This place was handpicked (by yours truly) for a business trip and it turned out to be the best decision ever. It also helped that they are an Accor partner hotel so I could earn some decent points for my 6D5N stay.
ADDRESS: 26 1 Sakuragaoka Cho, Shibuya, 150-8512, Tokyo Japan. Website.
PRICE – Wallet bursting kind of expensive. Seriously. The only reason I could only stay here was because 3 nights out of 5 were borne as business. My total stay was JPY 196,736 (est SGD2,380) and I opted to upgrade to their 2nd highest category, Tower Floor, for another total of JPY36,828 (est SGD450) as the cost would have been almost the same if I add 2x breakfast to the base rate. So my total was about SGD600 per night! That upgrade gave me breakfast and access to the Executive Salon but still, this is one of the most expensive non-suite rooms I have ever stayed in. Note that the rates are a little lower if you book through their website proper instead of the Accor website. But I couldnt let the points go to waste, could I?
LOCATION – right smack in Shibuya and the towering height makes it too hard to miss, plus a good navigating point if you get lost in the area. 5mins-10mins walk from Shibuya station and a quick walk brings you to the middle of the action.
GETTING HERE – Super easy after a little research. After getting out of the arrival hall, grab your airport limousine bus tickets from the counter, go to the correct bus stop number (they will check your ticket again), and get on while they load your luggage. Get down when they announce Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel. Much easier than attempting the train!
CHECK IN – was super happy the room was already available at 11am+ and process was courteous and seamless. I had also ordered a box of items to be collected upon my arrival and was impressed that the hotel even allows such transactions for the brand (payment was made to hotel upon checkout)
ROOM – I got 3302 (twin beds) and the the size was adequate for 2 ladies with big luggage. Cleanliness was top notch, and so as the toiletries offered in the bathroom. L’occitane toiletries was def a bonus! Super comfy beds but the a/c takes a while to get the room comfortable enough.
EXECUTIVE SALON – I had access to the Executive Lounge and most times it was never crowded, even at breakfast. Service was always polite and attentive. But the cocktail hours had a poor showing in terms of the quality and quantity offered – pre-packed cheeses and dried fruits, nuts, and cookies but no other cold and hot items. I understand that its not supposed to be dinner food but with the other properties offering much more, its always good to stay competitive. Coffee was good though. Bonus points for champagne available during cocktail hours. I also had a bad breakfast experience one morning but I’ve corresponded with the management directly so not going to repeat here – essentially about flexibility and offering options to guests.
FACILITIES – I paid JPY1,080 (SGD15) to check out their indoor pool, really nice with a adjourning jacuzzi. But I found it really strange to have to pay to use the facilities with a $600 per night room.
CHECK OUT – Swift and painless.
SERVICE – not too bad except for my crappy breakfast experience.
This will be my first choice if I come to Shibuya again but the prices makes it really hard for it to be an easy choice. I will go bankrupt if so. Buttttt its a really nice choice if your budget allows for sure!