Hotel Review: Palace Hotel Tokyo

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Overview

This most recent trip was the second time we stayed at the incredible Palace Hotel in Marunouchi, Tokyo. I normally book through Leading Hotels of the World and did check out to see whether there were any other options (other than the Imperial which we discounted the last time, and this). There is a new property (The Okura) opening soon but the Palace is so amazing it would be a hard ask for us to stay anywhere in Tokyo, as much as I usually like trying new places.

Hotel website: https://en.palacehoteltokyo.com

Would I stay here again?   Yes in a second - it’s in a perfect location, great facilities, amazing service and the Evian spa - wow!

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Location

Located right next to the Imperial Palace grounds, this hotel is only 0.3 miles away from Tokyo Station (5 minutes in a car and less than 10 minutes to walk) and 2.5 miles from Ueno Station (about a 15-20 minute drive, depending on traffic). The hotel is situated above Otemachi metro station (escalator down from lobby into a small shopping area that connects by tunnel) so makes it really easy to get to most places. We found Uber very expensive in Tokyo, not like elsewhere else it seems in the world, but in Japan it was normal taxis that were using Uber only, not private cars. We went to Teamlab Planets in Toyosu (only about 3.5 miles and 20 minutes) but that was as JP¥ 3,050 (about $30 or £24) for the single journey.

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Accommodation

There are various room types (Deluxe w and w/o balcony, Grand Deluxe, Club Deluxe w and w/o balcony then Grand Club Deluxe) and six suite types. We were in a Deluxe with balcony on the 14th floor with great views across some of the Palace grounds and the cityscape, with the Tokyo Tower in the distance. The room was incredibly spacious with an entrance hall (with stool and slippers to remove your outer shoes), a large walk-in closet, large bedroom and sitting area with a spacious balcony. There was also a large en-suite bathroom with a deep soaking tub right up at the window and wet-room style overhead shower, single sink in a large vanity unit and a separate WC with of course the expected Toto Washlet toilet.

The room was serviced twice-daily, was spotlessly clean and everything was presented so perfectly - high quality Japanese hotels seem to offer every conceivable bathroom amenity, not just shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. As well as an amazing welcome (wine, mineral water, fruit and chocolates - also Evian water spray, hand gels etc.) every evening we were left pyjamas on the bed as well as a self-heating relaxing eye mask.

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Food & Drink

Next to the main lobby is the Grand Kitchen (open 6am to 11pm daily), this is where breakfast is served; either in the main restaurant area, the conservatory or out on the covered balcony. There was a fantastic choice of both Western (fruits, yoghurts, bakery, cereals, juices, hot dishes) and Japanese buffet items and various eggs and other hot dishes available to order too. Service was exemplary as was food quality, breakfast here was an amazing start to the day. On this trip we didn’t eat in the hotel (other than some delicious cakes from the in-hotel Deli/Patisserie/Cake-shop) but on a previous trip we enjoyed a delicious meal at the Michelin-starred (Chinese) Amber Palace restaurant - this is open for lunch and dinner every day - great views from the 5th floor and amazing ambience in the evening.

Other than these two eateries, there are a number of additional choices for dining and various bar options too; all of the highest quality and incredible design throughout.

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Facilities & Service

There is a great indoor pool and jacuzzi, but our highlight was the Alpine-inspired Evian Spa, adjacent to the pool and gym area. We opted for an afternoon treatment of massage and facials, we were so lucky to have one of the couples’ treatment room (Mont Blanc) - the therapists were excellent and treatments couldn’t be faulted. We started off by relaxing in the men’s aqua area - here there was a dry sauna, heated baths, hot reclining bath and a cold plunge pool too. The changing rooms were filled with fridges of Evian mineral water and huge fluffy white Evian towels and oversized bathrobes. After our treatments we went to the men’s relaxation area where we were served herbal teas, dried fruit and nuts. What an amazing relaxing afternoon with superb service.

The facilities in this five star hotel were second to none - from the deluxe in-room toiletries (Anne Semonin) and service from all staff (from welcome to departure) nothing could be faulted - we had another amazing stay in what is an incredible city.

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ThePrivateTraveller’s top tips (any areas for improvement?)

• I am quite a fastidious person but think I can honestly say there is nothing I would change here, or look to be improved!

ThePrivateTraveller’s absolute highlights:

• The Evian Spa - Mont Blanc double treatment overlooking the Palace moat and gardens was exceptional.

• Breakfast on the terrace - fantastic service and great food, such a good start to each day.

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Useful website links:

• Palace Hotel Tokyo https://en.palacehoteltokyo.com

• Leading Hotels of the World https://www.lhw.com

• Teamlab Planets Tokyo https://planets.teamlab.art/tokyo/

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