Beds: Large, low to the ground and jet-lag friendly. Somehow these beds manage to vastly reduce the after-effects of being transported 6,000 miles across the globe. Even the first few nights in this bed were restful. Occupying the very top floors of the Shinjuku Park Tower, rooms have spectacular panoramas out over Tokyo, stretching as far as Mount Fuji in the distance.
Breakfast: Astonishing. Just as well they have an enormous swimming pool and gym onsite as this city is all about food and you’ll be off to a good start here. There are reputedly more Michelin-starred restaurants per square metre here, than anywhere else in the world. If your visit falls on a weekend and you’re too jet-lagged to tackle Tokyo, head to the 52nd floor of the tower – to the Park Hyatt’s New York Grill for a fabulous brunch with a 360-degree view of Tokyo on the side.
Best place to practice yoga: Under the glass atrium on the 47th floor in a space dedicated to yoga. There’s a screen with a virtual teacher if you’re looking for guidance, or at certain times of the day, an instructor of the non-virtual kind offering classes, including yoga and ‘stretch’. The ‘Good Night Sleep Stretch’ from 9pm – 9.30pm is divine. And with a lift to carry you back to your room afterwards, you’ll be off to sleep in no time. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the entire space, offering, yet again, more spectacular views out over the city. Practice at sunrise or sunset will bring tears to your eyes at the beauty of Tokyo – even the non-city-lovers.
Unique WP factor: The pillows require a mention with a Park Hyatt pillow menu and the Park Hyatt Tokyo’s New York bar made famous by Bill Murray in the film Lost in Translation. Just being there, having a drink, sitting under brightly-coloured and slightly bizarre artwork on the walls, listening to a Japanese singer perform very English songs and soaking up the atmosphere. There’s something very magical about this hotel.
Not many people (outide of Tokyo) know but.. even if you are not staying at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, you can still enjoy a delicious Japanese breakfast and a sunrise view from the 41st floor of the Shinjuku Park Tower, for as little as £30.
*World on a Pillow stayed at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, October 2015
WORLD ON A PILLOW 