Holidaying in Tokyo was a new experience for us. We had never been to Tokyo before, and being in a strange city, it helped that we were able to stay with a brand name that is recognized the world over for its customer service and professionalism. Hilton Tokyo Bay, also has the advantage of being an official Disney Hotel, which basically means that it is right next to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. Making it the only choice for value conscious traveller going to Tokyo Disneyland.
We started our review by checkin in at the very kid friendly reception. Right opposite the checkin counter is a huge play area for kids to busy themselves while the grown ups do the mundane tasks of getting their room sorted. Here is a picture of our kids running riot.
One great thing about this hotel is that the bell captain staff show you to your room and bring your luggage with them. We have been lost so many times in big hotels trying to locate our room that this was a great bonus.
The first room we checked in to is what the Hilton Tokyo Bay calls the “Celebrio” room. This is a new product by them that is bright and airy, with loads of innovative features like piped music in the bathroom, modern décor and interactive art. Our room had views over Tokyo Bay and it was on the 11th (highest) floor. This is our room before getting messed up.
The signature room of this hotel however, is the Happy Magic Room. I spoke with Mari Ikeda, Director of Marketing Communications at the Hotel and she told me that most of their bookings are for those rooms. She offered to show me and my daughter these rooms after breakfast one day and my daughter was absolutely delighted with the room.
The experience of Happy Magic starts from the elevator area. There are magic trees around the elevator area that show 3D images of (happy) creatures. Each time we had to take an elevator, our kids would spend heaps of time just looking through the magic trees.
Hilton Tokyo Bay specifically created the creatures, art work and concept behind the Happy Magic Rooms and it is integrated into each aspect of these rooms and floor. From the elevator area, to the mural on the doors, to the three secrets within the rooms that the kids will love exploring, everything was seamless and very well integrated. These rooms are the most fun rooms that our kids have stayed in, and I guarantee your kids will love it as well. I will leave you with some pictures to see our kids exploring!
For the final night of our stay, we stayed in a traditional Japanese Suite. Although slightly expensive, it is a great idea to incorporate this into your budget for at least one night as the suite is absolutely fabulous and provides a real feel of staying in a Ryokan (Japanese Inn)! It has two rooms, a separate Japanese style shower and toilet and the maid comes and makes your bed when you are ready to call it a day. Here are some more pictures.
Finally, the food. Unfortunately, because the Hotel is so conveniently located next to the Tokyo Disneyland, we only had breakfast at the hotel before venturing out for the day. We would come in late at night and go straight to bed. However, if the breakfast is anything to go by, then the lunch and dinner services must really be as good! There was so much choice, from traditional Japanese buckwheet noodles to eggs, sausages and the like. You were spoilt for choice! Even then, if you got the late night munchies, you didn’t need to spend much on room service, as there is a mini shopping centre located on the hotel premises itself and it is open late at night. There is even a Disneyland shop where you can pick up some souveniars that you may have forgotten to pick at Disneyland itself.
The best feature of this hotel? Kids under 6 years of age stay free with the adults using existing bedding. Rooms are spacious and several rooms have triple beds (check at reservation) so it really is a great bonus and saves you heaps!
In a nutshell
What?
HILTON TOKYO BAY HOTEL
Where?
279-0031, CHIBA, URAYASU-SHI, 1-8 MAIHAMA, JAPAN TEL: 81-47-355-5000
Why?
Right next to Tokyo Disneyland. Happy Magic Room. Great value. Japanese style rooms. Great service, great food. Perfect for families.
Free shuttle bus from the Bayside station on the Disneyland Monorail station or a simple 2 minute walk.
Disclosure: CraftGossip got discounted rates to stay and review the hotel.
We stayed in the Sunroute Plaza in Shinjuku and looooooved it. Granted, it wasn’t exactly a child friendly hotel but ideal for couples or business. The location was central and magical and even when I had food poisoning and was tied to the room for 2 days, the amazing view made me feel just a little bit better about missing out.
We’ll have to keep the Hilton in mind for when we have kids and return to Japan for another visit.