Where are we staying.
The Westin Tokyo a luxurious five star hotel; member of the Mariott behemoth. Yet the property feels, dare I say, cosy. We visit over Christmas and the buzz is palpable. Kids queue excitedly for photos with Father Christmas, beautiful young things meet for glamorous brunch, cocktail hour grooves as city lights glisten below (Tokyo does Christmas exceedingly well). However make no mistake, this hotel is distinctly Japanese – from the perfectly executed service, to the quirky touches that constantly remind us we are most certainly in Tokyo.
Quietly overlooking the well-heeled suburb of Ebisu, not so much on the tourist radar yet incredibly popular with local Japanese families, couples, and groups of friends. Testament to a hotel’s quality if residents actually want to frequent the place. Ebisu was voted the best neighbourhood to live by Japanese people (a ‘hidden gem’ in Tokyo). we love discovering the many charms.
I admit from the outside The Westin Tokyo is not much to look at, however years of travel has taught me not to judge a book by it’s cover. Besides as a hotel guest your stay is spent looking from the outside in and in this regard nothing is left wanting. With barely any neighbouring high-rises, views stretch in all directions.
We spy Tokyo Tower from breakfast in Victor’s (french and very swish), and again in Compass Rose cocktail jazz bar; Mt Fuji graciously appears at Yebisu (signature beef ‘melt in the mouth’ Teppanyaki lunch), and most mornings from our room (four Tokyo winter experiences have without exception produced clear, blue skies). Despite being located in a neighbourhood you probably never heard of – The Westin Tokyo is far more Central than our previous Tokyo stays.
Ebisu is smack bang in the middle of the main J.R Yamamote Line (for Tokyo ‘newbies’ this is very, very good…), one stop to Shibuya in one direction and easy access to Ginza and beyond in the other. Not to be overlooked is the Metro system just a few more steps away – conveniently connecting even more of the city.
Behind the Scenes
Fun fact; The Westin Tokyo site used to be a beer factory producing ‘Yebisu beer’ – giving rise to the name of the area; fittingly one of the most prestigious beers in Japan (you can visit the fascinating Yebisu Beer Museum across the road).
The Westin Tokyo Rooms
Described as ‘classic European design’, the rooms are huge by Tokyo standards (starting from 42sqm) easily accommodating Mum & two teens, signature ‘Heavenly’ beds ensure fabulous slumber – keeping us refreshed for our full days of exploring thrilling Tokyo.
The Westin Tokyo Executive Floor
I speak frequently about the wonders of Executive Floors; this visit is no exception. We enjoy Club Lounge access (for breakfast, afternoon tea & cocktails), yet can also alternate with breakfast in the main buffet dining or in the top floor Victor’s (known as ‘celebrity’ breakfast). Christmas and New Year is busy in the hotel and the lounge can become congested, specifically in the evenings when it seems we all want a drink at the same time – cleverly the hotel makes the top floor Compass Rose bar available as an alternate spot to enjoy the sunset and complementary drinks.
The in-house Spa is excellent and the gym get the thumbs up from fitness mad teens.
We run out of time (and stomach space) to sample more of the dining options; suffice to say a return visit is required.
To Ponder
I won’t sugar coat that it is a bit of a walk to the Train Station (albeit about seven minutes). Although I can’t actually say it is any further than other Tokyo hotels we have stayed. A huge positive is that you can make the entire journey from your room to the station, undercover. There is also lift access, so if you are pushing a pram (or a suitcase) you will find this easy. Various eateries, convenience stores, ATM’s are dotted along the way. Tokyo is a walking town – there is no skirting around that fact.
We Like
Conversely it is the location that is a winner. The Westin Tokyo is situated on one side of the station; also home to elegant Department Store Mitsukoshi (definitely visit their food-hall), Yebisu Garden Palace shopping precinct (the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum is excellent). Take the opposite Station exit and you enter one of Tokyo’s more fascinating neighbourhoods. Traditional style homes, interesting bars (Bar Martha if you are a retro music fan this spot is not to be missed), vintage shops. Just a little further on is Daikanyama and Nakameguro; lots of chic cafes, and the most incredible complex of Tsutaya T-site bookstore.
Highly recommended.
