Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo

BACKGROUND

One of Hyatt Hotels lifestyle brands, the Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo was the first Hyatt Centric in AsiaPacific when it opened in 2018. Since then, another Hyatt Centric has opened in Kanazawa, a city that pre-pandemic was emerging as an alternative destination to Kyoto.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

The Hyatt Centric doesn’t have the opulence of fivestar sister brand the Andaz in Tokyo’s Toranomon neighbourhood – there’s no spa or pool and just two dining options. Instead, the primary target seems to be 30- to 40-something leisure and business travellers, with the focus on providing basic traveller needs instead of non-essentials that would drive rates higher.

That’s not to say it isn’t plush. The spacious fourth-floor library-lounge has an extremely sleek feel with its dark woods and deepish red and copper tones, with a chic hipster tinge thanks to retro Pac Man and Space Invaders arcade machines, comfy couches, and hotel pet: a robotic Aibo dog called Roc.

Add in staff uniforms that are more Apple store than the usual formal attire of Tokyo’s upper-end hotels, and the overall package is refreshingly welcoming and unstuffy.

WHERE IS IT?

In a prime location in the heart of the upscale Ginza district, one of Tokyo’s premier dining and shopping areas. It’s a couple of minutes on foot to the swanky Ginza Six shopping complex and Mitsukoshi department store, as well as Ginza Station on the Ginza, Hibiya and Marunouchi subway lines. It’s also a short taxi ride to Tokyo Station and the Marunouchi and Otemachi business districts.

ROOMS

Spread across the fifth to twelfth floors are 164 rooms and suites. The 11th floor One King Bed Deluxe room I stayed in was 47 sqm and, like all non-standard rooms, overlooked Namiki-dori, a prime shopping street – albeit there wasn’t all that much to see beyond other buildings. Design wise, it was a continuation of the sleek lobby style, with natural woods and yellow and red hues. Furniture highlights included a day bed and a handy work desk-cum-dining table, while the bathroom featured a separate bathtub and shower.

The rooms are fun to unwind in, with thoughtful attention to detail throughout: electronic blinds and blackout shades, large wall-mounted LCD TV (50 inches in my room), Nespresso machine, laptopsized safe, Bose Bluetooth speaker, eco-conscious BeeKind bath products, bathrobes and yukata gowns.

The differences between rooms mostly comes down to size. The entry-level Twin and Kings are 35 sqm, while the suites have separate bedrooms and come in at 77 sqm, with the exception of the 127-sqm Namiki Suite.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

There are two options – both on the third floor and both also open to non-guests. At NAMIKI667, chef Toru Hirakawa focuses on slow-roasted dishes using ingredients sourced predominantly in and around Tokyo. The dinner menu includes a la carte and four- and five-course options. It’s also open for lunch and breakfast, although due to the Covid-19 state of emergency in Tokyo, breakfast was served in-room only during my stay – and needed to be ordered 30 minutes ahead of time.

The adjoining NAMIKI667 Bar & Lounge focuses on coffee, sweets and original cocktails. Again, this was temporarily suspended during my stay, but there are usually music nights and a 4pm to 6pm happy hour. Both venues share access to a lovely open-air terrace.

Of course, this being Ginza, a hotel here doesn’t need much else. There are hundreds of bars and restaurants in the neighbourhood, including several Michelinstar sushi joints and many other more affordable restaurants. Staff can help make reservations.

MEETING FACILITIES

The Namiki Suite can be used as an event space for up to 20 people. There’s also a 110-sqm multi-function area in NAMIKI667 with a built-in 120-inch screen and projector that can host up to 60 guests, plus an additional private dining room that can accommodate up to 30.

LEISURE FACILITIES

There’s a complimentary 24-hour fitness centre with cardio machines, yoga mats, and weights

VERDICT

The Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo delivers plush, functional, and friendly accommodation, with a superb location for shopping, eating, and doing business in central Tokyo. Rob Goss

DON’T MISS

Browsing books and relaxing with a coffee at the library-lounge.

BEST FOR

The location. Tokyo’s best restaurants and shops are right on the doorstep.

PRICE

Standard internet rates (excluding 15% service charge and 10% tax) for entry-level King or Twin rooms in November start from US$291

CONTACT

6-6-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan 104-0061: tel. +81 (0)3 6837 1234; hyattcentricginza.com

The rooms are fun to unwind in, with thoughtful attention to detail throughout