DC to Dubai and Tokyo via… Santiago? Review: Park Hyatt Tokyo
Introduction
Planning
TAM Economy Class New York JFK – Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Santiago
LAN Economy Class Santiago – Sao Paulo
TAM Economy Class Sao Paulo – New York JFK
United BusinessFirst Denver to Tokyo Seattle (Emergency Landing)
United BusinessFirst on the 787 Seattle to Tokyo
Cathay Pacific Regional Business Class Tokyo Narita – Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific “The Wing” Business Class Lounge Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific Business Class Hong Kong – Dubai
Dubai, Day 1 (Traiteur Brunch, Park Hyatt Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Atlantis Palm Islands)
Dubai, Day 2 (Shark Dive at Dubai Aquarium, Burj Al Arab, 360)
Cathay Pacific Business Class Dubai – Hong Kong – Tokyo Haneda
Tokyo, Day 1 (Park Hyatt arrival, Roppongi)
Tokyo, Day 2 (Imperial Palace, Shibuya Crossing, Ebisu, Kendo, Dinner and drinks in Shinjuku)
Tokyo, Day 3 (Ramen lunch, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, Baseball at the Tokyo Dome, Dinner at New York Grill)
Tokyo, Day 4 (Tsukiji Market, Tokyo Subway, Airport Transfers)
Park Hyatt Tokyo
I’m not going to make it a habit to regularly review hotels unless the stay is extraordinary — and this stay at the Park Hyatt Tokyo was exactly that.
As previously mentioned, I arrived from Tokyo’s Haneda airport and was whisked away to the 41st floor lobby, where I was escorted to my room by two people where they performed the check-in procedure in my room. This alone was impressive to me. As stated before, I had an Park Deluxe Twin room on the 44th floor. It was very good-sized with all the amenities one could want.
There were so many details that were not missed in the room, and little surprises awaited me in every drawer, nook, and cranny of the room. The room included a pretty spectacular walk-in closet, along with a large bathroom with twin sinks, a full-sized tub, walk-in shower, and toilet. I had a wonderful view South from my room towards the Shibuya area.
The service at the Park Hyatt Tokyo was phenomenal wherever I went. From the check-in procedure, to the breakfast service at Girandole, to the bar and dinner service at the New York Grill — everything was top-notch.
The 41st floor features The Peak Bar and Lounge, which features high, glass ceilings and spectacular views of Tokyo.
As you walk towards the lobby, you pass Girandole, the restaurant where breakfast is served. I enjoyed two spectacular breakfasts here, both times ordering the eggs Benedict.
There is also a Japanese restaurant, Kozue that I did not try, which gets high marks. Up top is the iconic New York Grill, from Lost in Translation fame. The 2003 film featuring Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray used the Park Hyatt and specifically the New York Bar and Grill as the setting. It did not fail to disappoint, as both the food and service were excellent both times I went there.
I’ve stayed at some very nice hotels in my life, but this one took the cake — this was without a doubt the most over-the-top and nice hotel in which I’ve ever stayed.
How I managed to stay here…
I was able to stay at the Park Hyatt Tokyo for three nights. For two of the nights, I used two free nights which I received after applying for the Chase Hyatt Visa Card. The third night, I used 22,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points that I have accumulated over time. For reference, a normal night at the Park Hyatt Tokyo is typically over $550 per night, so this would qualify as a pretty good use of points if you ask me!
