Palace Hotel Tokyo
We dedicated the majority of our recent summer to Asia. After our two-and-a-half-month stay in Seoul, we headed to Japan for business meetings related to Superegg. The first week of August coincided with a national holiday in Japan, affording us the opportunity to indulge in a personal vacation – highlights included visits to Naoshima, Nagoya, and Kyoto! We eventually made our way to our ultimate destination: Tokyo. Among the exceptional accommodations we experienced was the Palace Hotel Tokyo, an esteemed member of The Leading Hotels of The World.
Nestled in the prestigious Marunouchi district, this distinguished establishment is well-regarded for its excellent service, luxurious accommodations, and breathtaking vistas of Tokyo's iconic landmarks, including the Imperial Palace Gardens, Tokyo Tower, and the city skyline. Its central location provides convenience for exploring renowned attractions like the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Station, and the upscale shopping district of Ginza.
Although the current iteration of the hotel debuted in 2012, it has a rich history dating back to 1961 when the original Palace Hotel Tokyo opened its doors. The present-day establishment represents a modern reconstruction of the original, preserving a cherished sense of tradition and sophistication. Within its confines, guests are treated to an array of premium guest rooms and suites thoughtfully crafted to blend contemporary Japanese aesthetics and modern amenities. Many of these rooms offer panoramic views of Tokyo and are equipped with high-end furnishings and technology.
Finding more spacious hotel rooms in Tokyo can be quite a challenge, so we truly appreciated the generously sized accommodations. They provided us with a wonderful opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate after our long travels.
The hotel offers an impressive array of dining options, with ten restaurants and bars that feature a diverse selection of culinary experiences. We had a memorable dinner at the Michelin 1-starred Restaurant Esterre, which showcases contemporary French cuisine in partnership with DUCASSE Paris. The cuisine expertly blended French culinary techniques with the finest Japanese ingredients. I was particularly impressed by the modern and stylish décor of the restaurant, which gave it a modern French charm. The food itself was not only delicious but also served with impeccable service. We left the restaurant feeling thoroughly satisfied and content!
Waking up to this view was a dream!
Following our dinner, we capped off the evening with a visit to the Royal Bar, discreetly nestled on the main lobby floor of the hotel. Royal Bar exudes an unmistakable air of timeless elegance, much like a classic martini. Notably, the bar counter is a meticulous restoration of the original Royal Bar's counter, which opened at the Palace Hotel in 1961. This counter was where the hotel's inaugural head bartender, affectionately known as 'Mr. Martini' presided over for many years.
I found the ambiance thoroughly enjoyable, and a live performance on the first floor added to the experience. The cocktails were masterfully crafted, a testament to the bartender's exceptional skill. It unquestionably stands as one of Tokyo's most refined and sophisticated bars.
We opted for the Japanese breakfast at the Grand Kitchen, though the buffet selection also looked quite enticing. Despite the hotel's size, it didn't feel overly crowded, yet there was a palpable energy emanating from the guests.
Palace Hotel Tokyo boasts extensive meeting and event spaces, making it a popular choice for a wide range of occasions, including business meetings, conferences, weddings, and special events. One of the hotel's standout features is its picturesque Japanese-style garden that envelops the property. Many guest rooms and public areas offer breathtaking vistas of this garden and the cityscape beyond.
The hotel houses the serene Evian Spa Tokyo, a haven for relaxation and wellness, offering guests a range of treatments such as massages and facials. Additionally, a fitness center is available for those seeking to maintain their active routines during their stay.
Merlette Dress, APL Sneakers, Chanel Bag, Azlee Necklace, Cartier Bracelets
One of the highlights of our stay at this property was the wonderful assortment of shops conveniently located underground, connected to the hotel. These shops encompassed a variety of offerings, including restaurants and stores specializing in Japanese snacks, sake, and homeware, all of which provided souvenirs to take back home.
We were pleasantly surprised to discover that there was a 1616 / Arita Japan store, Momota Touen, right downstairs! We couldn't resist the temptation and ended up bringing home a few more items than planned. The store had a wide range of styles and even featured a "class B" section where they offered "imperfect" items that were nonetheless in near-perfect condition.
Over the years, the Palace Hotel Tokyo has received numerous awards and accolades for its excellence in hospitality and luxury accommodations, and it’s easy to see why! The Palace Hotel Tokyo is a top choice for travelers seeking a luxurious and culturally rich experience in the heart of Tokyo. Its modern amenities, traditional Japanese aesthetics, and exceptional service make it a standout destination for leisure and business travelers. It’s officially one of my favorite hotels in Tokyo, and I look forward to staying here again soon.
Thank you to Palace Hotel Tokyo and The Leading Hotels of The World for an exquisite experience.