
Tokyo’s buzzy Ginza district is understood for its buying, leisure and nightlife, and it is simply gotten one other injection of cool from the brand new Tokyo Version, Ginza, the newest location of Marriott‘s assortment of high-end Edition hotels.
The Tokyo Version, Ginza is the Nineteenth outpost of this upscale model, the lodge chain first brought to life by legendary hotelier and Studio 54 co-founder Ian Schrager. I used to be one of many first company to remain on the lodge in early March, simply earlier than its official opening.
Though the lodge is brand-new, the service felt polished and distinctive; no opening kinks right here. Here is what else that you must learn about The Tokyo Version, Ginza, and whether or not it is proper in your subsequent journey to Japan’s capital.
What’s The Tokyo Version, Ginza?
The Tokyo Version, Ginza is a lately constructed lodge situated simply off Chuo Avenue within the heart of one of the crucial vibrant areas of Tokyo. Ginza is legendary for its luxurious buying, high-end eating places and varied leisure venues, so you may discover outlets like Chanel, Bulgari and Moncler inside a five-minute stroll from the lodge.
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It is also near the huge Ginza Tokyo Metro station, the fourth-busiest station in Tokyo. It is a 25-minute subway journey to the well-known Shibuya Scramble crossing and a 10-minute drive to Tokyo Tower. It is only a 20-minute drive to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND), too, at a value of round $40 utilizing a ride-hailing service.
Though it is a part of megachain Marriott, this lodge has extra of a boutique really feel, with simply 76 rooms and 10 suites unfold throughout flooring 3-13, so you will not run into many fellow company within the corridors. That is fewer than half the variety of rooms at its nearby sister property, The Tokyo Version, Toranomon.
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Just like the Toranomon property, the Version in Ginza was designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, its latticed sheath and heat inside areas meant to evoke a residential Japanese really feel.
Visitors enter by way of a two-story foyer paneled in warm-toned wooden with gold accents, white furnishings and sheer draperies, a stark distinction to the streets outdoors.
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The area looks like a homey cocoon, with ivory-hued chairs and couches organized in cozy vignettes, rugs and throws warming up the look a bit, and artwork books fastidiously organized on the varied espresso tables. The point of interest is a dramatically lit floating U-shaped staircase main as much as the Punch Room cocktail lounge.
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With such a dramatic first impression, I puzzled if the remainder of my expertise at The Tokyo Version, Ginza would maintain that stage of intrigue and power. It did.
Learn how to ebook The Tokyo Version, Ginza
The Tokyo Version, Ginza is a part of the Marriott model, so company can redeem Marriott Bonvoy factors for a keep or just pay with money.
Paid charges vary from about $750-$1,150 per evening, although they will skyrocket throughout peak intervals — like when Japan’s famous cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Award charges can even fluctuate relying on the dates chosen, starting from 94,000-109,000 factors per evening over the subsequent a number of months.
When reserving The Tokyo Version, Ginza, you may need to use one of many credit cards that earn the most points for Marriott stays, in addition to one which probably presents automated Marriott Bonvoy elite status for value-added advantages. These embrace:
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at motels collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, automated Platinum Elite standing and 25 elite evening credit per yr towards the next tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at motels collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, automated Gold Elite standing and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards the next tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at motels collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, automated Gold Elite standing and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards the next tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at motels collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, automated Gold Elite standing and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards the next tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at motels collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, automated Silver Elite standing and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards the next tier.
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Earn 3 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at motels collaborating within the Marriott Bonvoy program, automated Silver Elite standing and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards the next tier.
The knowledge for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or supplied by the cardboard issuer.
The Tokyo Version, Ginza can be a part of Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, so when you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you may make a reserving by way of amextravel.com and obtain perks like availability-based upgrades, as much as a $100 credit score to make use of on-property throughout your keep for issues like drinks or meals, complimentary every day breakfast for 2, and assured late checkout.
Associated: A comparison of luxury hotel programs from credit card issuers: Amex, Capital One, Chase and Citi
Rooms at The Tokyo Version, Ginza are trendy and trendy
Rooms at The Tokyo Version, Ginza are giant and stylish. All of the rooms, together with the suites, sport Version’s signature pared-down aesthetic headlined by walnut hardwood flooring, blond wooden partitions and white textiles.
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I used to be assigned Room 1107, which was a Superior Double with two beds. It was positively palatial by Japanese room measurement requirements — almost 500 sq. ft. That was sufficient not only for each beds but in addition a sitting space with a cushty armchair and ottoman, and a protracted, slim desk underneath the wall-mounted flat-screen TV.
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Whereas there was a big 64-inch flat-screen tv, there have been only a few English-language channels, together with CNN and BBC. Happily, there was additionally Chromecast streaming, the place you scan a QR code and join your gadget. The room’s one giant window appeared out on an Adidas retailer however supplied a variety of pure mild.
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I liked the usual Version faux-fur throw artfully dropped on one of many comfy queen-size beds. The crisp, white, 300-thread-count bedding supplied an expensive backdrop for a restful sleep.
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The Tokyo Version, Ginza gives Nespresso machines in each room, and mine was saved effectively stocked with loads of pods throughout my keep. There was additionally a tea set with sachets from Harney & Sons and an area model referred to as Sayuri, in addition to a choice of spirits together with craft Japanese gin and vodka by Nanbu Bijin.
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The minifridge was effectively stocked with extra drinks, together with quite a lot of juices, sodas and even Krug Champagne. There was an Version-scented candle on the market, too, however at $80, I took a cross.
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A sequence of drawers underneath the minibar held glassware, salty and savory snacks, and the room protected.
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The closet held kimono-style robes, slippers, an iron and ironing board, and had sufficient area to unpack for a number of days, although if you happen to’re bringing bigger suitcases, you could be strapped for room.
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The toilet, simply off the entry lobby, contained a single sink embedded in a dramatic, green-veined marble slab. Together with a scale, the lodge supplied a number of primary toiletries in case you left any of your personal at house and a few fluffy Canasin towels.
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The water closet held a top-of-the-line Toto bathroom with a heated seat and a bidet operate, amongst different operations.
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Behind a glass wall, an Asian-style spa suite held each the walk-in bathe and a bath, which is widespread in Japanese luxurious motels. There have been each handheld and overhead showerheads, and it was stocked with Version’s unique black tea Le Labo toiletries, with their distinctively woodsy scent.
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Whereas on the lodge, I additionally bought a fast tour of a few of the different rooms, together with the Penthouse Suite, with a swanky lounge setup together with a minimalist eating space and a separate bed room with its personal little sitting space.
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The restaurant and bars are vigorous
When you will not discover a ton of eating choices at The Tokyo Version, Ginza, those the lodge does supply are stellar and value a go to even if you happen to aren’t a visitor. You will discover the Foyer Bar on the road stage, the Punch Room on the second ground and an all-day, full-service restaurant referred to as Sophie on the 14th (prime) ground.
Sophie has a European aptitude
Sophie serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it is price a go to for all three. For breakfast, you may discover Western classics and a pleasant choice of pastries laid out on the restaurant’s giant bar.
There are many choices, together with recent fruit, yogurt, muesli, ache au chocolat and croissants.
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However you may additionally discover quite a lot of Japanese dishes together with varied fish picks and pickled greens.
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My companion and I appreciated the lovable Japanese toaster oven that apparently is all the rage on TikTok.
You will get made-to-order eggs or objects like French toast or pancakes. Breakfast begins round $50 per particular person, and you will discover nightly packages that embrace breakfast for as much as two company for as little as $54 per evening additional.
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For dinner, we tried beef and potato casserole ($27), burrata mousse ($27), steak frites ($65), endive and blue cheese salad ($23.50), and the slow-roasted pork loin ($34). All of the meals was scrumptious, although (unsurprisingly) heavy.
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Punch Room serves up nice model and nice drinks
Punch Room is one other iconic Version providing. The one right here takes up the second ground and is a beautiful area with plush sofas and chairs and loads of room to unfold out, even when it’s busy.
Marriott describes Punch Room as a “world cocktail bar idea impressed by Nineteenth-century London non-public golf equipment.” That sounds about proper. It felt unique and, since it isn’t a part of the primary foyer, it’s a bit like a contemporary speak-easy — a hidden gem within the neighborhood.
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The overriding idea was “Wonderland,” described by the menu as “an exploration, within the type of punches, of Japanese tradition as seen by way of the eyes of the skin world.” My companions and I attempted a nonalcoholic model of Version’s Sakura Cosmo with shiso tea, sakura (cherry blossom), cranberry, citrus and botanicals served within the well-known punch bowl. It prices $12.52 for a glass. You will additionally discover Japanese substances like Aomori apples and umeboshi plums in a few of the drinks.
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There’s an in depth drinks menu, so you do not have to order one of many punches. So long as you benefit from the vigorous environment, that is what issues.
The Foyer Bar has unbelievable people-watching
One of many first belongings you see once you stroll into The Tokyo Version, Ginza is the Foyer Bar. It was bustling day and evening throughout our keep and supplied enjoyable people-watching alternatives. The gold-colored bar itself was full of antique-looking decanters, and the room had a surfeit of armchairs and couches to lounge round in.
Cake, fresh-pressed juices and coffees from an area roaster Little Nap Espresso Roasters had been obtainable within the mornings, and at evening, cocktails, Champagne and different libations had been on supply. Nonetheless, costs are steep. An Americano value virtually $10, a cappuccino was greater than $11 and a glass of Henriet-Bazin Blanc de Blancs Champagne value virtually $30 a glass.
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It wasn’t open whereas I used to be staying there, however a 14th-floor rooftop bar serving pure wines is now open to the general public. This provides one other venue to the small boutique lodge in case it makes a distinction if you find yourself deciding the place to remain.
Facilities are restricted, however you may entry the sister property
The Tokyo Version, Ginza would not have a ton of different on-site facilities, however there’s a nice possibility for many who need entry to amenities like a spa and a swimming pool. Visitors on the Ginza Version can use the amenities at The Tokyo Version, Toranomon. You will have to make a reservation for what you need to do, although, so ask the concierge for assist.
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There isn’t a shuttle, sadly, however a taxi journey is barely about 12 minutes, or you may take the subway and get there in about 20 minutes. It is well worth the trek. I loved a therapeutic massage on the spa and a while within the pool and scorching tub. Keep for a meal on the Blue Room and take within the sweeping views of Tokyo.
The fitness center is small however has wow-factor restrooms
The Tokyo Version, Ginza has a small fitness center on the third ground that’s open 24 hours a day. You merely use your keycard to enter any time of the day or evening, and it’s stocked with complimentary Version-branded boxed water, headphones and a bowl of apples.
The area takes up the footprint of an ordinary room on the lodge, so it is pretty small, however there may be sufficient Technogym gear that it is best to be capable to get in a great exercise. There are two stationary bicycles and a rowing machine.
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There are additionally two exercise benches with built-in straps and free weights, together with varied weights of medication balls.
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The very best a part of the little fitness center was the 2 wonderful restrooms, each with Toto bogs in addition to one other bathroom for infants or kids, two sinks and a child highchair that was constructed into the wall.
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Associated: 17 of the best hotel gyms in the world
Causes The Tokyo Version, Ginza won’t be for you
The Tokyo Version, Ginza is a superb lodge that I might return to with out reservation, however there are a few drawbacks to think about earlier than you keep.
- With a tiny footprint, there are few visitor facilities. The eating retailers are restricted, the fitness center is small and there is no spa.
- The views of the close by outlets of Ginza, together with an Adidas retailer and the Matsuya Ginza division retailer, in addition to a cluster of workplace buildings, weren’t thrilling.
- This lodge is dear, with charges recurrently topping $1,000 an evening. This may make utilizing Marriott Bonvoy factors an particularly good possibility.
Associated: Which credit card should you use for Marriott stays?
Accessibility
The Tokyo Version, Ginza impressed this customer with its accessibility options. New development allowed the lodge to incorporate options totally compliant with present accessibility legal guidelines, and the entrances to the general public areas, the fitness center and eating places are totally wheelchair accessible.
There are graded curbs across the lodge, and the foyer entrance is flat and clean and simply maneuverable with wheelchairs. The lodge additionally has two rooms which can be totally accessible with large doorways, seize bars and roll-in showers. Listening to-accessible kits are additionally obtainable for company.
The lodge options large hallways and two elevators large sufficient to accommodate a wheelchair, and their buttons have Braille labeling.
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In truth, one is an elevator specifically designed for people who find themselves mobility-challenged. You will discover separate name buttons for the accessible elevator, which has low seize bars and a horizontal set of buttons for simple entry.
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A number of of the restrooms within the lodge are accessible as effectively, with seize bars close to the bogs, together with one restroom within the foyer and one other within the fitness center. There are emergency cords in public restrooms all through the lodge in case somebody wants help.
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Even rooms that are not technically accessible could be thought-about for these in mobility-assistance gadgets, as beds are low to the bottom and desks are a top the place somebody may be capable to use a wheelchair beneath.
Associated: How to make sure you get an accessible hotel room if you need one
Options to The Tokyo Version, Ginza
If The Tokyo Version, Ginza would not sound like the best match for you, there are many different decisions in Tokyo, together with dozens of factors motels.
For one thing nonetheless affiliated with Marriott (and subsequently bookable with Marriott Bonvoy factors), there is a Ritz-Carlton, a Westin, a Sheraton and plenty of extra. Charges at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo begin at $1,022 or 110,000 Bonvoy factors per evening. There’s even the brand-new Bulgari Resort Tokyo, the place room charges begin at $1,300 per evening.
TPG’s Caroline Lascom reviewed the Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo, the place room charges begin at underneath $400 per evening. You may as well ebook for as few as 67,000 IHG One Rewards factors per evening.
Associated: A review of Hoshinoya Tokyo Hotel
On this journey, I additionally bought an opportunity to remain on the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Whereas the rooms are beginning to present their age, the lodge itself is in a great location and the facilities are wonderful. The spa is well worth the value of admission alone. I booked a room for simply 25,000 World of Hyatt factors per evening, which was a wonderful worth contemplating room charges had been operating $500 per evening.
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I additionally stayed on the Hyatt Regency Tokyo, which does not get the very best evaluations however is completely advantageous for charges beginning round $300 or 15,000 World of Hyatt factors per evening. It is within the Shinjuku enterprise district, not removed from the well-known Park Hyatt Tokyo, which is present process a significant renovation.
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There are additionally loads of choices from the Hilton household. TPG’s Matt Moffitt reviewed the Hilton Tokyo Bay, the place rooms begin at about $280 or 70,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening. I am extra excited to remain on the Conrad Tokyo, which a former colleague raved about a few years ago. Rooms on the Conrad begin at $358 or 95,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening.
Associated: The 11 best hotels in Tokyo
Trying out
After a three-night keep on the new Tokyo Version, Ginza, I did not need to depart. Service was impeccable, and I liked the intimacy of this 86-key property the place it felt virtually like I used to be a resident. The lodge’s affiliation with Marriott means you may earn and redeem Bonvoy factors right here, and the central location means the entire of Tokyo (and Japan, for that matter) is at the doorstep. Whereas the lodge would not have all of the facilities of another high-end Tokyo properties, the comfy rooms, luxurious bedding and central location have me desperate to return.
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