If you’re anything like me, then you can’t resist a hotel with a good view. When visiting Tokyo, staying in a hotel with a view of the Tokyo Tower was a bucket-list experience for me, and that’s how I found myself staying 30 floors above ground at Park Hotel Tokyo.
Located high in the sky and within the Shiodome area, Park Hotel Tokyo is a splendid base whether you’re travelling for business or leisure. The ease of getting to and from the airport, combined with the hotel’s artistic concept and unique views, certainly make this hotel a solid option for various types of travellers.
Keep reading on for my honest review and thoughts following my stay.
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Location: 4/5
Getting to Park Hotel Tokyo was a breeze. I had just arrived in Tokyo on a domestic flight from Sapporo, which had involved delays and an earthquake shake while boarding the plane (yes, that was a first for me), and I couldn’t wait to get to the hotel and take a breather for a few moments.
Thankfully, Park Hotel Tokyo is located right between the Shimbashi and Shiodome stations, making the journey from Haneda Airport an easy and straightforward commute in just 40 minutes via the Keikyū Airport Line.
Personally, the convenient location for reaching the airport was one of my priorities, as I only had two final days to spend in Tokyo before flying back home after a fantastic five weeks travelling around Japan. And on this, Park Hotel Tokyo absolutely delivered.
I particularly enjoyed the hotel’s location in the Shiodome neighbourhood, for its proximity to Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, and the Christmas Markets that were open when we visited in mid-December.
First impressions: 4/5
Arriving at the Shiodome Media Tower (the building where Park Hotel Tokyo is housed in), I was greeted by direction signs pointing to the lifts for access to the hotel. Following a swift lift ride up, I reached the hotel lobby, located between the Tower’s 25th and 34th floors.
Glancing over to my right past the Concierge desk, I could immediately spot Tokyo Tower standing against the bright-orange sunset light. The lounge area is dotted with chairs facing the windows, where some guests perched themselves admiring the city views.
In front of the Concierge desk, there is a spacious reception area decorated with artworks, and lit by an imposing skylight above. The central wall serves as a large canvas, where digital projections are displayed, transforming it into an art gallery.
The staff tells me that the concept of this space mimics the way Japanese people adapt their home environment and decor to reflect the mood and colours of the seasons. Similarly, the exhibitions displayed in this central reception area rotate four times a year, according to the seasons.
On the way to the rooms, each floor has a Corridor Gallery, dressed in artworks all around. Park Hotel Tokyo is first and foremost an art hotel, and prioritises supporting and featuring local Japanese artists – although international artists are also showcased as part of its temporary exhibitions.
The permanent exhibition on the 29th floor particularly grabbed my attention. Hosted in cooperation with Paralym Art, this Corridor Gallery showcases artworks by artists with disabilities, which can be purchased by hotel visitors.
In fact, most of the artworks and objects displayed throughout the hotel can be purchased. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, or you’d like a special souvenir from your visit to Japan, you are free to roam the hotel and choose something you like.
Rooms: 5/5
The most unique part of staying at Park Hotel Tokyo is the chance of staying in one of its Artist Rooms. The hotel runs the “Artist in Residence” program, where artists are commissioned to live in the hotel and work on a project to convert an original guest room into an artist room.
Each Artist Room is unique and created by a different artist, combining painting, sculpture, and other artistic techniques. So far, 50 rooms have been converted and can be booked. I had the pleasure of staying at the Geisha Goldfish Artist Room by the Japanese artist Aki Narita – one of the hotel’s favourite rooms.
As if sleeping inside a literal work of art wasn’t cool enough, the view from the room spoils us with a direct view to Tokyo Tower. While we weren’t lucky enough to experience clear skies during our stay, I was told that you can also see Mount Fuji in the distance, on a clear day.
The room presented all the amenities and comfort expected from a modern hotel: comfortable bed, storage space, a desk, contemporary furnishings, and sustainable amenities made from bamboo and wood (which I found to be very rare in hotels across Japan).
Food and drink: 4/5
While staying at Park Hotel Tokyo, I had the pleasure of having dinner at the onsite Japanese restaurant Hanasanshou, as well as enjoying the hotel breakfast.
Dinner at Hanasanshou felt like a sophisticated treat – dim lights, city views, quiet ambience, and fresh, well-prepared ingredients in a Kaiseki-style meal. The restaurant still enjoys the prestige of having once held a Michelin star, and continues to be a highly-regarded and intimate dining spot.
The waiter who served us was cordial and attentive, especially when I had forgotten to specify beforehand that I don’t like shrimp and one of my dishes had to be readjusted before service. This was not a problem, and the shrimp tempura was kindly replaced by vegetable tempura.
I thoroughly enjoyed the freshness of the ingredients, particularly the seafood in the sashimi assortment and the kaisen-don (sashimi rice bowl). The confection of the red snapper clear soup was also masterful, and confirms the restaurant’s reputation for serving flavourful and aromatic broths.
In the morning, the hotel breakfast is held at the ART Colours Dining room, accessible from the central reception lobby. The room is bright, with large windows overlooking Hamarikyu Gardens and Tokyo Bay.
At arrival, we were given a buzzer to wait our turn, as apparently the breakfast room is small and fills up at peak times. Fortunately, we were called in almost immediately. However, we were unaware that space was limited, which could be an issue for any guests with time-sensitive activities booked.
The food options range from American-style breakfast to a vegan-friendly menu and local ingredients on the buffet table. After travelling across Japan for the past weeks and getting used to Japanese breakfasts, it felt almost odd to choose among a variety of mostly Western options.
Yes, there is still rice, tea, miso soup, and vegetables, but the majority of the buffet spread felt very Western-oriented. I realise that this is great for Western travellers with kids, or those travelling in Japan for the first time and craving some familiarity.
I personally would’ve loved to see a wider offer of typical Japanese small dishes.
Service and comfort: 5/5
I cannot fault the staff at Park Hotel Tokyo even one bit. All the staff we interacted with were polite, attentive, and eager to help whenever we had a question or required anything.
The level of service is well on par with the standard expected from Japanese hospitality. With the 24-hour desk, I always felt like I could approach the staff with any query I had, and trust that they would do their best to help.
For example, they brought our luggage to the room while we checked in, and helped me make a local phone call to my airline from the room landline phone.
OVERVIEW
Park Hotel Tokyo
Rooms: 270 guest rooms, of which 50 Artist Rooms
Dining: 2 Restaurants (Hanasanshou, ART colours Dining), 1 Cocktail Bar (The Society)
Amenities: Museum Lounge, Art Shop, Spa Treatment
Address: Shiodome Media Tower 1-7-1 Higashi Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-7227, Japan
Bottom line
Overall, I would certainly return to Park Hotel Tokyo. As a city hotel, the accommodation delivers on location, service, comfort, and a very unique concept committed to supporting local communities, artists, and businesses.
If sleeping in a hotel with a view of Tokyo Tower is on your bucket list, Park Hotel Tokyo is a good place to stay and an accessible option to have that experience without breaking the bank.
You will be well-based to explore Tokyo, with plenty of sightseeing, shopping, and dining options nearby (the Ginza district is only a 20-minute walk away). Additionally, the privileged location with direct connections to Haneda Airport makes it the perfect option for short stays.
*This review was possible as part of a hosted stay with Park Hotel Tokyo. However, and as always, all opinions are entirely my own and without bias.
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