To kick off our journey to Niseko, Japan, we spent a few nights in Tokyo, a metropolis that’s all the time value visiting. Previously few years, we’ve seen Marriott’s luxurious EDITION model open two properties within the metropolis — the Tokyo EDITION Toranomon opened in October 2020, whereas the Tokyo EDITION Ginza opened in March 2024.
I’ve been curious to test these out, so determined to guide one night time at every. Admittedly this isn’t splendid when it comes to really having fun with town, particularly since I attempt to be thorough with my opinions (which takes some effort). However nonetheless, I believed it might be enjoyable to knock out back-to-back opinions of the 2 properties.
Whereas I’ll have full opinions within the close to future, on this put up I’d prefer to reply the query that I had going into my stays — which of the Tokyo EDITION properties is healthier? I gained’t bury the lede — whereas neither property is ideal, I’d return to the EDITION Ginza, whereas I don’t suppose I’d return to the EDITION Toranomon.
What the 2 Tokyo EDITION properties have in frequent
The 2 Tokyo EDITION properties have a number of issues in frequent:
- Each lodges had the identical inside designer; whereas the Ginza property makes use of darker colours and the Toranomon property makes use of lighter colours, there are nonetheless numerous similarities
- Each lodges have plenty of international workers; nothing towards international workers, however half of the enjoyable of being in Japan is experiencing Japanese hospitality
- Each lodges lack a way of place, and fairly cookie cutter EDITION properties; sure, they’ve some small nods to their locale, however you actually wouldn’t know what metropolis you’re in
- Each lodges don’t have a lot in the way in which of printed elite advantages, as you’d count on from EDITION properties; it is a model the place elite members don’t obtain complimentary breakfast, for instance
- Each lodges have comparable pricing on most nights, whether or not paying with money or factors; the charges range considerably primarily based on the time of yr, what’s happening on the town, and so forth.
- Each lodges have some stylish eating places and bars which can be fashionable with outsiders as effectively, as is frequent with the EDITION model
The Tokyo EDITION Toranomon has lovely views, however…
We spent our first night time on the 206-room Tokyo EDITION Toranomon. For these not acquainted, Toranomon is a enterprise district of Tokyo. For vacationers, among the best elements of being on this space is that it affords among the greatest views of the long-lasting Tokyo Tower.
The resort takes up ranges 31-36 of the Tokyo World Gate constructing, so it’s a kind of lodges the place you first take an elevator to the foyer, after which take an elevator to your room.
The resort’s foyer is the hub of the resort, and also you’ll discover all of the property’s facilities, together with all of the eating places, on the identical ground.
I booked a typical room right here, however utilized a Nightly Improve Award, and cleared into a set with a view of Tokyo Tower, which was an enormous rating. Truthfully, the room was the one factor about this keep I actually favored. Not solely was the suite exceptionally spacious, however the views had been breathtaking.
This would possibly simply be one of the best view I’ve had from a resort in Tokyo, and that’s the one purpose I’d think about returning to this resort.
Till now every thing sounds nice, so what’s my challenge with the resort? Let me be clear, I don’t suppose it’s a nasty resort. I simply suppose they’re charging high greenback, but I really feel like there’s room for enchancment with most issues exterior the room.
For instance, the resort has an indoor pool… superior! However not like many different luxurious lodges in Tokyo, the pool doesn’t have any view, however as an alternative is totally enclosed. You don’t know if it’s night time or day. It’s like a sensory deprivation chamber. You wouldn’t even have any clue that you simply’re in Japan, and there’s no onsen facility.
The dearth of sunshine and views can also be true of the gymnasium, because it doesn’t have any home windows. That is such a distinction to many different lodges in Tokyo, the place each the pool and gymnasium have superb views overlooking Tokyo.
This resort can also be both too massive, or simply not correctly staffed, and I discovered service to be manner too impersonalized for the charges being charged. Don’t get me mistaken, the workers had been all effectively intentioned and pleasant sufficient, however staffing ranges simply weren’t environment friendly, and you actually simply felt like a quantity.
This can be a completely minor instance, however I hoped to ask the concierge a query round 9AM. So I approached the entrance desk, and was knowledgeable the concierge doesn’t arrive till 10AM. To begin with, that appears actually late. Second of all, at a luxurious resort you’d suppose that they’d supply to take down your data and request, and have the concierge get in contact with you. There was no such supply, and it type of sums up how impersonalized the entire expertise felt.
I’d solely return right here particularly if I actually valued a Tokyo Tower view, and particularly if I may assure the identical kind of room I used to be in. Nevertheless, in nearly each different manner, I’d say the Andaz Tokyo is superior to this property. It has a significantly better pool and gymnasium, a greater sense of place, and so forth.
Not that I place a lot worth on TripAdvisor opinions, however clearly I’m not alone in not being impressed by this property, because the resort has a 3.5 star score there. That’s actually tough (I really feel like a overwhelming majority of half respectable lodges are within the 4-4.5 vary), however I feel that’s completely honest. The resort simply costs an excessive amount of for what it affords.
The Tokyo EDITION Ginza is boutique, has nice service
We spent our second night time on the 86-room Tokyo EDITION Ginza. For these not acquainted, Ginza is a procuring district of Tokyo, in order that’s sometimes the most important draw for guests. The resort is in a standalone constructing, so once you enter the door, you’re immediately within the foyer.
I’ll be sincere — once I was wanting on the lodges, I figured I would really like this one much less, so let’s talk about the negatives first. For one, this resort has a scarcity of facilities. Sure, there are nice meals and beverage retailers, however the resort doesn’t have a pool, and the gymnasium is uselessly tiny. Like, it doesn’t actually have a treadmill. Visitors can use the facilities on the different property, however I don’t need to drive quarter-hour to go use a not-great pool.
Additionally, the resort doesn’t have good views. That is true of most lodges in Ginza, as they’re not very tall, and the world has buildings so shut to at least one one other. It’s nearly such as you’re in Midtown Manhattan. For instance, under is the view we had from our suite.
Talking of our suite, it wasn’t as spectacular as on the different property, however was nonetheless very good (I additionally secured this utilizing a Nightly Improve Award).
However the Tokyo EDITION Ginza has some actual redeeming qualities that make me prefer it. For one, the service is really flawless, and the workers throughout the board confirmed such heat hospitality. Each single worker we interacted with was type and invested in ensuring that friends had a good time and left blissful.
To me, that’s probably the most vital issues that shapes my impression of a resort keep. On the finish of the day, you need to really feel such as you’re welcome, and such as you’re greater than a quantity, and this resort knocks that out of the park. The distinction between service on the two properties is night time and day.
For instance, once I couldn’t get assist from the concierge on the different EDITION property, I referred to as up this property, and requested to be put in contact with the concierge. She was there a lot earlier, and couldn’t have been extra useful, and had suggestions for me through WhatsApp inside minutes.
That additionally ties into the second level. This resort feels boutique and intimate, and I actually like that. There’s one thing I admire about strolling straight into the foyer, being greeted in a personalised manner, and going straight as much as my room.
I additionally actually favored the resort’s restaurant on the highest ground. Admittedly the opposite EDITION additionally has nice eating places, however what made this higher to me was that the identical personalised degree of service utilized right here as effectively.
Would this be my first decide of lodges in Tokyo? No, as a result of I do worth primary facilities (like a correct gymnasium and pool), and I additionally actually like a resort with superb views and extra of a way of place. Nevertheless, I’d completely think about returning right here, as the extent of service and boutique really feel makes this a particular property.
Since I discussed above that the Tokyo EDITION Toranomon has a 3.5 star score on TripAdvisor, let me point out that the Tokyo EDITION Ginza has a 4.5 star score, and I feel that relative score is honest.
Backside line
There are two EDITION properties in Tokyo, and whereas they’ve plenty of similarities, additionally they have plenty of variations. I simply accomplished a keep at each of them, and was blissful to have the chance to expertise them firsthand.
The EDITION Toranomon has superb views of Tokyo Tower, and has an honest variety of facilities, from a pool and gymnasium, to a number of eating places. Nevertheless, with 200+ rooms, the property lacks personalised service, and I’ve a tough time justifying the worth level. The EDITION Ginza doesn’t have views and lacks facilities, however has a boutique really feel, and impeccable service.
Neither resort can be my first decide in Tokyo, although I undoubtedly favor the Ginza property to the Toranomon property. I’d solely keep on the Toranomon property if I particularly wished that view, which is a deal with, admittedly. However aside from that, I feel the close by Andaz Tokyo is healthier. Or if worth is not any object, there are extra luxurious properties within the metropolis.
What’s your tackle the 2 EDITION properties, and which do you favor?
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