A return trip to Asia, and another marathon. I recently was in Tokyo, back after several years, and to run the marathon. My arrival was before my family, to hopefully adapt to the 13 hour time difference before the race, and to accomodate both school schedules and award availability. I flew JAL business class nonstop from Chicago to Tokyo. Easy, and comfortable. My first time in the Apex Suite product, or a JAL calls it, Sky Suite. But this review is of my hotel. I split my time across several hotels in Tokyo, also due to award availability. My family would join me later, so my priority was to maximize time in suites or larger rooms where the 3 of us could spread out. So my first 2 nights while traveling alone ended up at the Mesm Tokyo hotel.
My original booking plan was at the Westin Tokyo, for the 3 of us, and I was hoping to upgrade to a suite, and with a 5th night free booking. The Westin isn’t that centrally located within Tokyo, which is already less than ideal, and with the city busy, at least in part due to the marathon, it didn’t look promising that an upgrade would come through. Marriott’s poor Suite upgrade award “benefit” isn’t great since only 5 days out is the soonest an upgrade could be confirmed. So, I cancelled, rebooked elsewhere where I could confirm a suite (Hello Hyatt properties). But for the first 2 nights alone, I looked for other options. I settled on the Mesm, Tokyo, part of Marriott’s Autograph collection. It is unique, a modern boutique hotel on middle floor of an office tower. It was a bit of a splurge, but I have a lot of Marriott points, so i went for it.
Mesm Tokyo
After a long flight from Chicago, around 2 hours delayed, in the midst of rush hour, I opted to mostly take public transport from Haneda. Tokyo has such a robust network, this is often easier, and certainly cheaper than taxis in most cases. I took the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda to Hamamatsucho station and walked from there. Blame jetlag, some construction, and impatience, I walked further than the 1km or so to the hotel. It was good to get fresh air, and stretch the legs after the long flight. It was dark by the time I arrived at the hotel. Welcomed by the valets near the door, I was directed to an elevator to get to the lobby where I checked in. No upgrade available, either with Suite upgrade award or at all, but my room was plenty spacious for my needs, traveling solo the first 2 days of my time in Tokyo.
The hotel is located near the Sumida river, in Minato City area of Tokyo. A few metro stations are 5-15 minutes away depending on where you are headed, but I found this location convenient and easy to get around the central city.
Chapter 1 King room, Mesm Tokyo
My assigned room is so-called Chapter 1, and is the standard/base room at 40 square meters.
A very comfortable king sized bed, and a spacious bathroom with a shower next to a large soaking tub. Excellent shower with overhead rainfall shower head.
It is Japan after all, and the separate water closet has a modern Toto Washlet.
Next to the bathroom is a decently sized closet, with symmetrically arranged hangars. Wow.
Minibar in the room is small, but included for free. As a tea lover, I was pleased that a matcha set is available in the room, and I enjoyed several cups while here.
There is also amall character near the door in the room. Light activated…sort of. First photo shows normal light,
And then when using flash photography:
Public spaces
The hotel rooms are fine, nothing too special, but modern, and spotlessly clean. The public areas of the hotel, the lobby and the main dining locations are very stylish and modern.
Breakfast is served in the Chef’s Theater, and has floor to ceiling windows with city views. Food is mostly buffet style, but omelets and other items can be ordered as well. Breakfast was included with my award booking, maybe it is for all/most rates. I was able to choose a local gift as my Platinum amenity. Coffee, chocolate and matcha. Not bad.
Barista made coffees and teas along with various juices are available as well.
Breakfast is a mix of Japanese and western items. I quite enjoyed it.
Final thoughts on Mesm Tokyo
Tokyo is such a massive city, you might want to stay near what you are there to do, but even if not, public transit is so efficient, its not hard to get around the central areas. I booked here for relative ease of access and for award availability. A short ride for me to get to the marathon expo, and most everywhere else I wanted to visit during my stay. Decent value on points for my visit, and a very clean modern property. Lots of new hotels in Tokyo, and this is one where I’d gladly return. Have you stayed here?
