Palace Hotel Tokyo Review | Timeless Luxury in the Heart of Marunouchi
Why We Keep Returning to Palace Hotel Tokyo
This was our second stay at the exceptional Palace Hotel Tokyo, located in the heart of Marunouchi with serene views over the Imperial Palace gardens. While I typically enjoy discovering new properties, it’s hard to imagine staying anywhere else in Tokyo. Despite checking options through Leading Hotels of the World — including the much-anticipated re-opening of The Okura — Palace Hotel continues to set the bar for refined luxury, flawless service, and a location that’s both central and peaceful. It’s one of those rare properties that makes a lasting impression from the moment you arrive.
If you’re planning a stay in Tokyo, I’d be delighted to help you book Palace Hotel Tokyo through The Private Traveller. As a Fora Travel Advisor, I can secure exclusive VIP perks at this Virtuoso property — including room upgrades, daily breakfast, a $100 hotel credit, early check-in/late check-out, and more — all at no additional cost to you. I’ll also assist with travel planning across Japan, from private transfers to rail journeys and unforgettable experiences.
📩 Submit your travel request to start planning your Tokyo escape with personalised service and added value.
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!
Book Palace Hotel Tokyo with VIP Perks
Planning a stay at Palace Hotel Tokyo? When you book through The Private Traveller in affiliation with Fora Travel, you’ll unlock exclusive Virtuoso benefits that add extra value and ease to your trip — all at no additional cost to you.
🌸 VIP Perks Include:
🛏️ Room upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
🥐 Daily breakfast for two
💳 $100 hotel credit to use on dining or spa services
🕰️ Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
📶 Complimentary Wi-Fi
Whether you're starting your Japan adventure or ending it in style, Palace Hotel Tokyo delivers timeless elegance, impeccable service, and one of the best locations in the city.
📩 Let’s make your Tokyo stay effortless and elevated — submit your travel request or email me directly at dave.gillan@fora.travel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
Final Thoughts on Palace Hotel Tokyo
There’s a timeless quality to Palace Hotel Tokyo that’s hard to match — a seamless blend of modern luxury, Japanese refinement, and exceptional hospitality. From the impeccable service and serene setting to the beautifully appointed rooms and Michelin-starred dining, every element feels intentional and elevated. It’s no surprise this has become our go-to hotel in Tokyo.
Whether you're visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another deep dive into its rich culture, Palace Hotel Tokyo is the ideal base. And if you’re planning a wider itinerary across Japan, I’d be delighted to assist — from rail journeys and cultural tours to luxury hotels and spa escapes, I’ll ensure your trip is seamless from start to finish.
📩 Inspired to book? Submit your travel request or email me at dave.gillan@fora.travel — and let’s start planning your perfect Tokyo experience.
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