We recently returned from 9 days at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. When planning this trip I agonized over the Park Hyatt vs. the Grand Hyatt. My research consistently gave the Park Hyatt a slight edge, but at the very last moment the scale tipped in favor of the Grand Hyatt since their fitness center (but not their pool) was free, and from my memories of Tokyo the Grand was in a better location. We could not be happier with the selection. To all those considering the Park and the Grand Hyatts, I assure that both hotels are gorgeous and top-notch, but there is no comparison when it comes to location. If you are in Tokyo on business and expect to be escorted by local hosts and colleagues, then location may not be an issue. But for individual travelers there for pure exploration and pleasure, the Grand Hyatt wins hands down.

We visited the beautiful Park Hyatt but were unimpressed by its location. The Park Hyatt is on the west side of Shinjuku where wide streets, new high-rise construction, and raised freeways abound. There is not much street life in the immediate vicinity, and although the area is clean and impressive with futuristic architecture, it also feels dwarfing, sterile and dies at night. The Shinjuku train/subway station is not particularly close if you plan on taking this kind of transportation daily to venture out and see Tokyo (although I understand the hotel provides a shuttle to the station, but that adds another step to your day). The neighborhood (if it can be called that) is purely business and government related.

By contrast, the Grand Hyatt is in the very heart of what's happening. It is part of a relatively new complex called Roppongi Hills, located in the lively Roppongi area. The hotel is virtually attached to the Roppongi subway station, and is surrounded on all sides by interesting streets and alleyways to explore. In addition to the countless restaurants of all types and price ranges in the Roppongi Hills complex itself and on the main streets, the surrounding neighborhoods, especially the winding, small side streets, are teeming with all the character and charm of modern Tokyo. The small side streets are packed with residential buildings mixed in with (they must have no zoning laws) shops, neighborhood eateries, pastry shops, sake bars, night clubs, live band venues, Parisian style cafes, Italian mini-bistros, sushi restaurants, etc. All this and the electric buzz of Tokyo is right outside your door at the Grand Hyatt. Roppongi Hills also houses an art museum/gallery, a 360 degree panoramic view deck from the 54th floor of the Mori Tower building, and an upscale labyrinth of a shopping mall with interesting architectural angles, natural light, and an open, airy feel.

The Grand Hyatt itself is perfection. The decor/style is minimalist chic and modern, but is far from cold and austere, with abundant rich dark wood, green granite, natural materials, and super-friendly service. The service was flawless. We used the concierge every day and never had to wait for their availability. They made prompt arrangements, followed up without our asking with additional research and recommendations, and printed customized mini maps to direct us. All staff members we encountered spoke English, and were not only attentive, gracious, and eager to please, but they were perfectionists. We joined Hyatt's Gold Passport before going, which entitled us to free coffee delivered to our room every morning (this is worth a lot, as coffee in Tokyo is expensive, but thankfully delicious). All of our room service orders, including our daily coffee, were delivered to our room at precisely the time we designated. We noticed a few times that they arrived a few seconds early and waited in the hallway until the right time before ringing the doorbell. Service was this precise every day, without fail. Japan is a no-tip country, so it's remarkable that this superlative service comes without expectation of a tip.

The hotel is designed to make your spirit soar. The hallways to the guestrooms are broad, uncluttered and richly finished. You will never see housekeeping carts in these hallways. I don't think they use them. Our large room was filled with deep, rich wood, which is also carried into the bathroom. The travertine/marble encased walk-in shower is also where the deep soaking tub is located, so you can imagine the glassed-off shower/tub area of the bathroom is enormous. High ceilings are carried throughout, from the hallway outside, to the room and bathroom. They've paid exquisite attention to every detail, from the linens to the automatic shades, toiletries and travel necessities boxed and arranged in the bathroom drawer, easy and free high speed internet access, layers of lighting, bathrobes, slippers and yukatas (like a simplified cotton kimono) for your use. We were on the 19th floor so we also had wonderful views.

The Grand Hyatt is a very well run and managed hotel. We aren't fans of Hyatt, and stay away from bland, corporate-behemoth hotels. This is not your run-of-the-mill Hyatt. It is pricey, but you will find far pricier and less impressive hotels in many other large cities. We've paid more for tiny, uncomfortable and view-less rooms in London, New York, Paris, and Rome, at hotels with no amenities, and occasionally unmotivated staff. The Grand Hyatt was extraordinary, and worth every cent.