A stay at Prince Park Tower Hotel allows you to sit back and watch one of the globe’s most enthralling cities unfold in front of you, all the while enjoying exquisite cuisine and a superb, central location
Location
Located in the Minato City district to the southeast of Toyko’s sprawling centre, the Prince Park Tower is embedded in the green park of the same name, and is a stone’s throw from the iconic Tokyo Tower. Under half an hour away by subway is the luxury shopping district Ginza and, in the opposite direction, the bustling tourist hub of Shibuya. It’s also a short taxi ride from the fabulous teamLab Planets exhibition.
Of the main airports, Haneda is reachable in 45 minutes via the monorail, and Narita is around 90 minutes on the subway.
Read more: I took my four-year-old to Japan – this is everything I learnt
The vibe
The hotel lets its main assets, namely the views and impeccable food across seven distinct restaurants, do the hard work and gaudy gimmicks are nowhere to be found.
In a city as chaotic as Tokyo can be, in spite of its scale – with 603 rooms spread across 33 floors – Prince Park Tower allows you to swap the hustle and bustle for calm refinement and luxury. The decor is elegant and chic, yet minimal – this is a place to relax, feel rejuvenated and go again for another day of exploring and shopping.
Service
It was never difficult to find a staff member to advise on local transport, help with checking in or booking a meal. The concierge desk managed to get us a last-minute table at Katsura steakhouse, where the staff were attentive and made great recommendations.
Across Japan, the language barrier can be a hurdle for travellers, though the hotel had plenty of English-speaking staff.
Bed and bath
A seemingly unending variety of room types is on offer, starting with the Lower Garden category, to standard rooms and suites on floors three to 18. There are Panoramic rooms through to floor 28 and the Premium offering up to floor 31. The four Garden Suites are the only rooms in the hotel set up in a traditional Japanese ryokan-style and come with access to a private garden.
I stayed in a Panoramic King Room – a sight to behold, with large windows overlooking Tokyo Tower and a small balcony to step out onto and take it in further. Both the Alaskan King bed and a work desk were positioned to take in the scenery in all its glory, while the bathroom featured a luxurious whirlpool bath and heated Toto toilets.
The Tower View rooms boast the best views of all.
Read more: Why completing Japan’s historic 88 temple pilgrimage is so rewarding – and gruelling
Food and drink
Sushi, tempura, Chinese, and yakitori eateries are among the 11 bars, cafes, and restaurants.
An exceptional buffet breakfast is served on floor 33 with fruit, bircher muesli, cereals, pastries, cold meats and cheeses and even an egg station. Breakfast is also available at the boulangerie (Japan is famously good at making pastries) and the Japanese restaurant, Shibazakura, which offers a quieter, more traditional set menu including grilled salmon and rice porridge.
Katsura steakhouse serves prime Kobe wagyu and Yonezawa beef (the best steak I’ve ever eaten); suitable for the highest of rollers.
Those staying in Premium rooms have access to the all-day Club Lounge, one floor below, where they can enjoy a quieter atmosphere. With champagne and self-serve beer in the evening.
The hotel can accommodate dietary requirements and allergies, but guests should notify staff before arrival.
Facilities
Spa facilities are located by the rear entrance in a quiet corner of the hotel, where the 25-metre pool is ideal for lane swimming, while a small hot spring onsen bath is also available.
The hotel also boasts a hair salon and florist (it’s a popular wedding venue), and a bowling alley is a novel addition.
Read more: This underrated Japanese city is perfect for escaping overtourism
Accessibility
The hotel offers a total of seven Universal rooms for those with accessibility needs, five of which face Tokyo Tower for the premier views.
Pet policy
Pets are not allowed on the property.
Check-in/check-out
Check-in from 3pm; check-out at 12pm.
Family-friendly?
From suites to connecting rooms, the hotel has 19 family-friendly rooms. The breakfast buffet will satisfy even the fussiest of mini guests.
At a glance
Best thing: The view from the tower rooms and atop the hotel in the bar and Club Lounge.
Perfect for: Shoppers looking to take advantage of a spree in Ginza.
Not right for: Nighttime party-seekers might wish to stay at a livelier hotel.
Instagram from: The Club Lounge after dark, with a glass of champagne in hand.
Marc was a guest of Prince Park Tower
Address: 8-1, ShibaKoen 4-chome, Minato-ku Tokyo, 105-8563 Japan
Phone: +81-(0)3-5400-1111
Website: princehotels.com
Read more: Hot springs, shrines and sake – this diverse part of Japan is perfect for first-time visitors
