The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
"How did it strike you on arrival?Sometimes history repeats itself, and we're better off for it. Upon opening in 1963, the original hotel was an instant classic, and after a complete overhaul—rebuilt within a gleaming 29-story skyscraper—the look is a sensational refresh of Japanese design.The architect, Kengo Kuma, is currently working on the stadium for Tokyo's 2020 Olympic games, and the hotel showcases his finesse right from the high-ceiling lobby, with its glassy staircases and the Kuma signature, sculptural wooden latticework climbing the walls and ceiling. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Considering the locale (the district itself is all politics, home to the likes of the prime minister), expect to rub shoulders with an older, professional crowd. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The hotel's 251 guest rooms and 13 suites drive home a minimal, refined Japanese aesthetic. The Premier King especially showcases that smooth elegance throughout just more than 680 square feet. The textures are serene: Concentric, overlapping circles bring pattern to gray carpets, like ripples during rainfall; beds are banked with light wood and glowing washi paper lanterns; panoramic windows close flush with sliding paper screens or open up to views of the lush flora surrounding the Imperial Palace below. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The bathrooms are all neat and warmly lit, some with separate rainfall showers and soaking tubs next to windows. The products, made by Themae, are French and a perfect match: Inspired by the Japanese tea ceremony, they're infused with the combined essence of green, white, black, and rooibos teas. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is fast and free in the rooms. But in the rare chance that it's not as high-speed as needed, the hotel has often, almost heroically, provided guests with personal hotspots. Room service: Worth it?Two of the hotel's venues handle room service. The lobby's Origami restaurant and pastry shop is open all day and is best for lunch items: An international mix of curries, soups, and sandwiches (omurice will hit the breakfast spot). Suiren, the other option for room service, has such artfully plated seasonal fare that you'll want to consider eating in the garden-side restaurant. Both, however, will cost a pretty penny. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?Unless a pool is mandatory, serious business types will enjoy just how refined it is." - Keith Flanagan
