My dad and I woke up a little exhausted from the night
before and headed to Girandole restaurant for breakfast. We were warmly greeted by a server and shown to our seats.
Globalist members are given a menu and an option of eating at the buffet
plus an omelet, or a “healthy” option without access to the buffet.
I found the buffet to be of high quality, but for a Park
Hyatt the selection was a tad light.
Alternatively, Globalists can have breakfast delivered to
their room free of charge. The service at the Girandole was top notch, and I especially loved
the classy dress wear of the restaurant wait staff.
Tip: If you arrive early enough, you might be able to score
one of the few tables with a gorgeous view of Tokyo.
Since I was a Globalist, we were guaranteed a late checkout
time until 4 PM and decided to make the most of my stay.
One place I was really keen on checking out was the Club
Spa, located on the 47th floor. Access is severely limited, with
hotel guests having to shell out an extra 4000 yen per person. However, since I
was a Globalist, this charge was waived. This is no ordinary spa, in fact a short
scene in Lost In Translation was shot
here.
Be aware that Japanese spas are fully nude, so if you’re not
comfortable with this unique aspect of Japanese culture, you may want to give
the spa a skip.
Spa guests are required to take a shower before entering, with
each sower opulently lined with dark green marble.
Upon entering the main spa area, you’re greeted with a large
Jacuzzi / hot pool, with an elegant fountainhead shooting water in all four
directions. Surrounding the pool are sauna rooms each set at a different
temperature.
Photo via Hyatt.com
Each sauna has a dial outside that shows the current
temperature inside. If you’re new to the Sauna experience, I’d recommend
sticking to the lowest one, as I could barely last a few minutes.
If you’re feeling brave, you can dip into the cold plunge
pool afterwards, or you can use the buckets provided to cool yourself off.
The whole place had an old money Italian / Mediterranean
feel to it and I found the spa experience to be a unique glimpse into the
Japanese culture, although I’d probably avoid making this a regular occurrence.
After finishing your spa experience, there’s a dressing room
lined with vanity mirrors, each filled with different amenities, and a small
lounging area up front, with a table lined with pretty much every Japanese
newspaper published.
If you’re not a Globalist member, you can still access the gym
& swimming pool located on the 47th floor, which is free for all
hotel guests.
The pool hasn’t been changed significantly since its opening
over 20 years ago, but still is a work of art, with a perfect triangle
reflecting back at the pool during the daytime.
Just like in the film, you’re required to wear a head cap,
which is provided, along with a pair of googles.
The pool is your standard mini lap pool, with underwater
speakers, although no music was played while I was at the pool.
The gym consists of a two sections located on opposite sides
of the pool. The first is laid out like your standard gym, with a decent
selection of free weights, machines, and treadmills.
On the opposite side of the pool is a yoga studio with a few
cardio machines, and where Bill Murray famously lost control of his elliptical
trainer.
You could almost pretend you’re floating in the sky, were it
not for the window washers outside.
If you had to make a list of the world’s most beautiful
gyms, this has to be near the very top. The views are simply drop dead gorgeous
and I ended up spending nearly 2 hours soaking in the view, while burning a few
calories.
Soon it was time to check out and my Dad and I took a taxi
to Shinjuku station before heading off to the airport.
Overall, the Park Hyatt Tokyo ranks among the best hotels
I’ve ever stayed. It’s not often you can live out what you watch on film, but the
hotel vastly exceeded my high expectations.
For those who are Lost in Translation buffs, don’t hesitate
and splurge for a night at this Tokyo icon, or if you’re American apply for the
Chase Hyatt Card and receive two free nights at this or any other Hyatt hotel
worldwide. Alternatively, the sign up bonus for the Chase Sapphire Ink Preferred card is good enough for three free nights at the Park Hyatt Tokyo.
Learn more about the Hyatt Loyalty Program and how to maximize your points for Free Nights
