Review: Hotel Toranomon Hills

Why book?

A worthy addition to Tokyo’s sleek, international hotel scene is offering something incredibly seductive: all the luxuries of a high-end hotel, but at midrange prices.

Set the scene

Part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, the Hotel Toranomon Hills has the business traveler in mind, but that shouldn’t deter leisure tourists either. One of the biggest selling points is a dedicated lounge space modeled after an airport lounge. There’s plenty of complimentary coffee and snacks, but the best part is the resting room and shower facilities; it’s perfect if you arrive before check-in (or have a late departing flight)—you can wash off the jet lag upon landing and start your day.

The backstory

Hyatt has long been a heavy hitter in Tokyo starting with the Park Hyatt Tokyo which opened 30 years ago (and is currently under renovation). This, the newest Hyatt offering, has reconfirmed that the brand is keenly in tune with guests’ needs

The rooms

Like flipping through a Danish design magazine, the hotel’s decor is pared back without being overly Spartan. We do, however, recommend upgrading to a Premium Room from the entry level offering—it’s worth the extra spend to indulge in a little more space, better views, and a few extra Scandi-style flourishes that’ll go great on your Instagram with a view of Tokyo Tower outside.

Food and drink

Taking a cue from the higher-end hotels around town, Hotel Toranomon Hills has debuted Le Pristine in a fervent play for Michelin awareness. Sergio Herman, a Dutch chef with a constellation of stars at his restaurant back home in Europe, has moved to Tokyo to work his magic yet again with a prix fixe menu of Western favorites assembled using Japanese produce. Even if you don't have time for an evening meal, Herman’s recipes are available at breakfast and the business lunch design for zippy-but-elevated repasts for office workers who need to dine and dash.

The neighborhood/area

A decade ago Toranomon was a boring district of anonymous office towers and apartments—the area is quickly becoming one of the hottest neighborhoods in town, conveniently positioned between Roppongi and Ginza.

The service

Still in its opening phase, a legion of international staffers have descended on the property ensure a flawless liftoff—some of the senior management also run the ship at the Andaz next door (also a Hyatt hotel), lending their luxury savoir faire to what will undoubtedly become a midrange stalwart in Tokyo’s lodging scene.