Arrival/Check-In: I was pleased to arrive at The Peninsula Tokyo from Narita Airport in record time. It was nice to pull in and see I was across the street from the Imperial Palace. The front door attendants welcomed me, took my luggage and walked me to reception at the back of the lobby. Kaori, guest relations supervisor, promptly greeted me and escorted me to my room.

Guest Quarters: The room was expansive, and at the touch of a button, the curtains opened to reveal a spectacular view of the Imperial Palace and gardens below. The space was divided into three parts. The first was the entrance hallway, which had a large dressing area on the right (with his and hers closets) and an expansive bathroom on the left. The bathroom had a large soaking tub and a separate shower with a rainfall showerhead; matching sinks flanked the left and right sides of the room. In true Peninsula fashion, there was a great supply of bath and personal care items. I left my brush at the previous hotel, and The Peninsula came to my rescue with a decent replacement, which I took with me. Some people come to Japan for the high-tech commodes, and The Peninsula’s does not disappoint: The lid opens as you approach, and there are buttons for every desire — the seat is so warm, you don’t want to get up!

The main room was separated into two areas, with the sleeping section to the right and the entertainment area to the left. A large, built-in console housed the flat-screen TV, entertainment system, a desk with easy-to-reach power outlets and a minibar and coffee and tea station. A LavAzza coffeemaker was in the closet, disproving the misconception that 5-star properties don’t have in-room coffeemakers. The room included a comfortable sofa and seating for two by the large window. High-thread-count sheets and a luxurious duvet outfitted the comfortable king-sized bed.

Services/Amenities: The lobby lounge serves a wonderful breakfast, and I had a power meeting there. On the weekend, the lobby was a bustle at lunch and brunch. Peter, the bar and restaurant, is staffed with wonderful, friendly people. I had a meeting at the bar, and the hostess kindly held a table for me even though it is against policy. I secured an appointment at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA for an hour-and-50-minute massage.

The Experience: The Peninsula Tokyo is a wonderful experience and a destination in itself. The concierge helped me find a local sushi restaurant, which was a lot of fun. The hotel has a great location for business or pleasure, as it is steps from the train station, making it easy to explore beyond Tokyo.

GT Checklist

• Doorman/valet
• Reasonable arrival-to-room time
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Complimentary WiFi
• Ample lighting
• Quality bed linens
• Choice of pillows
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• Iron and ironing board
• Easy-to-set alarm clock
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• Coffeemaker in room
• Large, complimentary laptop safe

The Peninsula Tokyo

1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo, 100-0006, Japan
tel 81 3 6270 2888