The first time I went to Japan in 2015 I had afternoon tea at the Peak Lounge but never stayed at the hotel. I am glad I decided to stay here for a couple of nights this time.

Booking: Originally I booked the deluxe room for 117k JPY plus tax and service per night, but I switched to 35k points per night and applied an SUA.

Check in: The hotel was showing no availability the night before. While waiting for check in I was served a towel and a glass of champagne. At check in the lady explained Globalist benefits and nightly turn down service to me. While chatting I jokingly said I know the hotel was full and I didn’t mind taking the Ambassador or the Diplomat suite. She looked up and said how did you know? I was surprised that I was assigned the Ambassador suite (I didn’t check the app that morning). While I liked Andaz’s check in experience, but the room was just too busy and hectic. The experience at PH Tokyo was much more civilized.

Globalist benefits: Breakfast and free access to Club on the park (fee for regular guest is 5,500 JPY inclusive. Pool and gym access is through the club so I am not sure if regular hotel guests have free access or not.)

Room: I mean it is the Ambassador suite so I am quite sure most of our future experience will be very different from this! The hardware is top notch and all Aesop products in the suite. Frette linen. Everything is perfect but I did notice one of the closet door is not closing properly and the turn down service left a plastic glove on the mat one night. I left the privacy light on for a little bit the first morning and then I saw a card saying house keeping just came by but I can call them if I need the room refreshed. I didn’t think about it and left after turning off the privacy light. When I returned in the afternoon, the room was refreshed without my asking. I also noticed the way the window shutters are set up provide great privacy from your neighbors.

Breakfast: If you want the Japanese breakfast you have to reserve for it at no extra charge. If you select Japanese breakfast you cannot take from the buffet. I love Japanese food and PHT was very good, but if I am only staying for one or two nights I would just stick with the western breakfast. I thought the breakfast at Andaz and HTH were awesome, but this place is just at another level.

Afternoon tea: For old times’ sake, I reserved a Mt Fuji side table pre-arrival. The full set was expensive, but I enjoyed it. I think you can also order à la carte but they probably won’t sit you by the window. I went on a Wednesday afternoon and they were not busy. They said January and February weekdays are like that. The staff probably is still pretty new but very nice.

New York Bar: I asked to see the drink menu on Wednesday afternoon before they open. Then I asked the lady a question about the menu and she looked up at me while we both laughed nervously for a few seconds, then she said she had to confirm. I went on a Thursday evening around 6 pm and this place was hopping. The jazz band was playing. No cover charge for hotel guests.

Club on the Park, gym and pool: The wet area is very nice with a large warm pool, a cold pool and three small dry/steam rooms. They have two quiet areas with nice chairs that you can nap on. All Aesop products, more than in the suite. The view from the gym area and the pool is just breathtaking, probably one of the better hotel facilities anywhere. The best thing is that it was not too crowded.

Location: It is a bit tricky to say the least! It is a good 10 minutes walk to Shinjuku or Tochome station. The walk is easy though. They also have a shuttle to Shinjuku which will drop you off just across the street from Odakyu department store close to exit B15. The shuttle runs twice every hour. Taxis to Shinjuku should be less than 1,000 JPY.

Staff: I thought they were pretty nice and may be even personable (comparing to the staff at Andaz). Everyone I encountered greeted me and offered help. There were minor issues but I think they should come together in time.

I am a Hyatt Regency Tokyo kind of guest but don’t mind cheating on her from time to time. I would stay here again, even pay with cash if not too crazy.😂