Bulgari Tokyo – Hotel Review

An Italian retreat in the chaos of Tokyo? Yes, please. As you sip sublime cocktails by the glittering peacock mosaic in the 45th floor rooftop bar and take a dip in a swimming pool overlooking the city, you'll come to realise there’s nothing understated about the Bulgari Tokyo hotel. Read on for our full review.

Where is Bulgari Tokyo?

Towering over the commercial ward of Chiyoda, Bulgari Tokyo spans the top five floors of the mixed-use Tokyo Midtown Yaesu building which houses high-end boutiques, restaurants (pop into Sumiyaki Unafuji for Michelin-approved eel rice bowls) and offices. From Haneda Airport, it’s a 40-minute drive north, while from Narita Airport, you should expect a 100-minute car journey. The private entrance to the hotel can be found on the ground floor of the complex where a speedy elevator will whisk you to the lobby on the 40th floor.

What’s near Bulgari Tokyo?

The hotel’s prime location gives you direct access to Tokyo Station, the heart of the city’s complex subway network. From here, you’re 10 stops from bustling Shibuya and its famed Scramble Crossing as well as 11 stops to buzzy Shinjuku and the neon-lit Kabukicho area. Glossy Ginza and its luxury stores are a 15-minute walk south, while the tranquil East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are an 18-minute walk west of the hotel.

Room types

Every room and suite at the Bulgari Tokyo offers panoramic views of the city, revealed via automatic blinds as soon as you set foot inside. With the Superior Rooms starting at 51 square metres, each room is a luxurious blend of Italy-meets-Japan. Orange-and-cream silk headboards crafted by Kyoto-based textile weavers, Hosoo, complement brushed matte gold ceilings and warm elm floorboards and accents. The walls are decorated with vintage Bulgari ads and ceiling-to-floor sliding doors separate the ensuite from the entrance. In the bathroom, Bulgari’s own line of floral-and-citrus scented soaps, shampoo and conditioner await on gold-flecked dishes and there’s a generous bathtub for soaking in. You’ll also find linen pyjamas and a plate of sweet treats (hazelnut cookies and fruit) on arrival.

The most luxurious rooms in the hotel belong to the 400-square-metre Bulgari Suite. With a free-flowing open-plan design, this is an entertainer’s dream: there’s a 10-seater dining table, multiple lounge spaces and a bar that begs to be used for shaking up afternoon aperitifs. The bathroom is a marble-and-travertine wrapped oasis, while a small, private in-suite gym set-up delivers epic views as you work up a sweat on the treadmill.

Restaurants and bars

The main restaurant, Il Ristorante, is a staple in all Bulgari Hotels across the globe. Devised in partnership with Niko Romito (whose restaurant Reale garnered three Michelin stars), the venue offers a classic Italian menu that incorporates only the best produce from Japan and Italy. There are five set menus on offer for breakfast including a traditional Japanese-style offering that includes fish and miso soup; a Chinese set complete with congee; and a classic American-inspired offering with omelettes and more. For dinner, choose from the à la carte menu or one of three decadent degustations on offer (king crab with caviar to start, anyone?).

The jewel of the hotel is its rooftop bar which crowns the 45th floor and spills out onto a grassy terrace, delivering the best views of the city. Order the signature citrus Bulgari cocktail from the bar or opt for one of the six Negronis on the menu. For a taste of authentic Japanese, make a reservation at Sushi Hōseki. Tucked away just off the lobby, the intimate eight-seater omakase is helmed by chef Kenji Gyoten, whose former venue Sushi Gyoten garnered three Michelin stars. Here, the sushi maestro will ply guests with a bespoke experience for lunch and dinner.

Sustainability

To conserve electricity, each room features a clever sensor that cuts the power and lowers the automatic blinds when you’re out, helping to regulate the room’s temperature.

Accessibility

All facilities and venues can be reached via elevator and there are two dedicated rooms designed with accessibility in mind.

Travel for work

This is not a hotel designed for work, although its glamorous restaurant and rooftop bar do make glorious places to quickly respond to emails or meet with business partners if you must.

Spa and gym

The Venetian-glass tiled pool runs alongside ceiling-to-floor windows that deliver spectacular views of the Tokyo skyline. Beside it lies a green-and-gold “vitality pool” with in-built submerged recliners, as well as a decadent rain shower. Inside the spa you’ll find all the wellbeing essentials: a cold-therapy, ice-chip fountain, wet and dry saunas, onsen-style soaking pools and Augustinus Bader products, which are also used in the spa’s treatments. Open from 7am to 10pm, the hotel’s fitness centre is kitted out with Technogym machines which devise bespoke training programs depending on your health goals.

What you need to know

While it’s tempting to lounge in the pool all day, we’d recommend hitting the water (or reclining in a poolside cabana) at sunset for the most glorious vistas of the city.

SEE ALSO: The Best Stays to Book in Tokyo