Recent boutique newcomer Shiba Park Hotel 151 opened in August, close to the Park Hotel Tokyo. The hotel is owned by the same hospitality group that began the original Shiba Park Hotel in 1949 (still in existence next door).
Its 70 modern rooms combine traditional Japanese elements together with sleek wooden accents.
The colourful lobby is flanked by a large free-standing globe—a great icebreaker for hotel guests. Walls behind the check-in desk contain a myriad of hand-patched kimono patterns symbolizing Japan’s seasons. Even the hydrangea-motif carpet represents the flower of Minato Ward where the hotel is located.
Rooms
We slept soundly in our Hollywood Twin room (Japanese twin beds are wider than their North American cousins). In this configuration, two beds are pushed together, resembling a king bed.
Rooms contain hypoallergenic bedding, a sliding wooden door separating bedroom and bathroom with options for single, double and triple sleeping arrangements. The toilet (with a small sink) is adjacent to the bathroom.
The layout is functional, with desk counter, chair and outlet plugs at the desk and next to each bed. A small table and two chairs by the window make a cozy space for relaxing after full days spent exploring the immense capital city.
The majority of the room contains light wood furnishings including storage space with shelving, drawers and a safe. I like the simplicity of the room; a small Japanese lantern is the sole element, creating a calm atmosphere.
This hotel caters to both international business travellers and tourists alike, so several switches are indicated by icons rather than in Japanese and English.
Red brick in front of the reception wing maintains harmony with the street that it’s located on, Akarenga Street (“street of red bricks”).
Amenities
A range of disposable hair brushes, combs, toothbrushes, razors and hair bands are neatly tucked away in a bathroom drawer.
Above the mini fridge is a slide-out tray containing coffee, tea, shortbread cookies and water kettle.
A great way to experience Japanese culture is by partaking in the hotel’s second-floor Sakura Salon.
Free daily workshops for guests include origami folding, calligraphy, manekineko (Japanese lucky cat!) painting, sushi classes and other cooking workshops. A big thanks to Ryo and Mizuku for hosting the manekineko workshop while we were in town!
[A range of choices at breakfast]
Dining
Shiba Park Hotel 151’s Old City Grill House features lobster rolls, New England clam chowder and Cajun cuisine.
Each morning, a well-varied Western style breakfast is also served here, including fresh fruit, steamed veggies, customized omelettes, pancakes and waffles (with Canadian maple syrup!), excellent croissants, etc.
Location
The Shibadaimon area is a 10-minute walk to both Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple. Close by are several convenience stores, restaurants and cafés.
The Daimon subway station is about a four-minute walk from the hotel; the much larger Hamamatsucho Station (connecting several train lines) is less than 10 minutes away on foot. This is also where you catch the Tokyo Monorail to Haneda Airport.
[Zojoji Temple statue]
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, accessing the city via Shiba Park 151 is a breeze, being close to four major train and subway stations, as well as to many sightseeing spots and a business district hub.
[Old City Grill House]
Find Shiba Park Hotel 151 at 1 Chrome-5-10 Shibakoen, Tokyo.
We were guests of the Shiba Park Hotel 151. Opinions, as always, are our own.
