Capitol Hotel Tokyu
Tokyo

For those seeking an oasis of calm within Japan's electrifying capital, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is the place to stay. Follow in the footsteps of The Beatles, who stayed here when it was The Capitol, and enjoy the now fully-renovated hotel, since its re-opening in 2010.

Located in the Akasaka embassy area of the city, away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown areas, this hotel sits right next to one of Tokyo’s oldest temples, Hie Shrine. The effect is a sense of tranquillity – a haven among the huge metropolis – which can be felt to in its full effect up on the hotel’s roof garden, which overlooks the Diet governmental building and the Imperial Palace Gardens beyond. Tasteful flower arrangements and abstract calligraphy works decorate the spacious light-filled lobby, providing a welcoming atmosphere, as do the friendly staff who are at hand to cater to guests’ every need to the best of their ability.

The 251 rooms have been beautifully designed by the renowned architect Kengo Kuma (the creator of the Tokyo Olympic 2020 stadium). Each room features traditional-style ‘shoji’ sliding paper screen doors but are otherwise full of up-to-date luxuries. These include spacious rain showers, complimentary Wi-Fi, iPod docks with surround sound speakers and other hi-tech features.

Fine dining is offered here within all of the hotel’s five restaurants. Choose between the Japanese restaurant ‘Suiren’, the Chinese restaurant ‘Star Hill’, the all-day-dining and lounge ‘Origami’ before treating oneself in The Capitol Bar or pastry boutique. The spa and fitness facilities are also spoiling, not to mention the Jacuzzi, sauna and 20-meter indoor swimming pool with mesmerising skyline views. This impressive panorama can also be admired from the gym, where personal trainers are happy to assist guests. Please note that guests with tattoos on show or under the age of 18 are not permitted in this area.

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu successfully harmonises modern luxuries alongside traditional touches, and this innovative aesthetic is apparent within every twist and turn of its minimalist contemporary design.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson