The next stop on my trip was a return to Tokyo. This time, I decided to splurge on one of my most anticipated hotels ever. Like many people, ever since seeing Lost in Translation, I wanted to visit the Park Hyatt Tokyo for myself. Despite my attempts to keep this whole trip on a relatively lean budget, I decided to splurge for this one night in Tokyo.
Park Hyatt is my favorite “reasonably attainable” hotel brand, and Tokyo is one of my favorite cities. The fact that I maintain Hyatt Diamond status helps maximize the benefits when visiting a Park Hyatt. I have been disappointed enough in past travels to not build up too much anticipation about some certain experience, but I really couldn’t help it with this stay, and I’m pleased to say that I left impressed.
From Haneda Airport to The Park Hyatt
After my flights on the ANA 787 and a unique experience exploring Hiroshima, I was back at Haneda airport. I headed to the ground transportation area, and intended to buy a limousine bus ticket for the Park Hyatt. Unfortunately, I just missed a direct bus to the Park Hyatt, so I instead took a bus headed for Shinjuku station which was leaving in about 5 minutes, rather than waiting over an hour for the next direct bus to the hotel. On board the bus, while listening to the rules (how Japanese), I heard a hilarious line that I wanted to share, “Please refrain from using mobile phones, as they annoy the neighbors”. So true.
After the bus arrived, I just walked from Shinjuku station to the hotel, which was easy. There is a shuttle available, but I didn’t know where the pickup point was upon my arrival.
Once at the tower where the hotel is, I actually went to the wrong door, so it took me a little while to find the hotel entrance. Despite the typical bustle of Tokyo, the Park Hyatt is a little bit isolated, 10 or so minutes from a subway station, near some municipal government buildings, and across the street from a park. Even inside the building, finding the hotel, with the main lobby 40 some floors up is a challenge for first time visitors. Once I was in the correct lobby (I entered from below, via the delicatessen), I was warmly greeted, and showed to correct elevator bank which took me to the main hotel lobby so I could check in. It was early afternoon, but checking in at this time was no issue.
The Peak Lounge in the hotel lobby, with excellent views beyond.
Navigating the maze to check in at Park Hyatt Tokyo
The main lobby contains the Peak Bar and Lounge, and some excellent views of the city. From there, the labyrinthine walk continues, passing beyond Girandole, an Italian restaurant, and the entrance (on a lower floor) to Kozue, a Japanese restaurant.
Next, guests pass through The Library, then finally, the reception area is found.
Along the way I was warmly welcomed by multiple staff members, and once to the reception desk, quickly checked in, and escorted to my room.
I booked this one-night stay with 22,000 Hyatt points, and despite my Diamond status, I wasn’t sure what kind of upgrade I would get, if any. I was very pleased to discover that I received a 2 category room upgrade, to a Park View King.
Park View King room, Park Hyatt Tokyo
This was a large corner room, with lots of windows, and as it turned out, excellent views towards Mount Fuji.
The room has windows on two sides which made for some great views:
Once some clouds cleared, Mount Fuji became visible. Apparently, this is not typical this time of year.
The views inside the room were pretty nice too. This hotel isn’t new, but the rooms are well maintained, as would be expected at a Park Hyatt.
Spacious walk-in closet
Various views of the spacious bathroom
There were also various welcome amenities provided:
Some spiced peanuts were waiting in the room
Shortly after arrival, I got a bottle of Côtes-du-Rhône delivered. This was my diamond welcome amenity.
A listing of Diamond benefits
Dining on site
In addition, Gold Passport Diamond members can take free breakfast in Girandole or via room service. I opted for the latter, since its a luxury I rarely partake in.
Tasty room service breakfast. Free thanks to Hyatt Diamond status.
After unpacking a little bit, I headed out to do some more exploring around Tokyo, although this time not too far from the Shinjuku area. After I returned to the hotel, I figured I would head to the New York Bar for a drink, and to enjoy the view. The happy hour offer for free drinks helped twist my arm too. Once I saw the regular price for drinks in the bar, I’m glad I could enjoy the complimentary offerings.
Amazing views of Tokyo from the New York Bar
After happy hour was ending, and a snack, I was going to leave to look elsewhere for dinner. I ordered another beer, and decided to stay where I was. I was even offered another free drink 20 minutes after happy hour ended. At about that same time, a jazz trio began playing. I feel I made the right decision, and had a pretty nice evening.
A tasty caesar salad during happy hour
The New York Bar was a nice spot to spend the evening, even though I was there alone. Sadly, Scarlett Johansson didn’t make an appearance. The views were great, service was impeccable, and the food and drinks were excellent. The only minor complaint I would have is that it is smoky. I’ve gotten soft with the non-smoking in most US restaurants. Of course cigarette smoking in Japan is much more prevalent than in North America, but it was a little annoying while I was eating.
Finding one’s way around the Park Hyatt Tokyo
Once inside the hotel, getting around is a bit of a challenge, since there are various elevator banks depending on where you might be going. There is an elevator bank to take you from the ground floor lobby to the 41st floor Peak Lounge. Then other elevators from there going to room levels, the gym/pool, or the New York Bar.
Some interesting elevator artwork
One of the elevators and a map showing the maze-like way to get around the hotel
The pool and fitness center are quite famous. I went for a run outside, but returned to take a look for myself. The view is one of the best I’ve seen for an indoor pool. (thanks to Matthew for the photo).
Final Thoughts
In all, the Park Hyatt Tokyo met or exceeded my expectations. I’m a huge fan of the Park Hyatt brand, and consider these redemptions the best use of my Hyatt points. The service, the facilities, the view. All are top-notch. I certainly hope to return to Tokyo before too long, and I would absolutely return the the Park Hyatt. This is my favorite hotel I’ve visited.
Next stop on this journey was the ANA Suites Lounge at Narita Airport.
