At a Glance
Owned by Japanese hoteliers, the 23-story Palace Hotel is located adjacent to the Imperial Palace Gardens and, thanks to a beautiful renovation, has elegant, sleek and modern décor.
Indagare Loves
- The proximity to the Imperial Gardens' 3-mile loop (a plus for outdoor exercise fans)
- Japan’s only Evian brand spa, which also has a great gym and pool
- That many of the rooms have balconies with views of the Imperial Gardens
Review
The Japanese owners spent $1.2 billion to rebuild the Palace Hotel in 2012, and their efforts (and dollars) were not wasted. The sophisticated, modern style has held up over the years, and the many Japanese treasures found in the 290 guest rooms set this hotel apart from the more international of the luxury pack. Look for the purest spring water from Takanawa and Ishizuchi Mountains by the bedside, plush Imabari towels, Jugetsudo green tea and Mashiko-yaki teacups, which were handmade in a Tochigi prefecture kiln that dates to Japan’s Nara period. Another unique selling point: many of the rooms even have balconies that overlook the Imperial Gardens.
More indigenous experiences can be found beyond the guest rooms, starting with seitai trigger point therapy in the acclaimed Evian Spa. Ten dining outlets here include Go, a teppanyaki grill serving melt-in-your-mouth Matsuzaka beef, and the Royal Bar, a glamorous anachronism of velvet high-back chairs and red-leather banquets beneath walls lined with vintage spirits. The all-day Grand Kitchen extends to Tokyo’s only moat-side terrace, complete with Imperial swans that confer a distinctly kitsch but relaxing vibe in this fast-paced metropolis.
Who Should Stay
Lovers of all-things Japanese will find plenty to adore among this hotel’s details and amenities. The hotel works for couples, business travelers and families alike.
Written by Indagare