Tokyo's Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu: Luxury Redefined!
Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu: My Love/Hate Letter to Luxury (and Everything In Between!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a torrent of thoughts, opinions, and probably a few slightly embarrassing anecdotes about my recent stay at the Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo. Let's just say it was… an experience. An experience that left me feeling simultaneously pampered and bewildered.
Metadata Alert (For the Algorithm Gods): Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu Review, Tokyo Hotels, Luxury Hotel Tokyo, Wheelchair Accessible Tokyo, Spa Hotel Tokyo, Akasaka Area Hotels, Restaurant Review Tokyo, Hotel Amenities Tokyo, Free Wi-Fi Hotel, Business Hotel Tokyo, Family-Friendly Hotel Tokyo, Accessible Travel Japan
First Impression: Gleaming and… Cold? (Accessibility & Initial Reactions)
So, pull up to this towering edifice, and immediately you're hit with that classic Tokyo "sleek and polished" vibe. Marble floors, gleaming glass, staff in impossibly crisp uniforms. It's the kind of place that screams, "Yes, we have a very efficient elevator," and the kind of place I, a slightly chaotic human, felt a bit intimidated by initially.
Accessibility – Good! I was legitimately impressed. Everything felt thoughtfully considered for accessibility. Wide hallways, ramps where needed, and a seriously impressive elevator situation (essential in a hotel of this size). Navigating with a wheelchair wouldn't be a problem. Big thumbs up.
But… I do think they could add a tad more warmth. Everything was so perfect, it almost felt a little… sterile. Like living in a catalogue photo. A little bit of "lived-in" charm wouldn't hurt, Excel!
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary (and the Ongoing Battle with Button-Pushing)
Okay, the room was a total win. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. My inner control freak rejoiced at the sheer volume of buttons and gadgets. Honestly, it took me a good ten minutes just to figure out how to turn on the lights. The control panel was like a miniature spaceship. And speaking of "buttons"… the Bathroom phone? Seriously? Who talks on the phone in the bath? (I, for one, did not. I lack the necessary multitasking skills.)
The "Must-Haves": Free Wi-Fi, and Air Conditioning (Naturally!)
Thankfully, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Saved my sanity (and my work deadline). God bless the Internet. And yes, the Air conditioning was a godsend during that Tokyo heatwave. They even had a decent Coffee/tea maker. Small victories, people. Small victories.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams & Fitness Center Fears!
Now, this is where things got interesting. Pool with view? Check. Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]? Triple check! I envisioned myself lounging by the pool, sipping a ridiculously expensive cocktail, living my best life.
The Fitness Center: (Let's be honest, it's where I embarrassed myself the most). The equipment gleamed, the air smelled suspiciously of disinfectant, and the people… looked far more athletic than yours truly. After ten minutes on the treadmill, I was gasping for air and plotting my escape. I retreated to the Sauna and contemplated my life choices instead.
The Spa, though… that was magic. (Body scrub, Massage, Body wrap) I opted for a full body massage and a facial, and it was truly heavenly. The masseuse was a master of her craft, and I swear I floated out of there. Worth every single yen. (And I mean every yen. Luxury ain't cheap, folks!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster
Okay, the food. This is where the Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu really swung for the fences. Restaurants, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Bar, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, and more… deep breath
Breakfast [buffet]: A sprawling wonderland of possibilities. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, everything you could possibly want. The croissants were flaky perfection. The coffee was… acceptable. The only (minor) complaint was the sheer volume of people. It felt a little like a feeding frenzy at times.
The Restaurants: I sampled a few, with varying degrees of success. The Asian restaurant served up delicious (and authentic) dishes. The international cuisine was… well, perfectly adequate. Nothing mind-blowing, but certainly edible. Coffee shop: Perfect for a quick bite and a quiet place to take a call. The Poolside bar: (Where I definitely splurged on that ridiculously expensive cocktail. No regrets.)
Room Service [24-hour]: Godsend after a long day of sightseeing. The convenience alone warrants a gold star. I had a perfectly acceptable club sandwich at 2 am, I was in heaven.
Hygiene and Safety: Feeling Protected (Kind Of)
Cleanliness and safety: It was clean, REALLY clean. They were clearly taking the pandemic seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Staff trained in safety protocol, Rooms sanitized between stays. I felt safe and secure, although I still had a slight paranoia about touching anything (the legacy of two years of pandemic living, I guess!). Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit - just in case. I felt like I was in a fortress of cleanliness.
Services and Conveniences: Helpful but a bit… Formal?
The staff were impeccably polite and helpful. Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Luggage storage, Laundry service, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Gift/souvenir shop, and more. But sometimes, it felt like they were reading from a script. I missed that easy rapport you get at smaller, family-run places. It was a bit… impersonal. However, I gotta say, the Contactless check-in/out was a lifesaver. I appreciated that.
For the Kids:
Family/child friendly… yes. Kids facilities seemed perfectly adequate (I did not have any children with me, but there were signs of life that included a Babysitting service.).
Getting Around:
Airport transfer, Taxi service, Car park [free of charge], Valet parking, Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Bicycle parking. Convenient, efficient, and exactly what you'd expect.
The Downsides (and the Quirks):
Okay, here's where I get real. The sheer scale of the hotel can be overwhelming. It's easy to get lost. And while the staff were polite, that formality sometimes felt a bit… stifling. I missed the personal touch.
Also, the "luxury" comes at a price. Everything is expensive. And I mean, expensive. Remember that ridiculously expensive cocktail? Yeah. But hey, that's the price of pampering, I suppose.
The Verdict: Worth It? (With a Giant Asterisk)
Would I stay at the Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu again? Yes, probably. Especially if I was looking to unwind, pamper myself, and experience a taste of Tokyo luxury. The spa alone makes it worth it. It's clean, convenient, and the amenities are top-notch.
But… I'd also be prepared for a slightly sterile, impersonal experience. It's not the kind of place where you feel like you're staying in someone's home. It's a well-oiled machine of luxury.
And for me? Sometimes, I crave a little bit of grease on the gears. A little bit of… chaos. But hey, you can't have everything! So, book it. Indulge. And maybe, just maybe, sneak a rogue candy bar into your room. The secret's out now. ;)
Escape to Paradise: Seepark Hotel's Wandlitzsee Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into what could have been a delightful trip to the Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo. Let's be honest, I'm pretty much winging this itinerary, like I wing…well, pretty much everything in my life. This isn't a perfectly polished travel brochure – it's a diary entry with way too many exclamation points!
Itinerary: Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu - Tokyo (and hopefully, my sanity)
Day 1: Arrival - The Great Ramen Quest (and potential jet lag meltdown)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Narita Airport (NRT). Or so I hope! Pray for smooth customs, my passport's looking a little…worn. Last time I flew, I swear I spent an hour just trying to find my socks in my carry-on. Embarrassing.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Airport Survival Mode. Currency exchange. Finding the freaking right train to…checks itinerary…Hotel. Ugh, I always get the train directions wrong, it's a personal curse. Hopefully, I don't end up in some random rice field.
- 5:00 PM (ish): Check-in at Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu. Fingers crossed for a decent room. I'm a light sleeper, so if I get a view of a construction site, I might cry. Then, collapsing on that bed and just breathing. Ahhh.
- 6:00 PM: The Ramen Hunt Begins! This is the most important part, okay? I've heard about this legendary ramen place near the hotel… It had better be good. I've prepped! I've watched videos! I've mentally rehearsed saying "One Ramen, Please!" in my terrible Japanese accent. Please don't make me use the English menu
- 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Ramen Experience (hopefully glorious). I'm going for the rich broth, chashu pork, and the perfect egg. I'm willing to wait. I'm willing to queue. After eating ramen, the world feels…right. That's my version of spiritual, I think…
- 9:00 PM: Collapse back at the hotel, utterly stuffed and probably teetering on the edge of jet lag. Remember to set the alarm. And maybe leave a note that says "YOU ARE HUMAN, YOU NEED TO SLEEP!"
Day 2: Culture Shock and Tiny Treats
- 8:00 AM (Attempted): Wake up. Or try to. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. I'll blame it on the ramen, or maybe the three cups of coffee after it.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Hotel. Pray for a good buffet spread. I survived on stale bagels on my last trip. Not doing that again!!
- 10:00 AM: Exploring Akasaka. I'm picturing it as like, a glamorous version of my hometown. I'm probably wrong. I’m sure there are temples, and I'm sure they will smell lovely. Maybe find a cute little cafe.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch, maybe. Okay, definitely lunch. Probably something street-foody. I have a weak spot for street food.
- 1:00 -3:00 PM: The Ghibli Museum. The Holy Grail. I tried to book tickets months ago. I'm praying to the Ghibli Gods I still haven't missed my chance… If I can't go, I'll spend all afternoon sulking.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Shopping In Akasaka! I'm terrible at shopping, so I might end up wandering aimlessly, clutching my wallet in fear. I need one really cool thing.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner (hopefully not instant noodles in the hotel room). Maybe I will find another ramen place. It's a long shot, But a girl can dream, right?
- 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: The Akasaka nightlife… I'm a little nervous. I'm not exactly a party animal. More like a "Netflix binger in pajamas" animal. But I'll try. Maybe a karaoke bar?
Day 3: The Big Day (and the inevitable chaos)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up… again. Struggling with jet lag, is it ever going away?
- 10:00 AM: Another Breakfast, more coffee. I need it.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore a market. I really want to try Japanese snacks, I might go overboard. I'll probably buy way too much and then regret it later, but can't resist.
- 2:00 PM: Maybe try to visit Tokyo National museum. I'm not well known for museums, but I might surprise myself.
- 4:00 PM: Shopping for Souvenirs. I'm notoriously bad at buying gifts. I'll stare blankly at shelves, and then panic-buy something that's totally not right.
- 6:00 PM: Another dinner. I will probably be tired, but then again, I can never be tired.
- 8:00 - 10:00 PM: Last night in Japan. I'm probably gonna be emotional. This trip will be over already. I'm going to be sad to leave!
Day 4: Departure - Tears, Tea, and Trying to Remember Everything
- 7:00 AM: Pack! The dreaded packing. I'm bringing back way more than I came with, for sure.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast - Try not to stuff my face out of sheer anxiety about leaving.
- 9:00 AM: Last-minute hotel check-out. Did I leave anything? Did I tip correctly? Did I remember to buy those damn face masks I wanted?
- 10:00 AM: Transport to Airport: The dreaded airport commute. Hopefully smooth.
- 12:00 PM: Flight Home! Gonna miss Japan.
- 1:00 - 4:00 PM: The tears will come. I will miss Japan. I will miss the food. I will miss the atmosphere.
- *And then… back to real life.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- I'll probably gain five pounds from ramen alone. But it'll be worth it. Unless I get food poisoning. Please, not food poisoning.
- I will definitely lose my way at least twice. It's inevitable.
- I probably won't actually stick to this. Which is fine. It's just a guideline. The real fun is the unexpected.
- Japan, I'm coming for you…
Okay, so, Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu. REALLY luxury? Like, *actually*?
Alright, deep breath. "Luxury" is thrown around like confetti, right? Here's the thing: Yes, it *can* be. Think less diamond-encrusted toilet seats (thankfully) and more… well, refined. The lobby? Gorgeous. Makes you feel like you’ve accidentally wandered into a high-fashion photo shoot. Check-in? Smooth as silk, until my credit card decided to throw a hissy fit (totally my fault, got the numbers mixed up – mortifying). But the staff, bless them, handled it with such unwavering politeness, I almost forgot I was a blundering idiot. So, yeah, the *vibe* is luxury. Then there’s the room itself…
Now, the rooms… they can be hit or miss, honestly. I've stayed in some that *were* genuinely luxurious – enormous windows, killer views (if you get the right side!), supremely comfortable beds. But I had one room… it was like they'd forgotten to upgrade it since the hotel opened in the 80s. Still clean, just… vintage. And the view? Of another building's fire escape. So: *mostly* luxury. Prepare yourself for potential room lottery. But even the older rooms, they're clean, the amenities are decent. It's just... prepare yourself for potential view disappointment! They really need a room renovation pass-through.
What about the location? Is Akasaka a good spot? I’m thinking about everything from food to getting around.
Akasaka? It's a *fantastic* location. Seriously, one of the best, honestly. Very conveniently located! You're practically tripping over amazing restaurants. Like, the best ramen I've *ever* had? Found it two blocks away. And sushi… forget about it. I'm still having dreams about the sushi. (Okay, maybe I ate *too* much sushi. That's a different story.) You're also right in the heart of things, a decent walk from the Imperial Palace East Garden. The Tokyo Metro is easy to access, with several stations nearby, so getting around is a breeze. I felt like I could navigate the entire city from there.
The only slight downside? It’s a busy area. Not as calm and peaceful as, say, a retreat in the mountains. There's always *something* going on. But honestly, I loved it. The energy is infectious. And if you *do* want peace, just duck into the hotel's surprisingly tranquil lobby and have a coffee. Seriously, best coffee I had in Tokyo and I *love* coffee.
Breakfast. Important or not? And if so, what’s it like at the hotel?
Okay, breakfast. This is a *big* deal for me. Like, I will judge a hotel SOLELY on its breakfast buffet. I’m not even kidding. And… the Akasaka Excel? It’s… good. Not *mind-blowing*, but solid. Lots of choices; Japanese and Western. The pastries? Excellent. (I may have, ahem, indulged a *little* too much in those.) The coffee is, as I mentioned before, pretty great. The omelets were cooked to perfection.
But… and here's a little honest confession: It can get *crowded*. Especially during peak breakfast hours. And it's a buffet, so you might have to, you know, fight a little to get your hands on that last croissant. I swear, I saw a woman *shove* another woman aside to get a cream puff! Luckily, my own approach to securing food is more… strategic. I strategically positioned myself near the pastry area, ready to strike when the bread came out. Breakfast is serious business, people! Overall, breakfast is a win, even with the potential for breakfast buffet skirmishes.
Are there any hidden costs or fees I should know about?
Ah, the dreaded hidden fees. They're the bane of my existence. Thankfully, the Akasaka Excel isn’t too bad on that front. But: check the fine print! There might be a small service charge. Definitely look closely at the minibar prices. Those little bottles of water? They'll get you! I was desperate one night, and ended up paying something ridiculous for a tiny bottle. That was the impetus that pushed me to buy my own water bottles. I had to go to the convenience store.
And parking! If you're renting a car (not the most common thing to do in Tokyo, but some people do), factor in the parking fees. They're usually pretty reasonable, but still…money. Other than that, though, I didn't experience any outrageous surprises. So, stick to my advice and you'll be fine.
I want to work out! Does the hotel have a gym?
Er, this is where my personal experience gets hazy (and slightly mortifying). Yes, they have a gym. I *think*. I walked past it once. Looked… perfectly adequate. Didn't go in. You know, sightseeing and eating amazing food and, well, I'm just not a gym person when I'm on vacation. The gym is *there*. But use it at your own risk. From what my friend, who went, said, the equipment seemed in good shape. If you are a gym rat, you'll probably be happy. I can't personally vouch, though.
I'm much more of a "stroll around the Imperial Palace" type of exerciser. But, hey, at least I *tried*. See? I’m making a conscious effort! Seriously though, check online for photos of the gym. It might be great! Or, you know, just do what I did and eat all the delicious food Tokyo has to offer. Just don’t judge my non-gym-going ways.
What's the Wi-Fi situation? Because, you know, the internet is kind of important these days.
Wi-Fi? Pretty solid. I managed to stream Netflix, post embarrassing travel photos (and some *good* ones, let's be honest), and generally keep in touch with the outside world without too much of a hitch. Sometimes a slight lag, but nothing to make you tear your hair out. I actually can't remember a single time the Wi-Fi failed. The best I can say! I didn't experience any major problems is a good thing. So, thumbs up on the Wi-Fi! I feel there is an industry standard, and they meet it.
Is the staff helpful and friendly? Because bad service can *ruin* a vacation.
The staff? Oh. My. Goodness. They are *amazing*. Seriously. The epitome of Japanese hospitality. Polite, efficient, helpful. They go above and beyond.Escape to Paradise: Pandora Resort's Unbeatable Ko Samet Getaway
