Introduction
I was staying here for 3 nights as a Guest of Honor, meaning I was enjoying the Hyatt Diamond aka Globalist benefits, back in late March 2017. It cost me 25,000 points a night when I stayed.
Getting here from airport
Once again, we took the limousine bus aka just a normal bus from Narita airport. You buy tickets near baggage claim; we had to wait about 15 minutes since there were so many people. Then we had to wait an hour because we just missed the right bus. Then it took about 1.5 hrs to get to the Andaz; nearly a 3 hour journey. Was no fun I tell you. I may take the subway next time.
Checkin
The lobby is on something like the 40th floor. Like other Andaz hotels, we were seated at the big wooden table and someone came by to check us in. They mentioned my GOH and the wine happy hour every night. They did say I got upgraded to a better view, but really, I don’t think any view is bad since you’re so high up. Once you’re done with checkin, you go up a different set of elevators going up to your room.
By the way, we only did the wine happy hour 1 night, and it was just okay. Two wine selections – a pink rose and a red wine and some nuts/snacks. The problem is that the lobby area where it’s held (pictured below) really has NO VIEW at all. Whereas at the PH, you could enjoy their happy hour with an awesome view.
Wifi
Wifi was okay. I think it was just public because the hotel is so high up.
Breakfast
The breakfast buffet is definitely top notch. I liked the miso soup and broiled fish every day. They also had passion fruit on the buffet, but apparently not every day. Definitely in my top 5 of hotel breakfast buffets.
Conclusion – Park Hyatt vs Andaz
Looking back at my Park Hyatt Tokyo review, I was trying to decide if the Andaz is better. I do like that the Andaz is closer to a subway station than the Park Hyatt is (a ~7 min walk vs a ~15 min walk.) It is a bit more “central” than the Park Hyatt. However, one thing I missed was the awesome happy hour at the PH Tokyo for Globalists (waiter walked around with food and a bigger selection of drinks.) View-wise, I think both locations are fine. I think the PH is a bit “snootier” if that makes sense, and I don’t say that negatively. Their customer service seemed to be better just because their clientele seems to be higher up on the socioeconomic ladder.
If you’ve never been to either and you prefer a more relaxed environment, I suggest you pick the Andaz. If you like to be a bit more pampered, then I’d suggest you go with the Park Hyatt (or at least experience the PH once.) The next time I go back to Tokyo, I may pick a different chain since I hear the Grand Hyatt rooms aren’t all that great (although location is superb.) However, if I had to choose between the Andaz and PH, I’d slightly lean towards the Andaz due to the better breakfast and location. It’s kinda like deciding between eating at Jiro’s (more upscale, rigid rules) or his son’s restaurant (not as good but a more relaxed atmosphere.) It’s not an easy decision.
Ah I forgot to add that the Andaz has a bidet that will open and close and flush for you as soon as you step into the bathroom. At first I laughed at it, but by the end of the trip, I was longing for it. I will always miss you automatic bidet. So much that I’m considering buying one for my bathroom.
Pictures
