The Peninsula Tokyo Hotel Review

Peninsula Hotel is renowned for delivering glamour in spades. In my experience travelling with children is exciting, eye opening, luxurious if you choose – but rarely glamorous.  Thus my decision to book The Peninsula Tokyo for our family holiday visit to Japan was met  with raised eyebrows from The Husband…

You might have read my post about our stay at The Peninsula Hong Kong (just The Husband and I); truly the jewel in this Hotel group’s crown.  A hard act to follow.  However I am a loyal type, once I enjoy superb customer service and facilities I like to stick to that brand – hence our Tokyo accommodation. Having done my research (I love a read of TripAdvisor) I decided that even with kids in tow it was the place for us, so The Husband put his hesitation to one side and we booked this swanky property – for four.

 LOCATION

The Peninsula Tokyo is situated on the edge of the Imperial Palace gardens,

in the business district of Marunouchi (within 10 minutes stroll of the prestigious shopping district of Ginza).  With a subway station directly below the building; easy walking to the above ground JR train line; plenty of mini marts across the road and adjoining the lovely park – the hotel is in a safe, family friendly location.  With lots of shops close by, I was very happy indeed.

Before

Why did you visit this property?

Family holiday visit to Tokyo.

Was the property easy to book?

Yes, after my near miss disaster booking online last time (I have included that tale again below as a WARNING…to not make our mistake…).

I checked rates through our Travel Agent; direct with the hotel and online.  The best price was available direct through The Peninsula reservations system, our agent made the reservations for us.

LESSON: I am all for discovering a LUXE for LESS option. Even premium properties have periods where inventory exceeds demand; benefiting the consumer with favourable pricing. Lovely – a win, win. Many of these ‘deals’ are available online. Just be careful who you book through – with our Hong Kong booking The Husband saved us a couple of hundred dollars – yet when I called the hotel with questions about our arrival, the booking website had not entered our details and there was no record of our reservation. Mild panic – which The Peninsula team rectified (thank you).

NOTE: I have spoken often about how much I love my Travel Agent, if she books a component of our trips; I know it will all be as described. If there are any problems she will handle them…

During

Was the transfer from the airport seamless?

We arrived from Kyoto via the Shinkansen ‘Bullet Train’ into Tokyo Station (I adore the Japanese transport system). Easy peasy transfer, straight into a taxi arriving at the hotel in five minutes.

First impressions?

I knew The Peninsula Tokyo would not have the wow factor of the Hong Kong Art Deco façade.  However I was pleasantly surprised to find a sweeping drive – with views over the park.

The youngest son was thrilled to be met by the iconic white suited page.

My expectations of the entry foyer were low as pre-trip research unearthed comments from previous guests alluding to the small nature of the space and the fact that the breakfast/lunch restaurant shares the area.  Well horses for courses I suppose, okay it is not vast but it is airy, the ceilings soar and musicians sit perched on a balcony.

A magnificent sculptural artwork dominates the scene.

How was Check-In handled?

Perfectly – we arrived three hours before the official check in time and were shown immediately to our room.

How may we help you (service and staff)?

Every request efficiently handled.  The Peninsula staff training is obviously uniform throughout the brand, yet allowing for the personality of the local culture to shine through.  From bookings at Cat Cafe’s (yes these do exist), to a surprise ride around the block in the hotel Rolls Royce for our Birthday boy.  Concierge suffered through several changes of restaurant bookings, always with a smile.

Rooms

Ta da – how was the room?

I won’t lie, the room we booked was going to be cosy for our family of four (two beds and a roll-away); so it was particularly divine to be offered a Deluxe Corner room on check-in.  At 69 sq m there was plenty of space to stretch out – bearing in mind the average size of most hotel rooms in Tokyo is 40 sq m – (even the smallest room at the Peninsula is 51sq m, almost palatial in comparison).

Welcome – anyone saying this?

At every encounter – , in the lift, on the phone, exit and entry. The boys even received this sweet surprise after dinner on our first evening.

Sleep – bliss or blah?

Definitely bliss – it was remiss of me to forget to ask (I will follow this up…) whether there is a specific ‘Peninsula’ bed brand.  As per Hong Kong the beds were sublime, with different styles of pillows offered (soft, medium, hard).  Even the rollaway for the eldest was big enough to comfortably accommodate his rapidly growing frame.

Unpacking – is there room for everything?

The HUGE walk in wardrobe accommodated all our clothes, suitcases and the youngest who build himself a cosy nook from doonas and pillows.

Of course the signature vanity desk complete with nail dryer and hairdryer (note: the dryer was not particularly forceful, I had left my own travel one at home, will pack it next time).

WI/FI – techie bright stuff.

Plenty of TV news channels to keep The Husband happy, enough documentaries for the kids and most importantly for the eldest – free (& fast) WI/FI throughout the hotel.

All the usual business amenities available.

Did I mention the magazine selection…
Sadly whilst the selection was good, I couldn’t find an English language issue.  Nevertheless the pictures in Vogue were pretty.
Made to feel at home (robes, bottled water, tea/coffee).

Yes, yes and yes.

Keeping it clean – bliss or blah (amenities, decent hair dryer)?

Glorious large bath with a lovely view onto the street (and the office block across the way – note to self, lower blinds at night – if you can see them, almost certainly they can see you)…

Marble detailing, separate vanities; and OSCAR DE LA RENTA amenities.

The sweetest housekeeper even arranged The Husbands pile of god knows what, into this neat display…

Now I don’t know if you have experienced a Japanese toilet, honestly this subject could fill its own post…in short the seats are heated, some play music (presumably to make your ahem…experience…more pleasant), they squirt water to clean and the Rolls Royce models even massage…goodness…

Restaurants

With six dining options (including Room Service) you hardly need to leave the hotel. However the culinary delights of Tokyo beckoned so we only managed to sample a couple.

Peter  Birthday dinner for the youngest in the signature restaurant  on the 24th Floor – in a word superb…the service, our meal, and that view. Beautiful people were enjoying the adjoining bar, a spot The Husband and I will return to, minus the kids.

The Lobby  Prior to our trip I read guest reviews which made mention of disappointment the breakfast area was situated in the central hub of the hotel. I am the opposite – I love a lobby restaurant for the buzz and interest it provides with your morning coffee. As I have mentioned previously, how else would I have managed to feel part of a glorious wedding for which The Peninsula Tokyo is renowned.

The Peninsula Boutique and Cafe  Afternoon slumps were revived by a handmade chocolate (or three); and those cream cakes…all made in the adjoining pastry kitchens. Guests can watch the masters in action at the viewing windows.

Action/Relaxation – what activities were on offer?

The pool and gym were perfect for working off our culinary indulgences…(note that children under 12 years can only swim between the hours of 9.00am-6.00pm, they are not allowed in the steam room/spa or gym – I was very happy to enjoy the steam room sans little ones…)

Cost…

Previously I have not added this section as prices vary from season to season, however for families I think it is helpful to have a gauge.

As you would expect the rates at The Peninsula Hotels are not for the faint hearted, at approximately AUD $750 per night (as mentioned above, our booking was made direct with the hotel).  However having researched other properties in Tokyo many would have only accommodated three guests at a pinch, we would have then been up for two rooms which at about $350 per night comes close to the above.  Also be aware that many hotels in Japan cannot guarantee interconnecting rooms, with younger kids you do not want them sleeping down the hall from you!

Would I stay at this property again?

I loved the location and the hotel…so if I was staying in this area I would absolutely be back.

FIND OUT MORE

The Peninsula Tokyo website

DISCOVER THE DESTINATION

Discover Tokyo

** all opinions my own; we paid our own expense’s – The Peninsula Tokyo generously provided an upgrade to a superior room – thank you…**