork skewers, vegetable ajillo, parmesan cheese and risotto, etc.
Alcoholic beverages include Japanese sakes, Hibiki, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita domestic whiskeys, Japanese craft liqueur Kanade, craft gin ROKU, Japanese green tea and cherry liqueur, Yuzu gin and tonic, Laurent Perrier Lacuvee champagne, French chardonnay, Spanish albariño White wines, Chateau de Baulgar Ducourt Entre de Mer Blanc and L’Eccarabene Pinot Noir red wines, Corona beer, Asahi beer, Tokyo craft beer, non-alcoholic cocktails, non-alcoholic sparkling wine, etc. were on display.
We then headed to a small restaurant called Tempura Tatsumi. This restaurant was truly the perfect place for a special occasion. With counter seating for only six people, it was a unique space that had both a special and private feel. The central cooking area was decorated with a casting plate decorated with a design of a dancing dragon. The tempura, delicately fried like a work of art and served with salt, was excellent. Five kinds of salt – cherry blossom, Tartary buckwheat, green tea, algae, and churaumi – enhanced the flavor of the tempura. A sommelier specializing in Japanese cuisine prepared sake and wine to go with the tempura. It was a luxurious time to enjoy the best tempura in a small space.
Then after a wonderful dinner, we went to a historic Royal Bar on the first floor of the Hotel to enjoy the afterglow at the bar. Upon entering, we were a bit surprised at how small this bar was. With a total of 25 seats at the counter and tables, the stately ambiance was truly a space for adults. The variety of liquors in the all-glass fridge was also pleasing to our eyes. We had original cocktails with Spanish black truffle flavored potato chips as a snack. It was a very cozy bar and the care and attention of the staff was excellent.
After this, we returned to our room and went out to the balcony, where we found a wonderful night view. For a while, we decided to enjoy the night view while feeling the autumn breeze. The twinkling lights of the buildings and even the lights of the cars driving down the street created a mystical ambiance. The contrast between the pitch-dark park in front of the Imperial Palace and the business district was also beautifully harmonious.
The next morning, we woke up around 6:30 a.m. and decided to take a walk around the hotel. The early morning air was so clear that it was hard to believe that we were in Tokyo. As we walked through the park with its magnificent pine trees and along the moat of the Imperial Palace, the majestic Sakashita Gate came into view. Further along, tourists were taking pictures in front of the Nijubashi Bridge. Also, since the area around the Imperial Palace is a famous running course, we saw many runners early in the morning.
After returning from our walk, we decided to have breakfast at the Grand Kitchen restaurant on the first floor. We requested a table on the terrace. It was really nice to have breakfast under the clear blue sky. After a hot summer, we were happy to be able to have breakfast at the restaurant with a nice terrace in the crisp autumn season. We could choose between Japanese and Western breakfast. We chose Western-style food. The colorful vegetables were rich in texture and aroma, and the egg dish had a flavor that showed it had been carefully prepared. As we were about to eat our freshly baked croissants with butter, we felt a cool autumn breeze blowing over the edge of the moat. If you are lucky, you may meet swans.
After breakfast, we decided to visit Evian Spa on the 5th floor, and upon exiting the elevator on the 5th floor, we saw the Evian Spa sign. The reception area has a large window with a view toward the Imperial Palace. The receptionist gave us locker keys and we were given free access to the swimming pool, jacuzzi, and gym. Locker rooms are divided into free and paid areas. The free locker rooms are smaller than the paid locker rooms. The paid locker rooms include saunas and commual baths. All guests are free to use the pool, Jacuzzi, and gym, but there is an additional charge of JPY2,500 (tax not included) for everything else. For those staying on the club floor or in a suite, the price is half.
The indoor swimming pool is 20 meters long with three courses and depths ranging from 0.8 meters to 1.2 meters. The swimming pool is open for use by persons 16 years of age and older; 5 to 15 years of age may use the pool from 9:00 am-6:00 pm. The gym is equipped with the latest training machines from Technogym (Italy) and Life Fitness (USA). The view from the gym and the pool was spectacular. Swimsuits, sportswear, and running shoes are available for rent. Our impression of Evian Spa was that it was a bit more like a sport gym than a luxury hotel. Many of the newer luxury hotel pools these days are built in a sophisticated resort style or a cool modern style, so compared to those, it just doesn’t look as good.
After swimming in the pool, we decided to sit by the window of the club lounge again until checkout, sipping champagne and enjoying the view of the park and the Imperial Palace stretched out under the autumn sky as much as we could. We left the hotel before noon, hoping to be able to visit again during the cherry blossom season.
Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on Agoda
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About the club lounge
| Check-in / Check-out | The Club Lounge on 19F |
|---|---|
| Open Time |
Opening Hours 7:00-22:00 Breakfast 7:00-10:30 Tea Time 14:00-16:00 Evening canapé 17:30-20:00 |
| Club Lounge Access | Club Floors and Suite guests |
| Features | High quality alcohol and food, many varieties. |
*From 17:30 onwards, the club lounge is for use by those aged 13 and over.
Is the location easy to access?
The hotel is directly connected to Exit C13b of Otemachi Subway Station, but the station is very large, so after exiting the ticket gates, walk through the underground passage.
From the Marunouchi North Exit of Tokyo Station, it is a 10-minute walk.
Parking is JPY2,200. Valet service is JPY1,100.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, bathrobes, pajamas, welcome fruits, chocolates, English bags, green tea bags, bottled water, and a coffee machine, etc. There were Anne Semonin skincare products and bath amenities in our bathroom. There are some pillows which you can choose from. Also, a humidifier, a DVD player, a CD player, and a BOSE speaker were placed in our room. Room service is available for 24H. There are some convenience stores nearby. The free Wifi reception was good.
Is this child-friendly?
The hotel is child-friendly. If requested in advance, staff will provide children’s pajamas, bathrobes, toothbrushes, slippers, and cribs. Babysitting services are also available for an additional fee. One child (ages 11 and under) per adult will be free of charge for co-sleep.
How about In-house Facilities?
There is a gym, indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, communal baths, and saunas. The swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and gym are free of charge. There is an additional charge of JPY2,500 for the baths and saunas. Half price for those staying in suites or on the club floors.
The gym is open 24 hours. 16 years old and older are allowed.
The swimming pool is open from 6:30am to 10:00pm. Minimum age is 16 years old. 5 to 15 years old can use the pool from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Sportswear, running shoes, and swimsuits are available for rent.
Then there is a nice spa treatment shop. If you have a spa treatment service, you need to make an appointment by e-mail at evianspa@palacehotel.jp It’s open between 11:00 and 20:00. Minimum age is 18 years old.
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Then, this is a perfect universal design hotel. There are some universal rooms and wheelchairs are available for borrowing. If you bring someone with weak legs, you may want to inform the staff in advance as they arrange a room near the lifts.
Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about Palace Hotel Tokyo from the below space. Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on Agoda
Info about Palace Hotel Tokyo
| Style | Luxury City Hotel |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/12:00 |
| Estimated Price | 100,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact E-mail Address |
Fill the form in |
| Internet Connection | Free Wifi in the hotel |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The parking lot is available at 2,200JPY per day |
| Location | Palace Hotel Tokyo’s MAP |
| Access | connected to Otemachi Subway Station a 10min walk from JR Tokyo Station |
| Address and TEL | Tel +81 |
| Official Homepage | Palace Hotel Tokyo’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.
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