Park Hyatt, Tokyo

Location

Occupying the top 14 floors of the impressive Shinjuku Park Tower, this luxury offering looks over the bright lights of Tokyo out past the Kanto plain to the snow-capped iconography of Mt. Fuji. Back at its base, Shinjuku is a fascinating world of octagonal pedestrian crossings and bright neon backed by jumbles of five-person sake houses and hole in the wall noodle joints. And, at its centre is the world’s busiest station; it’s fair to say that this Park Hyatt is well connected. You’ll also find the shrines and parks of Shibuya within walking distance along with the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

Accommodation

Spacious rooms – averaging at 50 square metres – enjoy a 41st floor-or-higher perch, promising sweeping views over the Tokyo metropolis. Ebony furnishings and fine woodwork are picked out against hand-tufted carpets and natural-fibre wall coverings as earthy hues provided by select Japanese artworks add a characterful touch. The water elm panelling and green marble accents of the Standard rooms look out over Yoyogi Park while Deluxe offerings mix in Shinjuku’s light and Mt. Fuji’s peak. All come with high speed internet, deep soaking tubs and Egyptian cotton sheets while larger suites offer a considered contrast to the bustle of the streets below. There are even televisions in the bathrooms.

Dining

Over four restaurants, the chefs at Park Hyatt take you from America to Asia with stops in Europe for classic French and Italian dishes. Look out onto Tokyo or back onto an open kitchen at the 52nd floor New York Grill where imported beef and market fresh seafood are washed down with a choice of almost 2,000 wines or sample contemporary Japanese cuisine in Kozue. The more relaxed Girandole brasserie is a favourite for its Western and Japanese style buffet breakfasts while the bamboo garden of the Peak Lounge is the ideal backdrop to enjoy fresh homemade cakes or an afternoon tea.

Facilities

Decompress after a day sampling street food or an evening sipping whiskey highballs in backstreet bars with Park Hyatt’s excellent facilities. Spanning two floors, the Club on the Park is staffed by an international team of fitness and beauty specialists and features treatment rooms, whirlpool pools, saunas, cold plunge pools, a swimming pool and a fully equipped gym. Alternatively, grab a pastry from the delicatessen, make use of the private library or retire to the New York or Peak bars for live jazz and postcard-perfect views.