|
Shopping in Tokyo?Hotel Seiyo Ginza is THE place to stay!By Lucy MossRising like a geometric iceberg above the Ginza, Japan’s premier shopping area, the Hotel Seiyo Ginza is an unrivalled address for those who wish to indulge in a little ‘retail therapy’ during their stay in Tokyo. The Ginza has long been one of Asia’s great shopping paradises, offering an almost overwhelming selection of everything from pearls to fine antiques, designer handbags and fashions to high class stationery. And for guests at the Seiyo Ginza, this world of temptation starts literally just outside the doors of the elegant lobby. “We have no need of a shopping arcade here at the hotel”, explains Head Concierge Momoko Ono. “Everything our guests could want is available in the Ginza, right on the hotel’s doorstep”.
In Spring 2001 the Seiyo Ginza became the first hotel in Japan to introduce a 24-hour Butler Service to all rooms and suites. Butlers are available for an impressive range of duties such as the unpacking and packing of luggage, assistance with setting up personal computer equipment, laundry and valet services and table service, should guests wish to take advantage of in-room dining.
Irasshaimase! Welcome to Japan and the elegance and genuine hospitality of the Hotel Seiyo Ginza. Text © Lucy Moss lucy@globeflower.com Photos © Hotel Seiyo Ginza/Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Further Information:Hotel Seiyo Ginza Rates: Sgl/Dbl: ¥42,000-¥55,000; Suites: ¥60,000-¥200,000 |
|
TM
But there is much more to this fine hotel, a member of the ‘Leading Hotels of
the World’, than simply its superb location. With just 77 rooms, the Seiyo Ginza
is a small, ultra-luxury establishment with the uniquely ‘home from home’
atmosphere of a top-class residential club. What is more, it is convenient for
both Tokyo’s business and governmental districts, and just a five-minute taxi
ride from Tokyo Central Station, making it the ideal address for those seeking
to add a little extra touch of luxury to their stay in Tokyo.
Newly emerged from a major refurbishment, the hotel’s elegant interiors
reflect a timeless European style, enhanced by subtle Japanese touches: an
exquisite ‘ikebana’ flower arrangement; a gold leaf screen decorated with a
design of fans… The calm beauty of the marble lobby is a world away from the
rushed ‘airport lounge’ atmosphere of a number of Tokyo’s larger hotels. Seated
at the reception desk, the guest simply presents his or her business card and
the check-in formalities are complete.
Each of the tastefully decorated rooms and suites is decorated in warm,
natural colors and features a spacious marble bathroom, dressing room and vanity
area. Leisure suits hang ready in the wardrobe in case the guest should care to
take advantage of the Fitness Center or follow Tokyo’s classic jogging course
around the nearby Imperial Palace Moat. Large windows frame views of the Ginza –
particularly impressive at night when the area is adorned in neon splendor. On
the desk is a vase containing a single cream rose (scented) and beside it a
perfect ‘tableaux’ – a disc of glossy lacquer, velvet black, elegantly strewn
with a selection of seasonal fruits and a spray of Japan’s famous ‘momiji’,
autumn maple leaves. And as a center piece, a silver ice bucket holds a bottle
of champagne – the perfect treat after a long journey.
“No request is too large, no detail too small”. The Seiyo Ginza prides itself
on this exacting philosophy and offers top-notch personalized guest services. In
a land where the concept of the Concierge has only recently been introduced, the
Seiyo Ginza sets the pace, boasting among its staff two accredited members of
the renowned concierge association, Les Clefs d’Or. From travel arrangements to
gift wrapping and mailing services, restaurant reservations to the printing of
bi-lingual business cards, your every need will be gracefully accommodated.
Advice and assistance on shopping is of course readily available and a ‘Personal
Shopper’ service can be arranged. Serious shoppers would be well advised to take
advantage of this expertise!
It would be a tragedy, however, not to dine at least once at the Seiyo
Ginza’s superb French restaurant, “Répertoire”. Newly opened in Autumn 2001,
“Répertoire” serves sophisticated cuisine prepared with real flair and
imagination under the direction of grand chef Shoji Hirota. The ambiance is
delightfully relaxed - intimate and refined, indeed more like the dining room of
a European stately home than a restaurant. Dine à la carte, or to really get an
impression of chef Hirota’s range of skills opt for the seasonal ‘Chef’s Tasting
Menu’, an innovative concept that allows a variety of dishes to be sampled in
smaller portions. Silver domes are lifted with a flourish to reveal exquisitely
arranged morsels, the gentle clink of wine glasses can be heard against the soft
murmurs of conversation and the mirrors reflect the seasonal flower arrangements
and flames of candles against the starched white tablecloths and décor of golds,
beiges and chocolate brown. “Répertoire” is perfect for a romantic duo or
business negotiations of a more delicate nature. All in all, a superior dining
experience and highly recommended.
A further two restaurants are also to be found on the Seiyo Ginza premises: “Attore”,
specializing in the dishes of northern Italy and featuring a Restaurant,
Trattoria and Wine Bar, and “Kitcho” which serves formal Japanese cuisine in the
exquisite ‘Kaiseki’ multi course style. Each shares that timeless, exclusive
atmosphere that characterizes the hotel. “In quality of service and level of
comfort we believe we set the standard in Tokyo” says General Manager Lloyd S.
Nakano. “We aim to maximize our guests’ enjoyment of Japan by unsurpassed
dedication to meeting their every need”.