Currently in the process of renovations, the Park Hyatt Tokyo was a hotel that I long desired to stay in, and the chance to do so finally came after the pandemic restrictions were lifted. I was not disappointed. Even just staying in one of the regular rooms was special and I am glad to have experienced it before the hotel closed.
Located in the farther end of Shinjuku, the Park Hyatt Tokyo is located in a large office tower, with the main means of getting up to the lobby being an elevator lobby that took me up to the main floor, after which I navigated a series of art-laden corridors to the actual lobby. I was seated and checked at the individual desks that dotted the area. The entry really set the tone for my stay-- just arriving at the hotel and walking up felt exclusive. I was sent my way and received the luggage that the staff had collected from me earlier at the building entrance shortly after arriving at my room.
The halls and passageways were very elaborate. I could see some being frustrated having to go through several of them to get to their rooms but I dug the vibe. The many pathways also meant that sound couldn't travel very far, meaning that the hotel was intimately quiet outside of the lobby and restaurants.
As expected, the room was spacious, at least for a Tokyo hotel. While appearing dated (hence the hotel going its refresh now), the furnishings nonetheless look classic and well-maintained. The features one would expect from a luxury hotel were all there and nearly organized. With the Park Hyatt being situated at the top end of the tower, the room came with a panoramic view of Tokyo that's hard to beat; one can get a similar view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free, yes, but one cannot wake up and watch the sun rise from there. The bed and furniture were comfortable and ensured a good night's rest each time. The only complaints I had were the lack of power outlets, which was not surprising given the age of the hotel, and the steep height of the bathtub. I'm sure the renovations will come with many more outlets in each room when they are complete. I'm also sure that even after renovations, I will still have trouble getting in and out of the bathtub, as I cannot magically grow longer legs. Overall, I enjoyed the room and would happily stay in it again.
While I didn't make full use of the hotel's food and beverage facilities (there were many and they were all expensive), I did have the chance to sample their room service for lunch and also head up to the New York Bar for a nightcap. I recall that room service menu had many options spread across their restaurants and I had a Croque Monsieur. The sandwich along with a side made for a sumptuous meal that would have easily taken me out for the afternoon had I not resolved to get in some last-minute sightseeing. After coming back from dinner, I went up to the bar for a few drinks. Seating was plentiful when we were arrived, so we settled in and got our orders in quickly. The drinks were expensive (I remember them being between 2,000 and 3,000 Yen per cocktail), but they were delicious and were a small price to pay for the atmosphere, as well as for the nighttime views of Shinjuku. The menu also included snacks and small bites, which were equally expensive, but satisfying.
Throughout my stay, I was greeted and treated warmly by the staff. The service ties everything together; the hotel's facilities were fantastic but they certainly wouldn't be as great without the staff manning them. From check-in to check-out, I had a great time. I hope an opportunity arises to stay here again!