Hyatt Regency Tokyo

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo for a short 1-night stopover before continuing to the Hyatt Regency Kyoto. After taking the Narita Express to Shinjuku, we proceeded to leave at the wrong entrance and walk in the opposite direction for 30 minutes, before realising we were in the wrong place. We were unable to find the hotel shuttle and would advise paying the small fee for a taxi from the railway station to the hotel, especially if arriving jet-lagged.

Although we asked for permission to take photos, we were advised that they would prefer us to use the hotel's professional photos, so all photos in this report were provided by hotel management. We arrived in the early evening after flying through the night from Abu Dhabi via Bangkok, so were pretty tired. After approaching the front desk, we were asked whether we would prefer to check-in at the club lounge and were escorted to the lift and directed where to go. Check-in was reasonably swift with very friendly service, although we were not offered a choice of diamond amenity.

Dining

The service in the club lounge was definitely a highlight for us. On first glance, we were disappointed by the offerings in the club lounge as there did not seem to be much available - in terms of quantity or choice. However, after pointing out to the staff that we had a number of dietary requirements, we were delighted to be advised that they were about to bring 'the lamb' out. This turned out to be a tureen of perfectly cooked, medium-rare rack of lamb. In fact, it was one of the best racks of lamb we had ever had, and was a great surprise for a club lounge. Unfortunately, it went within a few minutes, similarly to the rest of the offerings, which would provide a nice snack with a drink but not enough for a meal (unless, perhaps you have sharp elbows!). Breakfast was again not great, but there was a continental offering, as well as a couple of hot items. The club lounge itself was a spacious room. However, we unfortunately found that a noisy group could be heard throughout.

Although we didn't have time to use it, the hotel houses a French restaurant with 2 Michelin stars, which offers a reasonably priced "prix fixe" menu, as well as Japanese, Chinese and Italian dining options. We ordered a bento box for room service which was ok, but nothing special.

Overall Impression

Rooms

The pictures we were provided with don't seem to relate to the room we were given. We had booked a View Deluxe King (hoping to receive a Club Deluxe Room) - the pictures online showed a modern spacious room with a separate shower and bath. Unfortunately, we received what we think was a View Deluxe Corner King. This room may officially be an upgrade but was cramped, a strange layout and in need of renovation. The bathroom was a real let down, with only a shower over bath. In all, the room felt very old and 3* in quality and very bland. 

However, the service at the hotel was pretty good. WIFI is not wired into the hotel, however, a wireless router can be set up in the room. After asking, this was delivered to the room within minutes, as was the UK adapter plug which we requested. No diamond amenity was in the room. However, we did receive the 1000 points amenity without requesting it after our stay. We would advise Diamond members book either a standard room or a suite. Non-diamond members we would advise to book a Club room.

Spa and Leisure

We did not have time to use the spa or leisure facilities. However, the hotel offers a compact gym complete with modern equipment (with personal TVs) a swimming pool, whirlpool and treatment spa. 

The swimming pool and whirlpool are nice to have in a city hotel, but be aware of cultural sensitivities regarding tattoos - if you have any visible when wearing bathing gear, it is advised not to use the facilities.

The spa offers reasonably priced treatments (for Tokyo), including Vichy showers, which we can strongly recommend, after enjoying at the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. 

The pool and gym offer fantastic views over Tokyo and, if you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the elusive Mount Fuji.

Although the service in the Hyatt Regency Tokyo was much better than expected, and hard to fault, we were disappointed with the standard of our room. The club lounge had a reasonable offering in the evening but breakfast was poor. As such, we would recommend staying in the Park Hyatt Tokyo when visiting Japan's capital, despite the Park Hyatt being around double the cost. The Park Hyatt is not perfect, but the rooms were much better, the service is faultless (if not over friendly) and the diamond breakfast is fantastic. The Hyatt Regency Tokyo is ok and perhaps our best advice if you insist on staying here would be to request a recently renovated room.