| The Room
To cap off my birthday weekend, my husband and I enjoyed a night at Hotel & Residence Roppongi, located at the heart of Tokyo. We stayed in one of the premium rooms called ZEN, which featured traditional Japanese aspects (like a cypress wood bath and a cozy tatami-floored tea room), executed in a very chic, modern way. I particularly appreciated the customizable lighting options based on the time of day and mood. As the name suggests, the room is designed to promote relaxation and meditation, and I must say, they delivered on their promise.
One of the first things that struck me was just how quiet it was. Plus, with the blackout drapes, it was surprisingly easy to forget the busy streets of Roppongi were right outside.
I also must mention the fabulous shower room, which includes the aforementioned cypress wood bath and a TV for heavenly bath time entertainment, as well as high-quality beauty products and other amenities that makes it feel like a luxurious spa.
| The Food
Staying in a premium room, we had a lovely chilled bottle of sparkling wine in our fridge, which was the perfect way to kick off a relaxing evening. Complimentary bottled water, instant coffee and tea were also available. The hibiscus tea was particularly my favorite, with just the right blend of tart and sweet.
We checked into the hotel later in the evening, so we opted to order a couple of items from the room service menu. Our first selection was an appetizer of smoked salmon with dill, onion and capers, salami, Iberico ham and pickles. All of the dishes were delicious and the amount was ideal for sharing. We also ordered the creme brulee with fresh fruit, which was beautifully sweet and creamy on the inside and delightfully crunchy on the surface. I’m the type of person who can’t resist ordering creme brulee if it’s on the menu, which means I’ve had my fair share of delicious renditions. Even then, this one absolutely did not disappoint.
In the morning, I enjoyed the breakfast buffet which included fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, juices, smoothies, salads, a selection of breads, and hot dishes including eggs, sausages and soup. Even though I came to the breakfast lounge toward the end of service, all the items were still warm, fresh and delicious. The smoothie was my favorite part–a healthy and energizing way to start the day.
Every member of the hotel staff was warm, welcoming and eager to help. They also all spoke English, which made checking in and out very easy. Being greeted by a friendly voice whenever I came in and out of the hotel made me feel at home, which is a feeling that is relatively hard to come by when staying somewhere for only a short while.
Hotel & Residence Roppongi: https://hr-roppongi.jp/en/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TyhFAArB2xpF77E39