Palace Hotel
Tokyo

A firm Ampersand Favourite, the Palace Hotel sits in a prime position in Tokyo overlooking the Imperial Palace Gardens to the capital's atmospheric skyline and Mount Fuji beyond. The spectacular property has a distinguished postwar history of hosting VIPs in the financial district of Marunouchi, and since its full renovation and reopening in 2012, continues to be a resounding success and one of the best hotels in this exhilarating city.

The chic and contemporary interior design has a distinctly fresh feel about it, and as soon as you walk into the light-filled, jade-green lobby you immediately feel welcome here. The soothing pastel tones compliment the subtle Japanese elements and modern artworks that are both weaved in throughout the hotel to great effect. This tasteful aesthetic has won The Palace Hotel recurring recognition from Condé Nast, Forbes Travel Guide and more.

The rooms and suites are also award-winning in themselves thanks to their generous size, remarkable comfort and airy marble bathrooms; not to mention their private balconies (a rarity in Tokyo!). We highly recommend staying in the higher category rooms or suites that come with these outdoor terraces in order to drink in those iconic views in exclusivity. Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel, and there are half a dozen great dining options - including al-fresco right beside the outer moat of the Imperial Palace - meaning you will feel well looked after here. The attentive service is spoiling, and the staff go above and beyond to make your stay here memorable - they are even happy to arrange special excursions for you, from lunch with sumo wrestlers to a bespoke architecture tour with local experts! Other amenities include a swimming pool and fitness centre, which are both complimentary (while there is a separate charge for the sauna, and spa services).

The Palace is just minutes away from the bullet train nexus of Tokyo but also the major subway hub of Otemachi, the ideal location for exploring the big city and beyond. 

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