Hotel New Grand
"How did it strike you on arrival?This is like the Plaza of Yokohama: grand and rich, historic. Much of its 1927 Western-style glamour remains intact. Nice. What’s the crowd like?It's popular with cruise passengers because of its proximity to the terminal. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.There's the old hotel and a new tower (where some rooms have a harbor view). Rooms in both are fairly big, with classic, grand-old-hotel style that's charmingly old-fashioned. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The sheets are soft but the mattress is hard. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The fanciest rooms have Bvlgari amenities, but all of them have whatever toiletries you might need (house-branded) and waffle-weave, cotton robes. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Deep tubs and fancy Japanese toilets (of course). Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free Wi-Fi works better in some rooms than others. Room service: Worth it?The New Grand claims credit for inventing such famous yoshoku dishes (Japanese Western cooking) like doria, a Japanese gratin made with rice and a curry meat sauce, and napolitan, a riff on spaghetti with tomato sauce. You can try them in Coffee House The Cafe (whether or not you're staying in the hotel) Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?They are all so helpful. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.There are several restaurants, a spa and salon—but get out and see the city; this hotel is between Chinatown and Minato Mirai. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?I'd always rather stay in a place thats old and grand than a contemporary hotel that's trying too hard and misses the mark. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Prices range depending on the season. If you can get a room for under 20,000JPY ($187), it's a good deal. Extras can add up, but you can bring your own coffee and eat in Chinatown." - Hannah Kirshner
