About a year ago, when we decided to travel to Japan, we started looking for a nice hotel in Tokyo. We planned on staying three days in the city before boarding the Azamara Quest. Ultimately, after looking at a variety of places, we decided to stay at the Tokyo Station Hotel. It is located in the Chiyoda section of the city within walking distance of the Imperial Gardens and Palace. The train station was built in 1914 and is an historic site. The hotel itself was recently refurbished and it is lovely. Here is a photo of the hotel from the outside.
We arrived around 9 am and were greeted by a friendly and welcoming staff. Although when we checked in our room, as was to be expected, was not ready. The bell staff stored our luggage and the next time we saw it it was in our room waiting for us. Here is a photo of the reception area.
As we were standing there, deciding what to do, a gentleman, Mr. Yoshiki Kamata, approached us, introduced himself, and asked if there was anything he could do to help us. He was going out of his way to be gracious, something which we really appreciated. As we discovered during our conversation, he lived in New Jersey for a number of years. We later learned that he was the duty manager of the hotel.
We were impressed by all of the staff with whom we came in contact. There was nothing they would not do to make our stay enjoyable. They always had a friendly “good morning” for me when I left in the mornings on my way to Starbucks and a “hello” or “welcome back” at all other times.
In addition to mentioning Mr. Kamata, I would like to say how helpful Miss Miyuki Saito, Concierge, was to us. JoAnn communicated by email with her prior to our arrival to arrange for a car and driver to pick us up at the airport. Everything worked flawlessly, from the time we were greeted outside of customs until we were delivered to the hotel. Then, she was there, with a smile, to assist us after we arrived. Here is a photo of JoAnn and Miyuki.
We strolled around awhile, spending time in the underground of the train station. Around 12 pm we returned to the hotel for a light lunch in the Lobby Lounge and to wait for Izumi. Here is a photo of the Lobby Lounge.
When we finally returned from our day with Izumi, we found our room ready and waiting. As we were being lead to our room by a pleasant bellhop she casually told us that room 3047 was her favorite in the hotel. As luck would have it, we received a complementary upgrade. We originally booked a Deluxe King Room with a Palace View but, I am embarrassed to say, we were put in the Imperial Suite; and Imperial it is. You be the judge.
Here is a photo of the view from our room, looking in the direction of the Imperial Palace and Garden.
For luxury in Tokyo, with wonderful service, book the Tokyo Station Hotel.