The Hilton Tokyo
While location is a key factor, once you arrive at your destination, the look of the place is a strong distinguishing suit for hotels here. Not every aspect is on equal footing when making your choice of accommodations, but like with your stay, everything can be assessed from the lobby.
Above the norm
The Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo (above) is heads above others, with their atrium reception on the 38th floor. The main lobby is where the Oriental Lounge and several other restaurants are located, making check-in an adventure in and of itself, with stunning views of the cityscape. A remarkable design accompanies a mix of mouth-watering cuisine and delicious drinks across an extensive choice of restaurants and bars.
The Pizza Bar on the 38th floor, for example, has sizzling pizzas created at the counter by their master pizza maker, with several served straight from the brick oven. Also on the same level is K’shiki, an all-day dining spot for authentic Italian dishes. The Tapas Molecular Bar is an eight-seat counter looking out at Tokyo Bay. A floor below is the French fine-dining Signature restaurant, which includes tables along the ceiling-high windows.
Art-full décor In keeping with The Peninsula Hotels’ philosophy of embracing local culture, The Peninsula Tokyo (above) has developed three original Ukiyo-e designs to showcase this cultural heritage to their guests. Each design vividly portrays characters from both the contemporary era and the Edo period (1604-1868), blending elements of the present with the past—all set against the backdrop of the hotel in Tokyo.
The history of the Project and of Ukiyo-e are presented in a two-minute feature film, involving producer Yuka Mitsui (since 2014); painter OZ-Ozu – Keisuke Yamaguchi; carvers Saeko Nagai and Sayumi Abe; and printmaker Nobuto Ogawa. The artwork gracing the main entrance is 260mm x 380mm.
Aerie atriums
As the elevator doors open at the Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi (above), directly connected to Tokyo Station, you are welcomed by a space full of splendor and tranquility, removing you from the city’s outside buzz. Here also is a fully functional N-gauge model train display. The hotel’s 27th to 34th floors of the Sapia Tower include a Train View Room offering dynamic views of trains coming and going, including the Shinkansen.
The atrium itself conveys a feeling of a hotel in the sky with its high ceiling, large windows and city views. If not of the city, other guest rooms have windows looking into the lobby or interior courtyard.
Adjacent amenities
The Hilton Tokyo (above) towers over the heart of Shinjuku, Tokyo’s largest entertainment, business and shopping district. An underground walkway is conveniently connected to the Tokyo Metro subway system.
The first-floor grand marble lobby is accompanied by the Marble Lounge renowned for its 24/7 buffet, afternoon tea and sweets, plus bars including chic ZATTA and the sophisticated St. George Bar. The Grand Spiral Staircase in the lobby leads to the mezzanine dining level. The cove lighting mounted under each step transforms the décor piece into one large light fixture from floor to ceiling. The lit large pillars deliver a beautiful contrast. So much for the eye to behold.
Exceptional service
The Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (above) along the waterfront is known for its attentive staff, multilingual support, efficient check-in/out and helpful concierge services for local attractions such as in Odaiba and beyond. The front desk offers amenities related to various facilities such as fitness clubs, spas and dining, as well as booking services.
Rest assured
The next time you need a place to stay, the decision can be as simple as how it feels once you leave the sidewalk and step foot into the place. And whether you’re considering an overnight, or even a bit longer, stay. Hotel lobbies, such as Japanese residential genkans (entryway or foyer), can help define the level of hospitality within.
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