The by-line for The Peninsula Tokyo is ‘international by design, Japanese by inspiration’ and this rings very true. The elegance, hospitality and comfort of The Peninsula is in keeping with the beauty and hospitality of Japan.
We had just left a Kyoto ryokan and as I lay on my plush Western style bed in The Peninsula I smiled to myself as I noted the tatami mat detail which was recessed into the ceiling, a nod to the culture and style of Japan. And while not expected that we dress for meals, as in other places, our dressing room here had a pair of handsome yakuta robes for us to enjoy. After appreciating the specialness of Japan I felt these thoughtful elements were particularly poignant; you don’t feel like you’re in ‘just any’ five star hotel in the world, The Peninsula Tokyo is anchored to place. It is elegant, contemporary and five-star luxury from the moment you enter.
Now there is of course an international accent as it is a place for both vacationers and world business. Of the mod-cons there is exceptional English from all staff, quality Wi-Fi, many fine dining options from in-room to Western, Japanese and Chinese. Service is precise and pleasant.
The DVD player, fax machine, LAN connection, printer and two lines to make calls from the bathroom are a quirky but harmless snapshot of early 2000’s technology.
In your room (neatly disguised by wooden screens in keeping with a serene Japanese interior) you will find an excellent mini bar with a range of fine wines and other beverages as well as a selection of snacks. Plus, bubble bath and a couple of bath toys for the kids.
Our family unit occupied a Deluxe Room and a Premier Room. I had made the mistake of using Booking dot com to make the reservation. When I asked the hotel if we could please have a late check out because of our upcoming night flight back to Australia, they noted this was a free benefit of direct booking. But they were very amenable and helpful, anyway, and their excellent English made correspondence over email straight forward and easy. So, my advice is book direct and the wonderful team will assist you.
The Peninsula is very welcoming (without being asked) to kids such as providing a little step stool in bathroom to help them do their teeth and wash hands and offering a small paper suitcase with colouring in materials on arrival. There were also child-sized robes and slippers.
While we were in one of their smaller rooms the space was still generous. For example, we had a big bathroom and a separate dressing room for luggage and clothing. This was very nice when you’re on the road and don’t want to see you bags constantly, it adds to the sense of cleanliness and indulgence. Turn down service and service in general is prompt and friendly. We ordered breakfast for the 7 to 7:30am window and it came at 7:01am. My early riser husband was delighted.
The Peninsula has a scenic, central and special location in Tokyo being next to the Imperial Palace. We easily ventured out to Robot Park in Roppongi and visited the Jinbōchō area to check out the many specialist book shops, an idea seeded after reading ‘Days at the Morisaki Bookshop’.
At the tail end of our trip, it was the perfect place for being a little travel weary and also as a last stop to indulge before we return to the routine of home life. We leaned into the amenities and room service unapologetically. It was wonderful.