Tokyo Bay Maihama Hotel

Located on a palm-tree studded road overlooking Tokyo Bay, the Tokyo Bay Maihama Hotel occupies a cylindrical building that accounts for the stunning interior atrium at its core. The atrium doubles as a lobby, and fills with so much natural light that it almost feels as if it's outdoors. Lush plants, a rock fountain, and patio-like seating with umbrella tables add to the effect. Decor is tasteful and sophisticated throughout, with ceramic tiled floors, chic wood-and-brick elements, and understated beige tones with crimson accents. The large reception desk takes care of check-in and Disney sales, while a wooden walkway serves as a promenade for shops that encircle the lobby. The hotel is attentive to children's needs, and its proximity to Disney draws families here to visit the theme park.

Sitting among a string of Disney resort hotels, the Tokyo Bay Maihama faces Tokyo Bay to the west and Disney (or at least its parking lot) to the east. While officially located in Chiba prefecture’s Urayasu district outside Tokyo, the hotel is focused on Tokyo Disney and provides free shuttle service to the theme park.

Travel time to most central Tokyo sights such as Tsukiji Fish Market, Shibuya Crossing, and the Imperial Palace, takes about 45 minutes to an hour via public transportation, with travel time by car around 30 minutes. 

• 14 minutes to Maihama Station (JR train on Keiyo Line) via monorail 
• 15 minutes to Disneyland entrance via free shuttle
• 45 minutes to Tokyo Station via public transportation
• One hour to Tokyo Haneda Airport via public transportation (30 minutes by car)
• One hour and 20 minutes to Narita International Airport via public transportation (50 minutes by car)

Built in 2007, the Tokyo Bay Maihama Hotel is one of the newest additions to the Official Disney Resorts sextet that sit along Tokyo Bay, so it’s rooms are some of the most modern on the block. Unlike many other Disney Resorts, though, the decor here is much more understated, with calm beige tones and tasteful accents. 

The Harmony Room is perhaps the brightest, with a striped carpet, side-by-side beds with red and orange details, and an orange accent wall. Two coordinating pieces of abstract art hang over the bed, and the ceiling has a stylish center recess. Other rooms are even more subdued, with chic light wood accent walls and dark wood furniture. 

The Bay View Suite has a separate living area and kitchenette with a sink and counter, while the Japanese Room looks like a complete apartment in traditional Japanese style and has elegant extras like floral tea cups, a chic dining area, and a deep, wooden tub. 

Bathrooms are lovely and spacious. Though they range in size depending on the room, all have a stylish at-home vibe with thoughtful touches such as under-sink baskets for storage and a small stool so kids can reach the sink. Japanese-style toilets are separate from the rest of the bathroom by a sliding door, and there's also a private wet-room style shower area, which is generous in size and includes a large tub that’s perfect for kids. 

Rooms include such amenities as flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, coffee and tea service, as well as pajamas for kids and adults, robes, slippers, and a range of toiletries. Wi-Fi is free, but note that room service is not available. 

Because the hotel is circular, all rooms have views, but not all are spectacular -- some face the hotel next door or the Disney parking lot. Guests say that rooms facing the bay tend to have the best views.

The Tokyo Bay Maihama Hotel has two restaurants, including the atrium cafe, which offers light meals and grab-and-go baked goods, and the Fine Terrace Restaurant, which serves Western-style meals. The breakfast buffet doesn’t come standard in the room rate (though it’s free for kids age three and under), and while guests say the food is adequate, they complain it's pricey. 

The hotel doesn’t have a fitness center or a pool, but it does have a large spa with stylish lounges, a small treatment room for massages, chic male and female saunas, a whirlpool, and a Japanese style bath. (Note that Japanese etiquette and hotel rules dictate that those with extensive tattoos cannot use the spa.) Spa facilities cost an extra fee.

In addition to an ocean-view banquet room, which is nice for weddings, the hotel has an enchanting freestanding chapel with giant windows that overlook the bay. The atrium is host to several shops that sell souvenirs and traveler essentials.