A Hong Kong tradition marked the opening of The Peninsula Tokyo on September 1st. A lion dance reflected the Hong Kong origins of the hotel, which is the eighth to bear the name of the original icon. The dance is intended to bring good fortune to the new enterprise.
The hotel is the first freestanding luxury hotel in Tokyo in more than ten years, as other luxury properties have been incorporated into office or mixed use complexes. The 24-story building, with 267 guest rooms plus 47 suites, is located opposite the Imperial Palace at the entrance of the Ginza and Maruonuchi districts, giving the rooms views of the Imperial Palace, Hibiya, and the city. The design reflects the architect’s view of the hotel as a traditional Japanese lantern. Earth tones, marble, wood, lacquer, and stone continue the Japanese theme.
The technological features of the rooms include personal nail dryers in each dressing room and push-button conversion of bathrooms into a spa environment. The telephone system provides a wired phone which can receive automatic transfers of calls from the guest’s mobile phone, Bluetooth synchronization with other phones in the room, and Skype internet-based phone service in addition to the regular service. A second, and portable, phone serves as the in-room phone anywhere in the hotel and can also be used to make outside calls to the Tokyo metropolitan area.
The Peninsula’s five restaurants include a rooftop restaurant with sweeping panoramic views of the city and the Imperial Gardens. The décor features chrome polished trees, private dining areas created by round pods, and an interactive video wall. The restaurant, Peter, serves international cuisine.
The hotel also offers a lounge bar, two ballrooms, and six meeting or function rooms. In addition, a fitness center and The Peninsula Spa by ESPA are available. Special facilities include a wedding chapel, a Japanese ceremony room, and a Rolls-Royce fleet. The hotel’s luxury jewelry shops GRAFF, de GRISOGONO and Chantecler Tokyo are newcomers to Japan.
The Marunouchi district is located between the Tokyo and Yuakucho train stations, convenient to the Rodeo Drive of Tokyo, Naka-dori Avenue and close to the district’s theaters and museums, as well as Japanese and international corporations. It’s location in Marunouchi means the Peninsula Tokyo is well positioned for both business and leisure travelers.
The Honorable Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited said, “The sheer variety of Tokyo’s attractions are world famous — not only the bustling streets and booming economy, but also the traditions and renowned culture of the Japanese people, and thus The Peninsula Tokyo attempts to encapsulate all these sentiments in its architecture, interiors, public areas and guest rooms.”
For reservations, visit http://www.peninsula.com or call toll-free Global Customer Service Center at (1-800) 123 4646 from Mexico, (1-866) 382 8388 from the United States. The Peninsula Hotels operates luxury hotels in key cities in Asia and the United States. Rates at the Peninsula Tokyo start at 60,000 yen per night ($516 at 116 yen/dollar).
