The Peninsula Tokyo

My favorite hotel anywhere.
Impeccable service with a humility that will melt your heart, in the four stays I have had here I have loved every minute.
An amazing spa with mint infused mist jets, waterfall showers, steam and sauna, pool and gym — again, impeccably maintained and furnished.
The rooms are phenomenal. They have high tech controls for everything from lights to shades, tv and room service — I got a corner aspect King overlooking Hibiya Gardens and the Imperial Palace from the 22^nd floor. The bathrooms have multiple head rain showers, tubs with views overlooking Tokyo and walk in closets that are not only custom made, but massive.
And lets not forget the bar on the roof with 360 degree views of Ginza and the rest of Tokyo, or the fact that it has its own elevator access from Hibiya metro station.
Seriously, my favorite hotel anywhere. I love everything about it.

Not my favorite Peninsula Hotel as the New York and Hong Kong Peninsula are both far superior in quality and service. They hassled us to wait for our room until 5pm. The downstairs restaurant caters to walkins more then hotel guests. The upstairs restaurant smells of smoke. The spa was just ok.

My husband and I decided to stay at the Peninsula Tokyo for the second part of our honeymoon. And let me tell you, we are so happy we did because this property is true luxury.
Location: The hotel is located in the Ginza neighbourhood of Tokyo. Ginza is known for being the upscale shopping area along with amazing restaurants, coffee bars, etc. I felt that it was pretty central for all of the places we were going to.
Arrival: There is a circular driveway with plenty of staff to welcome you to the property. FYI — there’s also a back door to the hotel you can enter, but there’s no staff on that side.
Bellman: Inside there’s always one person at the revolving door to help you with the door and asks you if you need a taxi. Then outside, there are always 2 – 4 people outside the hotel to help you. They serve as greeters, bellman, help you into a taxi, and everything else.
Parking: Not sure about the parking situation since we didn’t have a car.
Reception/​Front Desk: The front desk staff is very welcoming and armed with people. There always seemed to be 5 – 10 people in the reception/​front desk area to not only check you in, but to say hello when you arrive back to the hotel (the elevators are right next to reception), to say good bye as you’re leaving the hotel. It’s a bit overwhelming.
Lobby: The lobby is large with a walkway in the center, one of their restaurants is on both sides and a two small seating areas.
Room: We had room 1211 which is a deluxe room. The room was very large with a sitting area with a couch, coffee table, desk, and a table for two to enjoy your coffee or a snack.
View: We had floor to ceiling windows and views of office buildings.
Bed: We had a king size bed which was very comfortable.
Bathroom: The bathroom was amazing. Two separate sink areas on opposite sides, separate shower, beautiful bath tub, and of course the Toto toilet that opens from a sensor.
Hair dryer: The dryer was ok. It wasn’t very strong.
Products: They had Oscar de la Renta products.
Coffee Maker: They had an espresso machine in the room which was part of the furniture — very sleek. The pods, creamer, etc were in a drawer next to the coffee machine.
Closet: There were two closet areas — one exposed, one with a door.
Safe: The safe was a large hotel safe.
Control Panel: It controlled the lighting, temperature, and audio. There was also a remote for the TV.
Minibar: There was a standard minibar in the room.
Mirrors: There was a large full size mirror along with the multiple mirrors in the bathroom.
Housekeeping: Great.
Wifi: The wifi was free and the speed was good.
Dining: We didn’t dine at the hotel because we made reservations off property. We did have drinks at the bar of the hotel and did pick up pastries downstairs in their café.
Spa/​Gym/​Pool: The gym was small, but had everything you needed. The pool was AMAZING. I highly recommend going for a swim if you have time. They have everything you need and its beautiful. We didn’t go to the spa.
Concierge: This is one of the areas where I expected more. They were ok, but very late in responding prior to arrival when we asked for help with reservations. It would take sometimes a week before they responded back.
Style: The hotel is very Peninsula traditional.
Service: Overall Amazing.
Other: They had these little different things in the room that I’ve never seen at another hotel such as the nail dryer for women and also the porter box by the door where they place items in it for you instead of hanging things on your door or slipping things under your door.
Would I go back? DEFINITELY! It’s now on my favourite hotels list. Everything about the property is luxury, and you can’t go wrong with The Peninsula.

Amazingly comfortable rooms to kick back at the end of the day. Nothing better than soaking in the spacious tub with a bit of single malt from the nearby 7 – 11 and giving your body a bit of a break after exploring Tokyo all day…

If you’re coming to Tokyo and money is not an issue, this is definitely your best option in Ginza district. I had never stayed in a better and more technology-​driven hotel before coming to The Peninsula Tokyo. Food is excellent and the options are many. The concierges go out of their way to accommodate the guests and, most importantly, always with a smile. One is within walking distance from the best shopping, dining and entertainment options, but also there is good transportation, including subway stations all over Ginza. My Tokyo experience could have been better!

On a recent vacation in Tokyo, we chose to stay at the business-​luxe Peninsula in Ginza and were not disappointed. Across the street from the imperial palace, atop a subway station and a 10-​minute walk from Tokyo Station, the location doesn’t get any better. But that’s not the only plus.
The luxury began as we were picked up from the airport in their signature Rolls-​Royce (not included in the cost of the room but available as an add on). Upon arrival at the hotel an attendant whisked us up to our room to check us in and give us instructions on how to operate the room (everything is tech-​integrated). Throughout our stay the staff was always there to guide us through the city and give us bottles of water upon our arrival and departure.
The highlight though, was the concierge service. We travel to eat, and gave them a dream list of restaurants we wanted reservations for during our short 4-​day stay. Some of these restaurants are notoriously difficult to get into, rumored as locals-​only, Japanese speaking only, etc. Let me tell you, the concierge delivered so much that there were days we had both lunch and dinner checked off our list. Admittedly they had never seen such good luck with reservations, or so they said, but if you’re looking for a great concierge for that purpose, the Peninsula is winner.

One of the best hotels I’ve stayed in

We stayed here for the first part of our honeymoon trip to Japan on the suggestion of a friend who always stays here when he is in town, and all I can say is: boy, am I glad we listened to his suggestion! There are always porters around to hand you an umbrella if it’s raining outside, to turn the revolving entry door, and to give you a towel after you go for a run outside around the Imperial Palace grounds. The front desk was very helpful in getting us checked in, and the concierge was excellent in ensuring that all of our reservations were taken care of (I can’t blame them for the original Jiro location having a private event on the day we wanted to go for lunch) before we had arrived. Next time I visit (which is a must), I’ll have to try the afternoon tea sometime — that seemed to be quite popular, and the treats looked delicious!
As for the aesthetics — it’s a gorgeous hotel. The lobby has high ceilings, a balcony from which live music is played, and a beautiful art piece (that resembles something like a snail) front and center. What’s cooler is from the 8^th to the 23^rd floor, there’s another art exhibit across from the elevator bank that are really tall lighted spirals that look endless against the pitch black of the cavern. And as for the room itself — it’s hard to beat the layout. We had a deluxe room overlooking the imperial park on the 22^nd floor, which gave us a fantastic north/​northwest exposure of the palace grounds and the distant Tokyo skyline. The walk-​in closet was a pleasant surprise — so big! — and the bathroom, with marble everything, the highest-​tech toilet I’ve ever seen, and a bathtub that has a cascading rock formation as a faucet — was a gem. As for the main room, it’s wired up with the same kind of lighting technology (mood lighting and regular) as everywhere else, and it’s even got a fax machine in the room — talk about being able to do anything from the room. The design is phenomenal as well, particularly the full teak wood sliding door that separates the entryway from the room, the matted bamboo ceiling (such a beautiful yet simple design that I’d never seen anywhere before), and overall a very Asian yet contemporary, modern motif to the entire layout.
It’s a very accessible hotel for Japanese people and for foreigners alike, and I have zero doubt that I’ll be staying here the next time I come visit Tokyo, especially since it’s quite convenient (around a 10 – 15 minute walk) relative to Tokyo Station, and you’re just a few minutes away from the bustling Ginza district. Quite possibly the best hotel I’ve stayed at, from all perspectives — both the amenities and the service.

This place oozes luxury, and more than lives up to the Peninsula name.
Pros:
I can second what others have mentioned with regards to the white gloved-​service and the focus on technology. The latter truly is a differentiator in my mind – I loved the lighting, TV, and audio systems throughout my room – there were at least 3 control panels (and of course the crazy toilet!). The bathtub is pretty ridiculously amazing – I loved watching 90’s movies from the bathtub with the controls right there. Oh also the walk-​in closet was completely over the top and unexpected. Another standout in terms of the room was definitely the amazing Lavazza espresso machine. They always made sure that I had at least 2 capsules at all times! Absolutely amazing coffee.
–Didn’t try the spa or pool, but the latter looked insanely amazing.
–You really cannot beat the location of the hotel either. Right in the heart of Ginza.
Cons:
For me, though, there were certain drawbacks that mostly had to do with how many people there seemed to be. The place always seemed to be crawling with people — from wealthy Chinese families (porters chasing after them with conspicuous orange colored shopping bags ;P) to business types (myself included), the place was packed! Check-​in/​out took a little longer than I would have liked – I think maybe they could move to an iPad/​mobile set up to expedite/​make things more flexible for folks.
Upon reflection, it makes total sense that the hotel needs to be running at near peak occupancy to achieve an acceptable ROI, given just the ridiculous building materials and level of service employed.
I also didn’t like that the general restaurant for breakfast was the dining area directly located in the lobby. The lobby also seemed to lack a good area for waiting for folks… it had these odd side bench seats that doubled as dividers for the dining portion of the room.
Finally, I was kind of disappointed by the dining/​bar options (although, to be fair, I didn’t try the Japanese restaurant in the basement): I found the Cantonese restaurant (Hei Fung Terrace) to be overpriced –although the e-​fu noodles with crab and roe were great and then Peter’s bar at the top of the hotel was way more «loungey/​cluby» with plastic metallic trees and random paraphernalia from Veuve Cliquot decorating the room. Which is all fine, but I was kind of expecting something a little more sophisticated along the lines of the Park Hyatt’s New York Grill and less «bottle service at Tao.» That said, I did note the little perch above lobby floor where a live jazz band played during the evening – nice touch.
Verdict:
Overall, the over-​the-​top room features and service more than make up for any of the above shortcomings. It also helped that we took one of their Rolls Royce Phantoms to Haneda. A woman was waiting on the curb to assist us with our luggage and provide a last token of Peninsula hospitality.

With its white gloved valet and bellhop welcoming every guest that arrives at the Peninsula Tokyo, service and luxury begins at the doorstep. The Peninsula brand has definitely made its name from their excellent hospitality and service, but the Peninsula Tokyo takes on an innovative approach to stand out from other luxury hotels in the area. Aligned with the Japanese fascination of technology, the Peninsula Tokyo embraces every touch of high tech and luxury amenities that make our stay very special.
The walk-​in closet is spacious especially by Tokyo standards. Any hotel that adds in important details for female guests has a special place in my heart. At the dresser is a cushioned seat for makeup application. An in-​built nail dryer is also present at the side for her to paint her nails before a night out in town. As if not not pampering enough, there is also an in-​built radio controls at the dresser for me to select my entertainment while I apply my makeup. Listening to a mix of J-​pop and American music before a night out at Ginza– I think that’s a win situation.
The room has a Lavazza espresso machine. There’s also 2-​seater dining table already laid with silverware and plates.
The room, bathroom, and bathtub have in-​built electric controls in the wall for lights, radio, and TV. When the toilet bowl is not used after awhile, the seat cover automatically comes down to cover the seat. As someone approaches the toilet bowl, the sensor senses it and the seat cover automatically comes up. As part of the toilet bowl controls, one can choose if the seat itself be lifted up with the seat cover or not, once again taking into consideration if the user is female or male.
Our bed area and sitting room are spacious for a deluxe room and for Tokyo standards. The switch on the wall illuminates when we approach so that we can actually see the switch itself when it’s dark or dim. At night, the alarm and light switch on the bedside table also illuminate with dim glow when we touch the table or put something on the table. There’s turn down service every evening with bedroom slippers and bottled water on each side of the bed.
The hotel is directly connected to the Hibiya metro station via Exit 6A and 7A, hence there is no need to go outdoors to and from the train on a cold day. The JR Yurakucho train tracks are only a 2 – 3 minute walk away and under the train tracks are countless of izakayas, eating and drinking establishments that are popular among salarymen. The running route around the perimeter of the Imperial Palace that is popular among local runners or joggers is literally across the street from the hotel. When we want to splurge on style and fashion, it’s just a short walk away to the Ginza shopping area.

We stayed at both the Peninsula Hotel and the Four Seasons Tokyo. Both hotels are amazing, but to help you make a decision between either, here’s a summary which I posted in duplicate for both business.
Service: equally stellar.
Rooms: we found the rooms at the Peninsula better. They are bigger, quieter, with loads of amenities. My wife is still geeking out about the built-​in nail polish dryer.
Pool. The Peninsula has an amazing pool. I mean crazy amazing. The Four Season has none, sniff.
Restaurants. The breakfast at the Peninsula is in the main lobby, which is a bit of let-​down. At the Four Seasons, it’s a nice space on the 6^th (?) floor. The Peninsula does have an awesome western style brunch on Sunday which I strongly recommend (even if you’re not staying there). The Peninsula also has a nice Chinese restaurant (maybe a bit pricey).
Bars. Peets on the 23^rd floor (or 24^th) of the Peninsula is major venue, so bonus. I didn’t find the bar at the Four Seasons that exciting, Small, no views, etc.
Location. Same, both have a great location. I preferred the Peninsula because it was further away from Tokyo rail station and closer to Ginza; at the Four Season, you could often here the trains and feel caught up in the «commute».
Verdict: I would choose the Peninsula over the Four Seasons. Again, both are great, deserve 5 stars, but since you’re paying the same, you may as well squeeze out the little differences that make it even better.

Overall I thought it was an excellent hotel that was super-​conveniently located. Not exactly inexpensive, but in this category I think it offers a lot for the money.
The Hotel: Everything still feels & smells brand new. It’s a stand-​alone building, so it’s nice not having to wade through a shopping mall /​office tower crowd on the way to the hotel.
The Room: I stayed in Room 1311, a Superior King (= standard) room booked via the hotel website. It was clearly the smallest room category offered, but my feelings weren’t hurt; by Tokyo standards I think the room can pass as a junior-​junior suite, with an intelligent layout that basically avoids your having to stare at your bed while lounging on the couch & watching TV. Wonderful material used throughout, with lots of textured material like wood and granite. Controls for room temperature *and* humidity. Great audio-​visual system setup, including my first in-​room internet radio station. The sound quality is as internet radio does, but it’s still nice to have tons of music genre on hand. In-​room espresso machine is handy for taking a quick breather in between activites. There’s also a FOMA (3G) phone in the room, enabling use as a cordless phone throughout the hotel. It’s a cute feature but I would have found it much more useful if in-​city calls were enabled (and billed to the room). (I rented a mobile phone via the business center, and it’s fine, but they don’t come with email enabled. Ugh.) The room phone also has a brilliant IP Phone feature, offering presumably dirt-​cheap calling rates (or free?) internationally; I didn’t see any notes around the room as to the calling rates, but it’s a great touch. Nicely furnished bathroom, with the requisite top-​of-​line Toto Washlet (with motorized seats) setup. The room looks out to another office building (reminiscent of mid-​town NYC hotels) but this wasn’t a big issue as it was a weekend stay.
The Staff: Varies between amazing to… «meh.» Check-​in was slow-​ish, as if still going through on-​the-​job training. The door people & bell staff were unfailingly polite, the concierge was helpful. The most amazing was the room valet & cleaning service, though — I asked for a dress shirt to be pressed at 7pm (regular service cutoff is 10pm, with «by next morning» return) and it came back within 15 minutes. Check-​out however was an absolute disaster — the hotel was fully booked for the weekend and the crowd completely turned over at exactly 12 noon, the check-​out time. Calls to the bell desk went unanswered, there was a 20-​person queue at checkout, and when asked if I could just leave the key in the room and have the billing details emailed to me, the man handling the line responded that I needed to have Express Checkout arranged beforehand. Egads.
Location: Outstanding. Perfect. My current favorite. (Previously I used to stay frequently at Cerulean Tower in Shibuya for work.) Insanely short walk to the heart of Ginza (between Yurakucho Bic Camera, Muji flagship, Uniqlo flagship, and the new Tokyu Hands Ginza, all of my usual Tokyo shopping needs can be completed in like an hour), direct in-​building connection to the Hibiya subway station (from which the lines can take you anywhere with zero or one transfer) and a 1-​block walk to the Yurakucho JR station. A convenience store ½ block away, open 24 hours with everything you need. What’s not to like? I agree the Park Hyatt is a perfectly fine hotel and all, but the Peninsula lets you walk right into center of everything with no shuttle buses and taxis.
Conclusion: Is it worth 2X Cerulean Tower’s room rate? Maybe. Sometimes. Certainly for short stays requiring super-​efficient surgical shopping strikes.
Quick tip: The limousine bus to the hotel makes 2 slow and anguishing stops at TCAT and Tokyo Station on the way to the hotel — I think the return trip to Narita makes like 4 – 5 stops on the way out. Unless you have a ton of bags, repeat travelers should certainly take the Narita Express and hop into a cab at Tokyo Station.