Hyatt Regency Tokyo

If the “Regency” brand wasn’t a giveaway, one step into the vast lobby confirms the Hyatt Regency Tokyo's luxury sensibilities. Three enormous crystal chandeliers glitter at the center of the mirrored indoor atrium, while smaller versions feature throughout the hotel’s cream-carpeted hallways. Live bands often perform near the lobby’s seating area. Corridors feature glass cabinets stocked with high-end whiskeys. Furnishings in the common areas are modern and classy, from the long, granite front desk, to the minimalist but swanky decor of the property’s eight dining facilities. This hotel is perpetually booked solid, but doesn’t feel crowded, as the large space and calm atmosphere maintains an elegant vibe; in other words, this isn’t the place for rowdy groups. Business travelers and couples make up most of the clientele, drawn by the property's location and its broad range of features.

A 13-minute walk from the world’s busiest train station, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo occupies a quiet enclave in Shinjuku, surrounded by towering high-rises. It's an appealing location within walking distance to several attractions. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories are five minutes away on foot, and Shinjuku Central Park is a seven-minute walk away. The famous Isetan department store and the Meiji Shrine are both 22-minute walks away. Other tourist sites can be accessed via public transport from Shinjuku Station; the shopping hub of Ginza is 38 minutes away by train, while Tokyo Tower and the Imperial Palace are 30 to 40 minutes away via public transport.Narita International Airport takes an hour and 10 minutes to reach by car, while Haneda Airport is a 27-minute drive away. The hotel does provide an Airport Limousine Bus to and from both for extra fees.

Guest rooms are sizable and awash in neutral hues from cream drapes to earth-toned, striped carpets. Despite bare walls, warm recessed lighting and rich wood furniture (including work desks) gives a sense of luxury. The 71-square-foot Suites have separate living areas and oversized work desks. While rooms in the View category offer breathtaking panoramas of Mount Fuji and Shinjuku Central Park, most others offer stellar urban views. However, several guests have noted that in contrast to the Regency Club rooms and Suites, standard rooms have dated or worn furnishings, like faded rugs, that detract from the luxury feel. Well-appointed Standard Twin, Queen or King Rooms include air-conditioning, 26- or 32-inch flat-screen TVs with international channels, blackout curtains, and safes. Well-stocked minibars, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and coffee- and tea-making supplies are provided. Ironing equipment can be requested. Strangely, for a hotel this modern, wireless routers must be requested from housekeeping in order to access free Wi-Fi. English newspapers delivered daily are a thoughtful touch, and Regency Club members are also treated to a lovely cake and wine welcome package along with fresh fruit every day. Accessible rooms are available on request.Bathrooms can run small in standard rooms, but they're well-appointed with Pharmacopia-brand toiletries, hairdryers, and toilets with bidet functions. Shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads come embedded in granite basins, and while the bathroom's see-through glass door can feel awkward, a press of a button lowers a blind for privacy. 

While all the usual luxury amenities are available here, the extensive on-site dining options are the real standout. The six sit-down restaurants include Italian fare with a side of Shinjuku Central Park views, high-end French, refined Chinese dishes, and three Japanese eateries. Room service is also available 24 hours. The swanky but unpretentious Eau de Vie bar offers cocktails and whiskies amidst dim lighting and studded leather chairs. Cakes and fresh breads are also sold at the hotel's Pastry Shop. Breakfast service isn’t included with room rates, and while the buffet offers a broad array of both traditional Japanese and hot and cold Western items, it is expensive. Fees also apply for many other features. Access to the 28th floor's large indoor pool, complete a small whirlpool plus fabulous floor-to-ceiling views, comes with per-use fees for non-Regency Club members. The same goes for the spotless, well-equipped gym which provides headphones and a blood-pressure monitor. The sleek, hardwood-floored Joule Spa & Wellness center is another hotel gem, offering a full range of massages, saunas, and body treatments, all for a fee. (In-room treatments are available as well.)With 18 meeting or banquet halls in various sizes, plus full catering and conference-planning services, the hotel is a popular venue for both weddings and business events. An Internet Corner in the lobby also offers computer access and printing services for per-page charges, though in-room Wi-Fi access requires borrowing a router from housekeeping.Other perks include an on-site beauty salon and barber shop, free bus service to Shinjuku Station, and self-parking for a fee. Those with mobility issues will appreciate the wheelchair ramps and even a wheelchair available to rent.