Funky yet practical
Hotel Groove Shinjuku o#ers spacious rooms, essential amenities and proximity to the city’s best shopping and attractions
Hotel Groove Shinjuku, nestled in the heart of Tokyo, was launched in May 2023 by the Pan Pacific Hotels Group. Located within the shadow of Tokyo Kabukicho Tower, Hotel Groove has quickly established itself as a hotel that offers comfort, style and convenience to all guests.
With its strategic location in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s most bustling districts, Hotel Groove offers guests an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s lively culture, entertainment and shopping venues.
The hotel is within walking distance of four train stations — Shinjuku, Seibu-Shinjuku, Shinjuku Sanchome and Shinjuku-Nishiguchi — which provides guests easy access to several train lines that weave through Tokyo.
From high-end boutiques to unique local shops, the surrounding area offers a diverse shopping experience that caters to every taste and budget. Beyond shopping, Shinjuku is also home to a variety of attractions that guests can explore. The tranquil Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden offers a peaceful escape with its beautiful landscapes and seasonal flowers.
For a taste of Tokyo’s nightlife and entertainment, the Kabukicho district is just a short walk away, offering an array of dining, shopping and entertainment options. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, with its free observation decks, provides stunning views of the city and beyond, making it a must-visit for first-time travellers to Tokyo.
Taxis and ride-hailing are very expensive in Japan, so it was a pleasant surprise to find out there were straight bus transfers to and from both Tokyo airports (Narita and Haneda) that will alight at the lobby of Hotel Groove and Bellustar Tokyo.
Hotel Groove boasts an array of facilities designed to cater to the needs and preferences of modern travellers. From the moment guests step into the sleek, contemporary lobby, they are greeted with a sense of warmth and sophistication.
The accommodations range from cosy rooms perfect for solo travellers to spacious suites ideal for families or groups, all equipped with state-of-the-art amenities.
The rooms boast a funky and colourful interior, a reflection of the hotel’s name. There are a total of 538 guestrooms spread across levels 20 to 38. Every one of them boasts city views, with some being able to see Mount Fuji in the distance.
Nine of the suites in the hotel are specially designed by local artists and have a fun theme to them. Perfect for those who are looking for fun and unusual accommodations, each room is designed in collaboration with three Japanese artists — Yoshiaki Kaihatsu, Takuro Tamayama and Tomoyuki Washio — and every room is different and Instagram-worthy.
Options had the opportunity to stay in a Deluxe King room and the stay was comfortable and enjoyable. The room was rather spacious, definitely more so than most hotels in Tokyo at a similar price point. Moreover, the floor-to-ceiling windows allow more sunlight into the room and make it look more spacious.
While Hotel Groove does not have a swimming pool or gym, a facility I found very useful for guests is the laundry and sundry room, where guests can pop in anytime to get their laundry done and grab snacks from the vending machines.
Jam 17 is the hotel’s F&B spot, where guests will enjoy their breakfast buffet there. Apart from the breakfast, the quirkily designed restaurant with an open kitchen serves Japanese-Italian style food and is known for its pizzas made in a woodfire grill oven. Whether for dessert or a snack, the hotel’s gelato shop Gelateria stands just outside Jam 17 for guests to enjoy a sweet and cold treat.
Hotel Groove is one of the most convenient and well-located in Tokyo, with an amazing view. But for those looking for a more luxurious stay, Bellustar Tokyo is just next door, sporting a more classic and sophisticated interior comparatively.
The verdict: Hotel Groove is perfect for the practical traveller. The spacious rooms and amazing views, allow you to enjoy the hotel, while the strategic location gives you the convenience to travel around Tokyo.