Scott T.
Yelp
I first came to the Okura about 27 years ago, back when it was called the Hotel Okura and you walked from the hexagonal-lanterned lobby to the elevators, where kimono-clad staff stood by to assist you. Time has passed and this hotel is a newer, more modern version of itself, having been torn down and rebuilt just prior to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The architectural team, led by the son of the original Okura's architect, managed to recreate much of the original lobby using similar elements or, in some cases, actual fixtures from the old building. The result is a bit eerie, like stepping through a portal in time, but also quite romantic in its intention.
The accommodations are split into the Heritage Tower, a shorter structure with more traditionally-appointed rooms, and the taller Prestige Tower, with more contemporarily styled rooms. I stayed in a corner king in the Prestige Tower, and it was fantastic. The wraparound views are to die for; at night you have a panorama full of lights, and on a clear day, the sun rises right above the bed in a spectacular display. There's even a view of the nearby Tokyo Tower peeking out from behind another office building. The bathroom is lovely with ultra-luxurious complimentary toiletries and the shower and bath share the view of the city. And the toilet is isolated from the bedroom towards the entry (which I liked).
My one complaint was that my room was not ready when I arrived to check in at 3pm. In fact, I was informed it would not be ready for another hour, which is among the top three things you don't want to hear when you're tired and have just arrived with your luggage. I was given tickets for free drinks at the Orchid, which was some consolation. But it's hard not to compare this level of service to the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, which a week prior had managed to have my room ready at 6am(!) for an early check-in. Also when the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo believed they had made a misstep in service, their apologies were immediate and intense. Handwritten notes, gifts from the gourmet shop, etc. Not just the front desk agent handing you drink vouchers and offering a pained look on his face, which is what I got at the Okura.
Despite that, I was extremely pleased with my stay here overall. It was wonderful to come back after so many years to experience the legendary hotel again and I hope I get to visit again, even if just to try the restaurants. It might be my imagination, but I swear the aura of the old hotel remains in the lobby and halls of this beautiful new iteration of a Tokyo landmark.