The Peninsula Tokyo

I booked this hotel at the very last minute. And I engaged with the concierge for restaurant bookings and it replied with alacrity and professionalism. Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly and check in was a breeze. My request for a high floor room was duly honoured and we were delighted with the size (spacious king bed, comfortable sofa/sitting area, small dining table, writing desk, ample walk in closet and dual sink bathroom) and view overlooking the hustle and bustle of downtown Ginza. Service was flawless and quick, but not intrusive. We didn’t have meals in the hotel as it was unnecessary given the vast choices within walking distance, from late night ramen to izakaya, omakase to conveyor belt sushi, tonkatsu or teppanyaki or tempura…. It would be criminal not to be out at all hours to devour all there was to offer at this food capital. And if this seemed too overwhelming, as it truly was, it would also be criminal not to seek advice from the very knowledgeable Peninsula concierge which was reachable at all times via WhatsApp! If one were to complain about the Pen, it would be that the property maybe showing its age a little. Admittedly the extensive use of red wood and crimson might not be entirely to our taste, we much preferred this old charming style and design than the newer “chic” dark/moody designs favoured by the latest 5 star hotels around the world, where the lack of lighting meant we often couldn’t see the inside of our suitcases or find the hairdryer or kettle in the room. Also the gym is indeed rather small, though the swimming pool offering views of the park is lovely.

This was my first visit to a Peninsula Hotel, but it will not be my last!! The service was exceptional! Special shout out to Minju at the front desk who warmly welcomed my son and I to the hotel after a long journey to Tokyo! She is a wonderful ambassador for the hotel and started our stay out on such a lovely note. We enjoyed an included breakfast with our booking each morning and the food was delicious. Our room was impeccably clean and well-appointed. The location of the hotel was also convenient to local sights, restaurants and shopping. A+++ experience at this hotel. Thank you to the entire staff for a wonderful first stay in Tokyo!

It breaks my heart to give the Peninsular Tokyo anything but 5 stars...but the shine has gone off this hotel. I stayed here, oh, probably a decade ago, and it was amazing! It is STILL in a fantastic location, the staff are STILL amazing, it STILL has super comfy beds, but the rooms, at least our room, was worn, and dated. It was the least clean hotel we stayed in in two plus week in Japan. Our toilet plumbing leaked on the floor. The shower door was loose. The furniture was...well used, and when was the last time you staed in a luxury hotel with a DVD player and a fax machine? I cannot stress how lovely the staff are, and the location, just steps from Ginza and the Imperial Palace is excellent, but I can't help but feel the hotel is in bad need of refurbishing, and is resting on its laurels a bit? On this trip we also stayed at The Tokyo Station Hotel, which is not far away and SO much better. You might want to consider there instead?

Loved this hotel. Maybe I am extra positive since we were upgraded to a suite at the very top floor with views over Tokyo but our kids' room was also very nice. Fantastic quality breakfast and really super friendly staff. A request we had was met with the reply "At the Peninsula, nothing is impossible" :) Maybe a bit cheesy and surely not 100% true, but still an attitude that you love as a guest. The indoor pool with nice views was also very appreciated and the rooftop bar was great. The concierge had also recommended and booked us at two different restaurants outside and they were the best we visited in Tokyo and Japan. Our only possible critique was perhaps that the breakfast is served in the lobby, which is not really a relaxing environment. One morning they moved the breakfast to the rooftop bar and that was much nicer. But that is a very minor comment comparing with all that was to love about this place. We are experienced luxury travellers and thus a little picky, but this hotel is a gem. We also stayed at Mandarin Oriental in Tokyo and while very nice, we thought the Peninsula was a better choice in all ways.

We booked The Peninsula hoping to get a top experience … we got there and while it’s very good located, the building is great , rooms , bathrooms and closet sizes excellent, the whole property is decadent … old, outdated, restaurants stayed in the 90’s and the hotel needs an urgent renovation! What a dissapoinent!