Shangri-La Tokyo

A true definition of a 5 star hotel. It was a bit confusing at first as it just has a few high floors in the building, but got the hang of it. While the service and staff were top notch, do have to mention a few things. If you think you got a hotel with a pool, think again, as it requires a reservation to go to in advance and it has a limitation of maximum 8 people at a time, so would need to plan accordingly. While the hotel offers breakfast, it is at about $50 a person and honestly not worth the money. Did love the room, where not a single little detail was missed.

I tried to get a breakfast with a business partner on a Friday early morning. There were several tables available and no hotel guest waiting but as a rule: no service for non staying guests. This hotel is no longer an option for biz meetings. Anyhow there are several other hotels nearby in walking distance who offering a good breakfast (western & japanese style)

My 5th stay at Shangri-La Tokyo! This is truly my go-to hotel in Tokyo. The hotel is set in a great location (can't beat being right next to Tokyo Station), and the rooms are well-appointed and maintained. However, in my view, what really sets the Shangri-La Tokyo apart is the Horizon Club. It is so nice being able to go back to the Horizon Club for a cup of tea after lunch, or having a glass or two of champagne before dinner! The people in the Horizon Club are what make the place truly special and world-class. They are so helpful and attentive. It is so nice seeing familiar faces whenever I am back in Tokyo, and I really enjoy my conversations with the team. Thank you Suyeon, Kyoko, Aisha, Yukari, Mark, Stephanie, Alireza, Takeshi and Erina!!! We will be back soon!!!

Wish there was an option for 4.5. Service is absolutely 5-Star + but the physical facility is showing its age and not sure why Shangri-La has not invested in updating this. Rooms and public areas are well-maintained but the elevators, gym, and other public areas are in need of a "refresh" -- lots of dark wood and chandeliers still abound. For fitness buffs, the gym is small and gets crowded -- the locker area really holds no more than one or two max comfortably. There is one mat for stretching. Also staff a bit lax here about cleaning the locker room - it's so tiny that it really needs to be cleaned after each use since otherwise used towels, slippers, etc. must be moved by next guest. Guest rooms are large and comfortable. Horizon Club and the having the attention of the excellent staff there are worth the splurge although here too a renovation -- with some comfortable seating for breakfast--should be an important priority. When we visited they were still charging extra for "Imperial Garden View" but at this point most of that view is blocked by new construction. One other note on the location: yes it is right by Tokyo Station which is served by numerous metro lines but reality is that access to some of those lines can be a challenging 15-20 minute underground walk. If you want easy access to the metro may want to consider another spot directly adjacent to a subway line. So in summary, the staff is 5*++ and the facility is just not up to the same level.

Our new go to choice in Tokyo! Location is central, and a two minute walk to Tokyo central train station which means ready access to anywhere in the city and country. Plush large rooms, per the Shangri La brand, in super clean and new condition. The breakfast buffet is one of the best we have had anywhere, not just in variety, but in quality of the dishes. The pumpkin soup, kumquat pastry, aubergine and lobster Benedicts were a few standouts (see photos), and the dining room staff incredibly attentive and friendly. Multiple staff on each of the three days we ate there rushed to help serve us and carry plates back to our table, and recognized us from prior days. There is a huge 20 m swimming pool which was perfect for lap swimming and not used much in our several visits there to wash away travel fatigue. Each locker room has a wonderful large jacuzzi and sauna. Again, the gym staff were solicitous with hot towels, bottled water and free snacks. We loved being able to walk two minutes to the massive high quality food courts in Tokyo Station and the attached department store, Daimaru. They put the food basement floor at Harrods in London to shame, with an incredible array of take out or eat in dishes of all cuisines and prices. Very impressed with price, quality of service, accommodations, food. Doesn’t get any better!