Palace Hotel Tokyo Review

Location and overview

The Palace Hotel Tokyo stands out as a premier destination that seamlessly blends luxury and convenience, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking the ultimate Tokyo experience. Nestled in the heart of the city and just a station away from the bustling Tokyo Station, guests enjoy easy access to key attractions while being enveloped in the serene beauty of the Imperial Palace gardens. Since its opening in 1961 and subsequent renovation in 2012, this five-star hotel has upheld its reputation for excellence, becoming a proud member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World Group. With its elegant accommodations and stunning views, the Palace Hotel Tokyo not only offers a lavish stay but also an unforgettable glimpse into Japan's rich culture and history. The hotel has 266 rooms with 18 suites and is now a house of 10 notable restaurants, including one Michelin-starred restaurant, Esterre by Alain Ducasse, Sushi Kanesaka, and an Evian Spa. It also won several awards and mentions throughout the year, including #9 Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Award, Travel + Leisure Top 10 Tokyo Hotels, and Forbes Travel Guide. 

The area itself is a high-rise central business district of Tokyo, so on weekdays it can be quite busy, but on the other hand, it gets very quiet on the weekend. The hotel is directly connected to Otemachi station of the Marunouchi, Mita, Chiyoda, Hanzomon, and Tozai subway lines in the Marunouchi district through an underground tunnel. The hotel is located in its own building, so it is quite massive but private at the same time. Upon arrival, the check-in process is quite smooth and fast. The lobby is adorned with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, allowing natural light to come in. They also have a lounge bar in the lobby with live music on certain days, which is a quite famous spot to see and be seen. Although the lobby area might feel a bit businesslike, the room and the rest of the hotel changed my mind.

The Room

The deluxe room has a size of 45 square meters with a king-size bed, a bathroom with a separate tub and shower area, a mini-bar, a TV, and a seating area overlooking the Imperial Palace and Otemon Gate just across the property. Most of the room is carpeted and has an earthy color scheme and wooden interior; the overall design speaks of understated elegance. The room plan is quite straightforward, but the room is carefully decorated to make it polished. Extra touches include the extensive mini-bar with a Nespresso capsule coffee maker and an entire premium tea-making set by Jugetsudo by Maruyama Nori with Nambu-tekki tea pot and Mashiko-yaki tea cups you can enjoy in the room. The curtain comes with an automatic switch, and the entire light switch in the room is adjustable to create different lighting moods. These thoughtful features enhance the guest experience, allowing for both convenience and comfort. Together, they contribute to a sophisticated atmosphere that invites relaxation and enjoyment.

The bathroom is spacious with a separate shower with a rain shower, a Japanese smart toilet behind a glass door, a bathtub, and a gigantic sink area. The rain shower has one of the most perfect temperatures and water pressures. I always inspect it in every hotel I stay in, yet I still don’t know why I am doing it. The bathroom has a transparent glass panel with wooden blinds. They provide an entire line of bath amenities by Bamford and skin care. No need to worry if you don’t bring any of yours. The bath linens are made in Imabari, a city in Japan renowned for the quality of its towel manufacturing. They also have a kimono you can wear during your stay.

Restaurants and Facilities

The dining experience in this hotel makes it a premier destination for both food enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation. There are a total of 10 restaurants and bars in the vicinity, mostly located in the lobby and on the 5th and 6th floors, to complete your dining experience in Tokyo. One Michelin-starred Esterre, founded by world-renowned chef and restaurateur Alain Ducasse, presents a contemporary approach to the fine dining experience. What is visiting Tokyo without trying authentic Japanese cuisine? Kaiseki at Wadakura, teppanyaki at GO, tempura at Tatsumi, and sushi at Sushi Kanesaka (by Shinji Kanesaka) are your go-to places for the dining experience. If you prefer Chinese cuisine, the Michelin-starred restaurant Amber Palace can be your option. The Royal Bar, The Palace Lounge, and Lounge Bar Privé are well known among locals for their tea time set, cocktails, and live music experience.

Beyond dining, the fifth-floor facilities invite guests to unwind in style, featuring a state-of-the-art gym, indoor pool, and jacuzzi that cater to fitness and leisure alike. The Evian Spa further elevates the experience with an array of massages, facials, body treatments, and invigorating water exercises designed to rejuvenate both body and spirit. Together, these elements create a holistic experience that captivates the senses, making every visit a memorable escape into luxury and flavor.

Overall, design-wise it might not be my usual go-to selection of a hotel; please keep in mind that I like a modern, ultra-sleek interior and design. For someone who loves a more posh hotel without being too much, this might be a sweet spot. The hotel is huge, but it is also rather quiet and not that busy except in the lobby lounge area at night. Service-wise, everything is smooth and no hassle, a standard of Japanese hospitality. The hotel also offers several activities, including ikebana, sake tasting, and an art tour experience, which you can book in advance. These experiences are inclusive to the hotel guests, and I think it is worth mentioning. Too bad, I only discovered it after I went back and didn’t find out about it before or during my stay. 

Final Round Up

Palace Hotel Tokyo’s prestigious location, view, and its own building give a unique royalty experience to your stay in Japan. The hotel design is elegant but not overly ornamented, with earthy tones throughout the building. Because it is located in its own building, it gives a sense of quietness, privacy, and serenity, perfect for those who prefer an elegant, low-key establishment. The variety of restaurants and bars in the vicinity is one of the key things to highlight in this hotel. My  trip becomes a cherished memory, illustrating how every detail—each moment of attentive service and cultural engagement—contributes to a profound sense of belonging and joy unique to Japan.

tags:hotel,japan,tokyo