Behind the Hype: A Real Guest’s In-Depth Review of Conrad Tokyo

Known for its fascinating history, incredible cuisine, world-class shopping, and electric nightlife, Tokyo has a little something for everyone. I have visited Japan several times, but this time, I traveled with my wife, who had never been to Tokyo.

Choosing where to stay in Tokyo is always challenging as the city has endless accommodation options. These range from hostels to capsule hotels to high-end luxury properties from well-known chains, including Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt.

Since it was my wife’s first time in Tokyo, I wanted to book luxury hotels in the city for at least a few nights. Best of all, I had a Hilton free night certificate to use at almost any Hilton hotel worldwide. Ultimately, I used my free night certificate at Conrad Tokyo, a hotel I have considered on many prior trips. Here’s an in-depth look at my experience at the property and why you should consider staying there.

Booking Conrad Tokyo

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card* is Hilton’s premium credit card, and it comes with excellent perks and benefits, including top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond status and a valuable annual free-night certificate that can be used at almost any Hilton property worldwide.

*The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

Welcome Offer

Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership

175,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$875

Annual Fee

$550

APR

20.99% - 29.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

---

Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous, but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card.

The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists, but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card.

So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 14x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
• 7x points per $1 on select travel and at U.S. restaurants
• 3x points per $1 on all other eligible purchases

Cons

• High annual fee of $550

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership
• Earn 14x Hilton Honors Bonus Points when you make eligible purchases on your card at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio
• Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for eligible travel purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
• Earn 7x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
• Earn 3x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for other eligible purchases on your card
• Enjoy up to $400 in Hilton Resort Credits (up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually) on your card each anniversary year when you stay at participating resorts within the Hilton portfolio
• Enjoy complimentary Diamond status
• $550 annual fee

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99% - 29.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Since I wanted to make the most of this certificate, I looked at what hotels were available during my travels. Conrad Tokyo immediately caught my eye, so I needed to confirm that Standard Room Reward award space was available to book the free night. Fortunately, it was available nearly every night remaining in August.

I booked a 1 King Room City room, which was the only standard room available at the time.

After booking, I checked the cash rate to see how much our booking would have cost. The 1-night stay totaled more than $510, which demonstrates the excellent value of a Hilton free night certificate.

Conrad Toyko Location

Conrad Tokyo occupies floors 28 to 37 of the Tokyo Shidome skyscraper in the Shimbashi area of the Minato District of Tokyo. The property is central and provides easy access to nearly every area of Tokyo.

The hotel is within walking distance of popular areas such as Ginza and Shinbashi and attractions such as Toyosu Market, teamLab Borderless, and the Tokyo Tower.

Getting There

Conrad Tokyo is relatively easy to reach thanks to its central location near the waterfront of Tokyo Bay. It is a great choice when arriving at either of Tokyo’s international airports.

From Haneda Airport (HND) Terminal 2, you can take the Keikyu Airport Bus Line to Conrad Tokyo. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take the Tokyo Monorail to Monorail Hamamatsucho Station and walk about 15 minutes to Conrad Tokyo. You can also take the Oedo Line from Daimon Station (a 6-minute walk from Monorail Hamamatsucho Station) to Shiodome Station. The journey takes less than 45 minutes.

From Narita Airport (NRT), you can take the N’EX (Narita Express) train to Tokyo Station and switch to one of many Tokyo subway lines, heading to Shiodome or Shimbashi station. This journey takes approximately an hour.

Hot Tip:

Learn about the best ways to fly to Japan with points and miles in our detailed guide!

Checking In

After arriving at Shimbashi station at around 11 a.m., we walked approximately 10 minutes to Conrad Tokyo. We entered the property on the ground floor and were immediately greeted by a hotel representative. They welcomed us to the hotel and asked if we had any baggage they could assist us with.

After quickly verifying our identification, the hotel staff member tagged our bags and directed us to the elevators that would take us to the hotel lobby on the 28th floor. The staff member told us the bags would be sent to our room.

After getting off the elevator, we walked to the front desk and were warmly welcomed to the hotel by a member of the front desk staff and Aisha, a member of the Guest Relations team.

The staff members politely requested identification to begin the check-in process. The hotel staff thanked me for being a Hilton Honors Diamond member and for choosing to stay at the property for a night of our honeymoon trip.

Aisha notified us that she had upgraded us to a Bay View King Room on the 36th floor. She mentioned that the room was still being prepared, and a complimentary dessert was being placed there. She said it would take about 30 minutes for the room to be ready.

Since we arrived at the hotel quite early (several hours before the hotel’s official check-in time), I was perfectly fine with waiting. Aisha suggested that we head up to the Executive Lounge on the 37th floor for complimentary snacks and drinks while we wait for our room to be prepared. She told us that our room keys would be brought to us at the lounge. We agreed it would be a great way to pass the time and avoid Tokyo’s blistering heat.

Overall, I was impressed by the politeness and genuine hospitality during check-in. The check-in process was smooth, and the staff members were courteous and respectful.

Aisha, in particular, was outstanding. She treated us as family rather than just hotel guests and provided incredible service beyond the Japanese hospitality the country is known for.

Elite Benefits

As a Hilton Honors Diamond member, I was entitled to several benefits. These included:

• 4 p.m. late checkout
• 2 complimentary bottles of water
• Space-available room upgrade
• Complimentary breakfast for 2
• Executive Lounge access

Lobby

After the check-in process, my wife and I admired the hotel lobby. Covered in wood finishes with high ceilings, it featured modern décor mixed with Japanese minimalism to create a relaxing and intimate feel despite being busy throughout the day.

The hotel’s concierge desk was immediately to the right of the check-in counters. A massive art piece was on the wall behind the desk.

Behind the concierge desk wall was a small shop selling high-end Japanese arts and crafts. There were also some traditional souvenirs and expensive jewelry.

The hotel’s guest floor elevators were further down the hall, on the left, before several restaurants.

The hotel featured 3 separate elevators for guest use. Room keys were required to access the floors with guest rooms. The property’s Executive Lounge (on the 37th floor) could be reached without a room key.

Bottom Line:

Conrad Tokyo features an expansive, luxurious lobby, as expected at a 5-star property.

Bay View King Room

As we got off the elevator on the 36th floor, we walked down a dramatically lit hallway to our room.

As I entered the room, I was greeted by a large, spacious foyer with a hallway leading to the main living area. On the left wall was a large floor-to-ceiling mirror. The room’s bathroom was directly across from the mirror.

Next to the mirror was a massive closet with 3 separate doors. The furthest left compartment contained the room’s safe and accessories, including a shoe bag, shoe horn, an umbrella, and Conrad-branded slippers.

The middle compartment featured a large and spacious coat closet. Several hangers were provided.

Below it was a large dresser with pull-out drawers. This section also featured a Panasonic cordless steam iron and an ironing board.

We then walked into the main living area of the room. The extremely comfortable king-sized bed was against the right wall between a nightstand and a wooden bench.

The bed featured 4 comfortable pillows and some thick bedding. Behind the bed was artwork of a tree.

The hotel also provided a Conrad-branded bear and duck. I will keep these items in my travel display case at home.

On the bed’s right was a small nightstand with a lamp. There were some light controls and 2 AC power outlets on the wall.

A wooden bench was on the left side of the bed. However, it was extremely low to the ground. The bench contained the room’s telephone and an alarm clock.

A travel briefcase contained literature about the hotel’s history, offerings, and things to do in the surrounding area.

The room’s wall-mounted flat-screen television was directly across from the bed. A large storage console was below the television.

On top of the storage unit was a small coffee station, including a Nespresso machine and some glassware.

The room’s minifridge and minibar were inside the cabinets. The minibar featured overpriced drinks and snacks. For example, a can of Coca-Cola was ¥920 (around $6).

The room’s workstation was to the right of the storage console. However, instead of a traditional desk, it had a large wooden dining table with seating for 1 person.

The room’s telephone, in-room dining menu, and a seasonal taste menu were on the desk.

The office chair was surprisingly comfortable and well-padded.

There were 2 large lounging sofas and an ottoman along the back wall in front of the room’s windows. The sofas were surprisingly comfortable and provided a great place to relax.

A small table held a complimentary dessert. During check-in, I told Aisha it was our honeymoon, and she must have placed it while we were waiting for the room to be prepared. This was such a pleasant surprise and gesture.

The room also offered expansive views of Tokyo Bay and Hamarikyū Gardens. At 36 floors above ground, the city felt quiet and peaceful.

Bottom Line:

Overall, the room was fantastic. I loved its layout and spaciousness, and I also liked how comfortable the furniture was. I thoroughly enjoyed the incredible views from the room and appreciated the hotel’s effort with the complimentary dessert.

Bathroom

The bathroom entrance was near the room entrance. As I entered, I immediately noticed the massive, rounded mirror with lights around it.

Below the mirror were 2 sinks, some glassware, and a Byredo Mojave Ghost soap bar.

A collection of complimentary toiletries was available. These included dental kits, mouthwash, bath salts, a shaving kit, a hairbrush, a shower cap, and a nail file. 

The left side of the bathroom had a large bathtub. Although I did not use it, my wife said it was extremely comfortable and relaxing.

I could easily see from the bathroom into the room, and plenty of natural light came from the windows.

The room featured an electronic controller that could lower and raise the blinds to provide privacy for bathroom users.

The toilet and shower were on the right side of the bathroom. They were divided by separate doors, allowing multiple people to use the bathroom simultaneously.

The toilet was a traditional Japanese toilet, complete with a bidet.

The shower was in the left room. It featured both an overhead rainfall showerhead and a handheld shower wand. The water pressure and temperature from the overhead shower were fantastic.

There were more luxurious Byredo Mojave Ghost-branded shower amenities, including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

Bottom Line:

Overall, I was impressed with the large bathroom. The bathtub was an excellent addition and a great way to relax. I liked how the toilet and shower were separated for privacy.

Amenities

As expected from any luxury hotel, Conrad Tokyo had many guest amenities.

Mizuki Spa

Conrad Tokyo boasts a 1,400-square-meter Mizuki Spa on the 29th floor. The world-renowned spa provides a thorough spa experience with highly trained expert therapists. The spa houses over 10 private spa rooms, a steam room, and a sauna. It is open daily between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.

As expected, prices for treatments were relatively high. We opted not to take advantage of the spa.

The spa also contained a large locker facility for guests to use. The hotel provided complimentary towels and slippers. The locker area is open between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Swimming Pool

The property also features an immaculate 25-meter indoor swimming pool open daily between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. The pool has adult-only hours (6 to 9 a.m. and 7 to 10 p.m.), during which children are not allowed.

A small shower was available for guests to use before entering the pool.

The pool was well-maintained, with small trees planted around it. It offered excellent views of nearby Tokyo skyscrapers, and the windows provided the pool area with a ton of natural light.

Fitness Center

The property also boasts a 24-hour-a-day, fully equipped fitness center. The center offered a variety of equipment and activities, including one-on-one sessions with a personal trainer and studio lessons ranging from strength training to Pilates.

Walking in, I immediately noticed several treadmills along the back window wall.

The gym had a good selection of strength equipment.

Other strength equipment included an abdominal crunch machine.

A Technogym dual adjustable pulley machine offered various options for strength training.

The fitness center also had several machines, including a chest press machine and a lat pull-down machine.

Guests could use the available weight benches and free weights, which featured some as heavy as 34 kilograms (75 pounds).

A selection of exercise balls and kettlebells was also available.

The fitness center also featured a large yoga and aerobics room. Guests could join group exercises arranged by the hotel for ¥3,800 (~$26) per the daily schedule.

Business Center

The property featured a small business center with 3 guest computers and a printer. The business center was tucked away in a small side hallway that could be reached from the lobby.

Food and Beverage

Conrad Tokyo had several on-site restaurants, ranging from the Hilton Executive Lounge to luxurious Chinese and Japanese restaurants.

Hilton Executive Lounge

Like many luxury Hilton hotels, Conrad Tokyo featured a large Hilton Executive Lounge on the 37th floor.

Hilton Diamond members and those booked in Executive rooms get complimentary access to the lounge, open daily between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Guests with access can have breakfast here daily between 7 and 10:30 a.m.

Throughout the day, guests can have snacks and drinks at the lounge. However, additional food is served during special times, including an afternoon tea session (between 3 and 5 p.m.) and an evening cocktail session (between 6 and 8 p.m.). Reservations are required for the evening cocktail session during peak hours.

The lounge featured several seating options, including a central seating area with dining tables near a television.

Dining tables were also against the wall with long couches and wooden chairs.

Small dining tables were also placed along the lounge windows. These seats were best for those wanting a view of Tokyo Bay.

After arriving at the lounge in the morning, we decided to have snacks and drinks. The snack plate consisted of mixed nuts and raisins. My wife opted for apple juice, and I went for hot chocolate.

We returned to the lounge several hours later to see the offerings during the afternoon tea session. The hotel’s pastry team had prepared a small selection of seasonal assorted pastries, which included chocolate croissants, brown sugar muffins, and mango custard scones. Potato salad croissants and tuna sandwiches were also available.

We returned to the lounge again to see the offerings of the evening cocktail event. There was proper food, which ended up being our dinner for the night.

A good selection of meat and seafood dishes was available, including seafood potato gnocchi, steamed chicken with green onion sauce, smoked salmon tart, and bruschetta with tomato salsa and prosciutto ham.

Small dishes of roasted beef tartare, potato dumplings, and an assortment of bread and cheeses were also available.

A wide selection of beverage options was available, from coffee to soft drinks and alcoholic beverage sections.

After looking at everything the lounge offered, we grabbed some plates. Aside from the seafood potato gnocchi (which was fantastic), nothing was particularly delicious. However, an excellent variety of food was available.

Bottom Line:

The Hilton Executive Lounge offered a solid variety of food throughout the day and was an excellent way to pass the time.

Cerise

Cerise is the hotel’s casual all-day dining restaurant and is open daily from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a sweets buffet on weekends and holidays from 12 to 4 p.m. For lunch, the menu features a diverse selection of appetizers and desserts served buffet-style. A massive dinner buffet also features international food such as burgers, pasta, and salads.

Guests with Hilton Honors Gold or Diamond status can choose between complimentary breakfast in the Executive Lounge or at Cerise. We opted to have our breakfast at Cerise.

Breakfast costs ¥5,000 (~$34) for those who do not have complimentary breakfast.

Cerise offers a breakfast buffet with an impressive selection of food items. It also features a diverse à la carte menu, including cage-free eggs, avocado toast, and sweet options such as mango pancakes and French toast muffins.

Unfortunately, guests are limited to 1 item from the à la carte menu. My wife selected the egg omelet, and I chose the mango pancake.

After ordering from the à la carte menu, we looked through the breakfast buffet offerings at Cerise. The first section was dedicated to smaller food options, including fish cake, grated pumpkin mousse, cod roe, and Japanese omelet.

Another station offered onsen eggs and grated salmon roe. Various side items, including kimchi, deep-fried eggplant, pickled okra, and pickled celery, were available.

The breakfast spread included a hot buffet featuring bacon, herb sausages, teriyaki mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, steamed vegetables, scrambled eggs, and bean curry.

Across from the hot food station was a breakfast bakery section. Bakery items included curry foccacia, bread pudding, banana bread, raisin Danish, pain au chocolate, caramel scones, cheese bagels, and walnut bread croissants.

There was also an excellent selection of toppings, including cream cheese, honey, peanut butter, maple syrup, and Nutella, as well as individual packets of blueberry, orange marmalade, and strawberry jellies.

A dedicated taco station had a great selection of fillings, including taco meat, lettuce, salsa, guacamole, tomatoes, and cheese. The tacos were delicious and one of the meal’s highlights.

Lastly, there was a salad bar and fruit station. Fruit options included melons, watermelons, cherries, and oranges, all incredibly fresh.

After looking through the endless food choices, I grabbed a full breakfast plate and headed to my seat. I chose a healthy amount of smoked salmon, seared bonito, and cod roe. I also made myself a taco with all the fillings.

A restaurant staff member shortly brought our à la carte menu selections. The egg omelet and the mango pancake were absolutely delicious and excellent choices.

We enjoyed breakfast so much that we decided to get more food. I got more smoked salmon and even some tamago (Japanese omelets).

Bottom Line:

Breakfast at Cerise was excellent. My wife and I agreed that this was the best hotel breakfast we had ever had. The food selection was excellent, and I loved how the staff kept stocking more fresh food. The taco station was a highlight, and I wish more hotels had it in their breakfast spreads.

Kazahana

Kazahana is a luxury restaurant that offers authentic Japanese cuisine. It’s open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 10 p.m. It specializes in kaiseki (a multi-course Japanese dinner), teppanyaki (commonly called hibachi), and bento boxes. The restaurant uses seasonal ingredients and domestically produced Japanese black beef. 

The restaurant also has a dedicated sushi counter, where skilled sushi chefs prepare and serve some of the best sushi in the world.

China Blue

China Blue serves traditional Cantonese cuisine with a mix of modern flavors. It’s open daily from 12 to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 10 p.m. The menu features traditional Cantonese classics such as dumplings, roast duck, and beef curry. China Blue also features a 26-foot-tall wine cellar with wine from around the world.

The restaurant has several different seating areas, from traditional rounded dining tables to private rooms, each with a unique atmosphere.

I particularly liked the seating options and stylish blue interiors. They invoked memories of my time living in China many years ago.

TwentyEight Bar & Lounge

TwentyEight Bar & Lounge is directly across the check-in desks. It offers diverse sweets and cocktails created by world-renowned chefs and pastry chefs. The bar is open from 5 p.m. to midnight.

It also features an afternoon tea event from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., emphasizing sweet and savory dishes with a focus on seasonal fruits.

Collage

Collage is a French restaurant serving dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Service

We have stayed at many luxury hotels worldwide, but the service at Conrad Tokyo truly stands out. I can honestly say that the service was the best we have ever received at any hotel.

The service was fantastic, as expected at a luxury hotel and in Japan in general. The staff was incredibly welcoming, constantly smiling, and enjoying their jobs. They took pride in providing excellent Japanese hospitality to hotel guests.

I did not have a single negative thing to say about the service. Every staff member was amazing, from the Executive Lounge team to the restaurant staff to the front desk agents.

I want to thank Aisha from the Guest Relations team, who constantly exuded warm smiles and genuine hospitality. From the moment we arrived at the hotel to the moment we left, Aisha went out of her way to ensure we enjoyed every aspect of our stay. It felt like we were staying with a friend who wanted to ensure everything was perfect.

Final Thoughts

Conrad Tokyo is one of the city’s best hotels, and it’s easy to see why. The hotel has nice rooms, several dining options, and incredible Japanese hospitality and service. The property also does a great job regarding Hilton Honors elite status recognition.

I enjoy staying at luxury hotels, and Conrad Tokyo was among the best. Even better, I stayed at this luxury property using a Hilton free night certificate, which I received from my Hilton Aspire card.

Hotel award space for this property also tends to be pretty good, so you can redeem Hilton Honors points, which can provide excellent value. I can honestly say this was one of the best hotel experiences of my life, and I cannot wait to return.