Hotel Review: The Peninsula Tokyo has some of the largest rooms in the city

So you’re in Tokyo. A city that offers top-notch hospitality and service as its calling card. You want something familiar and comfortable – but luxurious. You want to be pampered but not overwhelmed. You want the history and tradition of an institutional hospitality brand, but without sacrificing the conveniences of modern life.

At the Peninsula Tokyo, you won’t be disappointed. The distinguished property caters to its guests whims with a focus on the finer things in life and a high regard for omotenashi, the Japanese brand of hospitality that provides service that goes above and beyond expectations. This exceptional service is paired with fabulous facilities, world-class dining options and a location in one of Tokyo’s buzziest districts — you can’t really ask for more.

The arrival

Bellhops in head-to-toe white come out to greet you as soon as your car turns into the circular driveway (book one of the hotel’s fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantoms or BMW 7 in the signature Peninsula green to arrive in style), while suited staff usher you through the hotel’s revolving doors. The compact, high-ceilinged lobby feels calm even when it’s packed with guests, with a stunning fireworks-inspired chandelier suspended from the ceiling and, if you come in time for tea, live music from a three-piece orchestra drifting across the space.

The service

Mark Choon, the hotel’s general manager and former resident manager at The Peninsula Bangkok, leads an efficient team that has only one purpose: to provide a memorable experience with personalised service. So don’t be surprised if the staff call you by name or remember your preferred drink.

The rooms

Deeply functional amenities, including a centralised wireless control panel, bedside USB chargers, a Lavazza espresso machine and (are you ready for this) an in-built nail dryer, intermingle with an earth-toned color scheme and beautiful Japanese-style accents of woven bamboo, cherry wood and red lacquer. The Japanese element extends to the bathroom where you have a huge soaking tub and bespoke earth-friendly bath products by Japanese fragrance curator Satori Osawa.

The rooms at the Peninsula Tokyo are among the largest in the city (the “smallest” Deluxe Room is an ample 54sqm), but if you’re feeling flush and want even more space, then book the 114sqm Grand Premier Suite. This gorgeous accommodation comes with views of the neighbouring Imperial Palace Gardens and Hibiya Park, and perks such as the hotel’s signature sake and the chance to be chauffeured around the city in a Peninsula MINI Cooper S Clubman.

The food

As enticing as it is to stay in your well-appointed room and just order in, you would be doing yourself a favor by seeking out the hotel’s dining outlets. The Peninsula Tokyo’s gastronomic showpiece is Peter, a steak and grill restaurant on the hotel’s 24th floor where you can indulge in premium Japanese A5 Wagyu beef and crispy red snow crab cakes along with views of the Imperial Palace. Pre- and post-prandial drinks can be had next door at The Bar: Peter, which specializes in creative tipples like The Tokyo Joe, a gin-based drink with plum liqueur, Drambuie, cranberry juice, lemon juice that pays homage to the Humphery Bogart-starrer that was filmed in post-war Japan. If you’re craving Japanese fare, the renowned Ten-ichi satisfies with delicately fried tempura specialities while Sushi Wakon offers beautifully crafted Edo-mae style sushi. For the best dine-and-doze experience, book the hotel’s “Journey to Japan” package, which includes a three-night stay and a dinner at one of the Peninsula Tokyo’s main restaurants.

The afternoon tea

Nothing is more decadent than afternoon tea. And at The Peninsula Tokyo, this multi-tiered, finger food affair is serious business. Every afternoon, you’ll see both well-dressed locals and tourists sit back at The Lobby and take a break from their daily lives or sightseeing to enjoy dainty sweet tarts and sponge cakes, and savoury sandwiches with exotic fillings. Traditionalists will be happy to know that scones — warm and fluffy —also feature heavily, and can be enjoyed alongside Peninsula’s original black tea or organic, hand-blended brews from Art of Tea. The afternoon teas are based on a monthly theme. Visit for ANTEPRIMA Afternoon Tea in September, a collaboration with the Japan-oriented fashion brand, or try Peninsula in Pink Afternoon Tea in support of breast cancer awareness month in October.

The spa

When it’s time to relax, head to the award-winning Peninsula Spa, which has nine treatment rooms and offers a range of luxurious programs, including holistic treatments by Australian natural skincare line Subtle Energies and anti-ageing facials using Margy’s MonteCarlo. But if you want a treatment rooted in Japanese philosophy, go for Zen, which starts off with a Japanese incense ceremony followed by a foot bath and an energising massage that incorporates the use of jade stones. The spa is boosted by an indoor pool that looks out to the Imperial Palace’s well-manicured grounds.

Beyond the hotel

The glitzy Ginza district (an easy five-minute walk from the hotel), with its high-end malls, chic designer stores, trendy museums and Michelin-starred eateries, is just begging to be explored. For retail therapy at your doorstep, the trendy Tokyo Midtown Hibiya is just a block away. After all that, take a leisurely stroll to Hibiya Park and the Imperial Palace’s East Gardens where you can relax among in the shadow of ancient ruins.

Ready to live it up in Tokyo? Fly there with Thai Airways!