Hotel Review: Conrad Tokyo (King Executive Room Bay View)
The Conrad Tokyo is often regarded as one of Tokyo's best city hotels. When I visited Tokyo in November 2016, I checked out the Singapore Airlines' 777-300ER's Business Class from Singapore to Haneda and I stayed at the Hilton Tokyo for most nights of my trip - it was only 200,000 Hilton Honors points for five nights and having Diamond status in the Hilton Honors program meant guaranteed lounge access. I moved to the luxurious Conrad Tokyo after five nights and was truly impressed by the service and design of this place.
Hotel Entrance
Conrad Tokyo
There is an airport limousine bus that will take you directly from Haneda Airport to the Conrad Tokyo and if you are coming by train, this amazing property is only a minute walk from Shiodome Station on the Toei Oedo Line and Yurikamome Line. Alternatively, if it is more convenient for you, you can also consider a 10-minute stroll from Shimbashi Station (JR, Toei Asakusa Line or Tokyo Metro Ginza Line). I stayed in a King Executive Room Bay View (essentially an Executive Room with a view of the Tokyo Bay) during my two-night stint at the Conrad Tokyo. Since the hotel is located on levels 28 to 37, you will have to take a lift from the ground level to get to the lobby - there are three lifts that will take you there and I never ever had to wait for one.
Room Entrance
King Executive Room Bay View - Conrad Tokyo
Check-in process was an absolute breeze - my room was ready when I got there in the afternoon. The Conrad Tokyo is truly a nice mix of contemporary design and Japanese elements. The first thing you will notice when you get in the room is how spacious it actually is - Tokyo is notorious for having small rooms since prime land is scarce (and incredible expensive). True to global standards adhered by the Conrad brand, the Executive Rooms here at the Conrad Tokyo are 48sqm in size (compare this to the 30 sqm room that I had at the Hilton Tokyo!). The rooms are beautifully furnished with plenty of space to rest and relax.
Bedroom
King Executive Room Bay View - Conrad Tokyo
As mentioned earlier, Bay View rooms generally enjoy a view of the world-famous Hamarikyu Gardens as well. Since I got visited in early Autumn, the leaves have not started to turn but it's still a really pretty sight to gaze out to. In fact the bay window sofas were probably my favourite aspect of the room. People who travel with me know that I am not the sort of traveller who wake up bright and early in the morning to catch the first train out - I like to take my time to have breakfast in the main restaurant, coffee in the lounge and then head back to the room for a soak before heading out (it is a holiday after all!).
View of Tokyo Bay
King Executive Room Bay View - Conrad Tokyo
Therefore, imagine my excitement when I saw this amazing view and these bay window daybeds (or sofas!) - I could sit here forever! The Bay View Executive Room that I was in had an impressive view of the Tokyo Bay area - you can even see Odaiba and the upcoming Olympic Village for the upcoming 2020 Summer Olympics. Unlike the Hilton Tokyo where I was in, the Conrad Tokyo is located in Minato and only a short stroll away from the famous Ginza district.
Conrad Tokyo Bears
King Executive Room Bay View - Conrad Tokyo
One of the little things that luxury travellers to Conrad hotels all over the world like to do is to collect these little Conrad bears (or plushies) - there is always one that is unique and specific to the property (check out my collection HERE!). I was given two very adorable Conrad Tokyo bears and I knew I had to take them home for keepsake (you are encouraged to bring them back actually so do not feel like you are 'stealing' from the hotel).
Bedroom
King Executive Room Bay View - Conrad Tokyo
While 48sqm of space is already pretty impressive for Tokyo, the layout of the room makes it feel even larger - apart from the amazing bay window sofas that you can lie on, there is also a huge working desk with an ergonomic desk chair to work from. Standard WiFi is also complimentary for all guests in the room and in the lobby (Diamond Hilton Honors members get to enjoy Premium WiFi access at no charge).
Welcome Amenities
King Executive Room Bay View - Conrad Tokyo
As part of my welcome as a Diamond Hilton Honors member, I was given two Japanese cakes (similar to what I got for my birthday at the Hilton Tokyo) and a personalised card. I actually forgot to eat them so I ended up throwing them out when I got to Auckland (before the immigration!).
Wardrobe Space
King Executive Room Bay View - Conrad Tokyo
If you are lucky enough to be staying at the Conrad Tokyo for a prolonged period of time (in which case, send me a private message on job openings in your company), there is ample space in the wardrobe to store all your clothes and belongings.
Bedside Table
King Executive Room Bay View - Conrad Tokyo
The most important aspect of every hotel room is arguably the bed (even though for me, the bathroom is equally important) and you can definitely be sure of a good night's sleep here at the Conrad Tokyo. If the pillows do not suit your personal preference, feel free to call up the concierge to arrange for a different kind of pillow - just look through the pillow menu to find the one you like. If you prefer not to speak to anyone at all, the Conrad Concierge App (which is by far, my favourite hotel app) allows you to request for things such as turndown and room service (amongst other things) at your fingertips - it is completely free for hotel guests so make sure you download it!
Magazines
King Executive Room Bay View - Conrad Tokyo
In case you are wondering what that little box by the bedside table is, it actually contains a number of magazines (in Japanese nonetheless), hotel directory, room service menu and even a delivery label that you can utilise to send parcels out from the hotel. I did not end up reading any of these magazines since I can't actually read Japanese but I like how everything was neatly tucked away in plain sight.
Bedside Controls
King Executive Room Bay View - Conrad Tokyo
You will also find a set of controls for lights and the curtains by the bed. Some of the label prints are damaged (due to wear and tear) but I love how the brushed metal texture and how convenient everything is.
Basic coffee and tea-making facilities are provided in the room - there is unfortunately no Nespresso or illy machine in the room but you do get a decent selection of premium coffee powder and teabags. There is also an impressive selection of Japanese whiskies (chargeable) in a pretty cool lighted box - if you have access to the Executive Lounge, just wait for the cocktail hour since you will get to sample some premium whiskies for free!
Bathroom
King Executive Room Bay View - Conrad Tokyo
The bathroom in the King Executive Room Bay View comes with a sizeable freestanding bathtub, a separate rain-shower, a toilet and double sinks. I really like the massive bathroom mirror (it actually reminded me a little of the one at the Grand Hyatt Taipei) and how open everything is.
Bath Amenties by Aromatherapy Associates
King Executive Room Bay View - Conrad Tokyo
Bathroom amenities are provided by Aromatherapy Associates by default (even though I've heard rumours that Conrad is changing these to Shanghai Tang in the near future) but you can obviously request for a different brand via the Conrad Concierge App that I spoke about (or simply let the reservations or housekeeping team know). There is also a rubber duck (wearing a crown) here that you can take home but I did not photograph it.
Bedroom
King Executive Room Bay View - Conrad Tokyo
While the bathroom does look out to the bedroom, you can lower the blinds where required to create some privacy.
Executive Lounge
Conrad Tokyo
If you have access to the Executive Lounge, you will be able to enjoy complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails (with canapes). I am personally not a fan of afternoon teas generally so I decided to only head up for evening cocktails. If you love your Japanese whiskies, make sure you come early as there is a number of delicious ones to sample here. I also sampled a number of Japanese wines which I am personally not familiar with at the Conrad Tokyo's Executive Lounge.
Electric Fireplace
Executive Lounge - Conrad Tokyo
The Executive Lounge even has an electric fireplace in the middle of the room - it wasn't particularly cold in Tokyo while I was there but hey if someone wants to throw in a fireplace, who am I to say no?!
In comparison to the Executive Lounges here in South East Asia, the Executive Lounge here at the Conrad Tokyo definitely serves up a much smaller selection during the evening cocktail hours - that being said, everything was beautifully portioned and presented. I really enjoyed the selection of food while I was there and while it was not sufficient (at least for me!) for a dinner, there were great with drinks so I would definitely recommend for you to get a room with Executive Lounge access where possible.
Night View from the Room
King Executive Room Bay View - Conrad Tokyo
I went back to my room after cocktail hours and was greeted with an amazing night view of the Tokyo Bay area - it was truly humbling to see this city from a vantage point like this. In fact, if you are observant enough, you will notice the plane lights from landing and taking off in the background - you can actually see Haneda Airport from here!
Buffet Breakfast
Cerise - Conrad Tokyo
Executive guests (and Diamond Hilton Honors members) will have the choice of having a full buffet breakfast at Cerise or a private one at the Executive Lounge. Since I am flying out of Tokyo to Hong Kong on a really early morning flight the next day, I've decided to forgo the breakfast experience at the Executive Lounge and check out the full spread at Cerise instead. Besides, Jarvis has also strongly recommended the Eggs Benedict here so there was no way I was going to miss it.
Diamond Hilton Honors members will be able to enjoy the a la carte menu for free and the buffet spread is actually quite impressive - I particularly liked those cheese-stuffed croissants. The breakfast buffet also featured a pretty extensive selection of fresh fruits (which can be quite expensive in Tokyo) and vegetables - there were also various varieties of fresh juices for the health-conscious travellers.
Street Food
Tsukiji Fish Market
If you are ever interested in the tuna auction, the Conrad Tokyo is located just a short stroll away from the established Tsukiji Fish Market - this is a crucial point because the trains are usually not in operation yet if you wish to get there early (taxis are also ridiculously expensive in this city). I did visit the market for some sashimi but I only got there around 10:00AM to 11:00AM - this is also a good time to visit since stores will generally start to offer discounts.
Clear Soup with Fried Pike Conger Dumpling, Turnip, Turuna Leaves, Maitake and Japanese Citrus
Kazahana - Conrad Tokyo
If you do not wish to stray out of the hotel, the Kazahana restaurant located on Level 28 of the Conrad Tokyo offers really high-quality Japanese food - click HERE to check out my feature of the restaurant!
The Conrad Tokyo is hands-down one of the best hotels that I have been to - the entire property is beautiful, the service is impeccable and the quality of food (especially from Kazahana) was truly impressive. During my visit, free nights can be redeemed for 95,000 Hilton Honors Points per night (76,000 Hilton Honors Points per night if you stay five nights in a row) but with the upcoming changes to the Hilton Honors program, members may require to spend less points for a night in this truly memorable property. The Conrad Tokyo often participates in a number of 50% off flash sale during the year so if you can time your reservation during one of these periods, you can truly get a lot of value out of your stays.
Conrad Tokyo
105-7337, Tokyo, 1-9-1 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Japan
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Swissôtel The Stamford offers stunning views of Marina Bay and a prime City Hall location, making it an excellent choice for international visitors. While the L65 Lounge serves substantial evening food, the limited alcohol selection might not suit all guests, but the hotel is still a great option for those wanting to experience Singapore’s iconic sights.