As the base for our pre- and post-Japan cruise, we chose the luxurious Shangri-La Tokyo hotel, perched high above the energy of Tokyo Station. Its prime location near the Bullet Train departure point made it the perfect starting point for our travels. While we were already familiar with the Shangri-La brand from its London Shard outpost, this was our first chance to experience their renowned hospitality in Japan. It’s undeniably one of Tokyo’s most expensive hotels, but for us, the experience more than justified the cost. If you’re considering a stay here or searching for a luxury hotel in Tokyo, I hope this review helps.
We stayed here in April 2023, before and after our Japan Cruise.
Spacious & Luxurious: Staying at Shangri-La Tokyo
We arrived early in the morning after a long flight and almost longer queue for immigration. We hadn’t expected our room to be ready but we were taken straight up to our gorgeous and spacious. The Shangri-La Tokyo, in contrast to Tokyo’s compact living spaces, greeted us with a generously-sized oasis. Our room boasted a sumptuous, oversized bed, a spacious desk, and a comfortable seating area by the floor-to-ceiling window. From this vantage point, I could see across Tokyo and down to the tiny looking trains coming in and out of Tokyo Station. This view also gave us some stunning sunsets and nightscapes.
Inside Shangri-La Tokyo: Luxury, Comfort & Style
The bathroom, equally spacious and tastefully designed, featured twin sinks, a lavish wet room with a monsoon shower, and a separate bath—an indulgent touch that epitomized luxury. The Japanese toilet, with its automatic lid and array of advanced features, provided both convenience and amusement for us Westerners. Abundant amenities, including a toothbrush and shaving kit, left no detail overlooked, ensuring our every need was met.
Seamless Connectivity: A Haven for Tech-Savvy Travellers
A standout feature of our stay was the inclusion of complimentary high-speed internet, boasting an impressive 100mbps speed. This really came into play on our stay after the cruise. I had already tanned my roaming allowance for photo backups but still had thousands to put in the cloud. Connecting to the hotel wifi was seamless and almost instantly update Google Photos.
Free proper fast internet (100mbps) was a welcome connection to upload the thousands of photos I took in the city and on our cruise around the country.
Why Shangri-La is Perfect for Exploring Tokyo City
Nestled high within the Marunouchi Trust Tower, the Shangri-La Tokyo proved to be an ideal base for our Tokyo escapades. The hotel’s strategic position offered convenient access to renowned landmarks such as the Imperial Palace and the upscale Ginza Shopping District, both within easy walking distance. Thanks to the Tokyo subway system, we effortlessly ventured further afield, reaching notable attractions like the Skytree and the captivating Senso-ji temple within a short commute. While the hotel is situated in a business district, its surroundings offered charming coffee shops and restaurants, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local culture.
Dining at Shangri-La Tokyo: Nadaman & More
Our culinary experiences at the Shangri-La Hotel were nothing short of extraordinary. We savoured a symphony of exquisite flavours at the hotel’s own Nadaman restaurant during our first evening. The meticulously crafted set menu surpassed even our visit to the acclaimed Nobu the following night. Each course presented a delightful adventure, showcasing the artistry and complexity of Japanese cuisine.
To complement our meal, we opted for the “basic” sake, discovering that warming it is a practice typically employed to enhance the flavour of cheaper sake. Additionally, the hotel’s array of dining options catered to every preference, ranging from casual bites at the Lobby Lounge to sophisticated cocktails at the Horizon Club Lounge. While we ventured out for breakfast to try local delicacies, these enticing offerings beckoned us for future indulgence.
Shangri-La Tokyo Service: What Makes It Stand Out?
Returning to the hotel after our long cruise, it was great to smell the Shangri-La scent knowing luxury awaited us once again.
What had been booked as a convenient ‘first stop’ on our Japan tour became a big highlight of our time in the country. Special thanks go to General Manager Matthias Sutter and his exemplary team. I am not sure if we’ll ever return to Japan (because we need to see the rest of the world) but we will forever have fond memories of Shangri-La Tokyo!
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