Tokyo's RIHGA Royal: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Tokyo's RIHGA Royal: Because Sometimes You Just Need a Little Extra… (and, Seriously, It's Worth It!)
Okay, so I’ve been meaning to write this review of the RIHGA Royal in Tokyo for… well, let's just say a while. Life gets in the way, you know? But finally! I’m here to tell you about my experience, and let me tell you, it was… well, it was a step above. Like, not just a hotel, but a vibe.
Let's be honest, Tokyo can be intense. The crowds, the noise, the sheer amount of amazing things to see and do… Your brain needs a break. And the RIHGA Royal? It gets that. It’s like they designed the place to be a sanctuary – a plush, peaceful bubble where you can recharge and indulge in some well-deserved luxury. (And yes, luxury can be a bit extra, but trust me, sometimes extra is exactly what you need.)
First things first: Accessibility, BECAUSE IT'S 2024!
Look, I didn't need the wheelchair accessibility, but I did check it out. The RIHGA Royal is doing it right. Elevators are plentiful (and FAST - crucial in a massive hotel!), and the corridors are wide. I saw ramps where needed, and the accessible rooms looked genuinely well-thought-out, not just slapped together. I definitely noticed the dedication to ensuring everyone can enjoy their stay. Big thumbs up on the accessibility front!
The Room (Oh, the ROOM!) - My Personal Bubble of Bliss
Let's talk about the room. Seriously, it was gorgeous. Like, “I don't want to leave this room” gorgeous. I'm talking blackout curtains so thick they could stop a nuclear blast (perfect for jet lag!), a ridiculously comfortable bed with extra-long options (bliss!), and a shower that was a spa in itself.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (thank god!), alarm clock (yeah, I'm old school), bathrobes (YES!), bathroom phone (for emergencies involving chocolate cravings, obviously), bathtub (soaking after a day of exploring is heaven), blackout curtains (mentioned!), carpeting (nice and quiet), closet (plenty of space!), coffee/tea maker (vital!), complimentary tea (a nice touch), daily housekeeping (bliss!), desk (work if you must), extra long bed (squeee!), free bottled water (hydration!), hair dryer (essential!), high floor (the views!), in-room safe box (peace of mind), interconnecting room(s) available (good to know!), internet access – LAN & wireless (covered!), ironing facilities (wrinkle-free photos!), laptop workspace (work? Really?), linens (soft and lovely), mini bar (tempting!), mirror (checking myself out…!), non-smoking (yay!), on-demand movies (entertainment!), private bathroom (duh!), reading light (cozy!), refrigerator (snacks!), safety/security feature (always welcome), satellite/cable channels (options!), scale (sigh), seating area (lounging!), separate shower/bathtub (luxurious!), shower (amazing pressure!), slippers (ahhh!), smoke detector (safe!), socket near the bed (convenient!), sofa (chilling!), soundproofing (peace!), telephone (still works?!), toiletries (high quality!), towels (fluffy!), umbrella (Tokyo rain!), visual alarm (thoughtful), wake-up service (on time!), Wi-Fi free and window that opens (fresh air!).
- Let’s get into details: I was so enamored by the view from my high-floor room. I’m talking postcard-worthy, sprawling cityscapes. It was ridiculously beautiful.
Food, Glorious Food! (And, Let's Be Honest, The Buffet*)
Alright, food is a BIG deal for me (and for most people, right?). The RIHGA Royal delivers on that front. Let's just get the elephant in the room out the way: The breakfast buffet. Look, I’m not usually a buffet person. I’m a champion of A la carte! But this one… this one was legendary.
There were Japanese breakfast options, Western options, and even Asian options. So many options. Freshly baked pastries, made-to-order omelets, the best bacon I’ve ever had (crispy, not greasy… perfection!), and a coffee machine that actually knew how to make a decent latte. It was truly a culinary orgy, in the best way possible. And, the thing I loved most? you could go back for more food and drinks. Breakfast in room is also available!
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant (great!), alternative meal arrangement (always important), Asian breakfast (yes please!), Asian cuisine in restaurant (mmm), Bar (happy hour!), Bottle of water (always helpful), Breakfast buffet, Breakfast service (essential!), Buffet in restaurant (heavenly!), Coffee/tea in restaurant (caffeine!), Coffee shop (more caffeine!), Desserts in restaurant (YES!), Happy hour (cheers!), International cuisine in restaurant (variety!), Poolside bar (relaxing!), Restaurants (options!), Room service 24-hour, Salad in restaurant (healthy!), Snack bar (convenience!), Soup in restaurant (comfort!), Vegetarian restaurant (catered for!), Western breakfast (a classic!), Western cuisine in restaurant (yum!).
But Wait, There's More! (aka, Relax, You Deserve It!)
The RIHGA Royal isn't just about sleeping and eating (though both are exceptional!). They also have so many ways to relax.
- Ways to relax: Body scrub (pamper!), Body wrap (treat yourself!), Fitness center (exercise!), Foot bath (ahhh!), Gym/fitness (stay fit!), Massage (yes please!), Pool with view (stunning!), Sauna (sweat!), Spa (heaven!), Spa/sauna (double the fun!), Steamroom (relax and detox), Swimming pool (cool down!), Swimming pool outdoor.
I spent a glorious afternoon at the spa. The massage was pure bliss, and the pool with a view? Seriously, grab your swimsuit and head to the pool. The views from the outdoor and indoor pools were incredible, a perfect way to unwind.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, Well, This is Important Nowadays (and They Nail It!)
Okay, let's talk about cleanliness. Post-pandemic, it's everyone's top priority, right? The RIHGA Royal takes it seriously.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Anti-viral cleaning products (peace of mind!), Breakfast in room (safe!), Breakfast takeaway service (convenient!), Cashless payment service (modern!), Daily disinfection in common areas (thorough!), Doctor/nurse on call (helpful!), First aid kit (always good!), Hand sanitizer (everywhere!), Hot water linen and laundry washing (hygienic!), Hygiene certification (reassuring!), Individually-wrapped food options (smart!), Physical distancing of at least 1 meter (respectful!), Professional-grade sanitizing services (serious effort!), Room sanitization opt-out available (choice!), Rooms sanitized between stays (essential!), Safe dining setup (responsible!), Sanitized kitchen and tableware items (clean!), Shared stationery removed (sensible!), Staff trained in safety protocol (competent!), Sterilizing equipment (vigilant!).
I was genuinely impressed. Everything felt spotless. There were hand sanitizers everywhere, and the staff were meticulous about cleaning and hygiene. It felt like they genuinely cared about your well-being.
The Stuff That Makes a Difference: Services & Amenities
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area (essential!), Audio-visual equipment for special events (impressive!), Business facilities (for the workaholics!), Cash withdrawal (convenient!), Concierge (helpful!), Contactless check-in/out (smart!), Convenience store (snacks!), Currency exchange (helpful!), Daily housekeeping (bliss!), Doorman (welcoming!), Dry cleaning (professional!), Elevator (essential!), Essential condiments (good!), Facilities for disabled guests (inclusive!), Food delivery (options!), Gift/souvenir shop (gifts!), Indoor venue for special events (versatile!), Invoice provided (organized!), Ironing service (pressed!), Laundry service (clean clothes!), Luggage storage (free!), Meeting/banquet facilities (events!), Meetings (business!), Meeting stationery (organized!), On-site event hosting (impressive!), Outdoor venue for special events (beautiful!), Projector/LED display (modern!), Safety deposit boxes (secure!), Seminars (learning!), Shrine (unique!), Smoking area (separate!)., Terrace (views!), Wi-Fi for special events (connected!), Xerox/fax in business center (old school!).
Beyond the big stuff, it was the little things that made the RIHGA Royal special. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The concierge was a lifesaver with restaurant recommendations and booking taxis. The overall service was impeccable.
For the Kids (or Really, Anyone Who Needs a Break)
- For the kids: Babysitting service (helpful!), Family/child friendly (welcoming!), Kids facilities (fun!), Kids meal (good!),
I didn't travel with kids, but I noticed they had some great amenities for families. This hotel is perfect for anyone.
Getting Around
- Getting around: Airport transfer (easy!), Bicycle parking (if you’re feeling athletic!), Car park [free
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to get REAL about a trip to the RIHGA Royal Hotel in Tokyo. Forget glossy brochures and perfect Instagram feeds. This is gonna be a chaotic, wonderful mess. My mess. And yours, if you're brave enough to follow along.
RIHGA Royal Tokyo: Tokyo Takedown - An Itinerary of Slightly Unhinged Wonder
Day 1: Arrival & Imposter Syndrome.
- 1:00 PM - Arrive at Narita (NRT). Oh, the sweet, sweet scent of jet fuel and, oh god, am I really doing this? This is Tokyo! I’m pretty sure I only speak “please” and “thank you” in Japanese. The baggage claim carousel is going to eat me whole, I just know it.
- 2:30 PM - Airport to Hotel Transport (Probably the Limousine Bus, Praying for No Vomit). Okay, deep breaths. Finding the bus is easy. Remembering to grab my suitcase from the undercarriage? That’s the real challenge. I'm picturing it now - me desperately trying to look sophisticated while chasing a runaway bag down a Tokyo street.
- 4:00 PM - Check-In & Room Reconnaissance. Finally! The RIHGA Royal. Luxurious, apparently. I've seen the pictures. I'm already picturing myself tripping over my own feet in the lobby. The room better have a bath big enough to cry in. And a view that makes me feel less like a total travel rookie. Pray for an upgrade. Please, travel gods, I'm begging you. If it's all a disaster, I'm blaming the flight attendants for not offering all the snacks.
- 5:00 PM - First Panic Snack. Jet lag already hitting hard. Hit the hotel shop. Is there proper caffeine in this country? I'm looking for a proper coffee. Also, anything that promises to keep the imposter syndrome demons at bay. Chocolate, salty crackers, anything…
- 6:30 PM - Dinner at The Garden Restaurant & Bar (Hopefully, it's not 'The Garden of Sadness') The menu is a foreign language. Praying for someone who speaks English. Also, praying they have a decent burger. My stomach is in rebellion. So, it's a burger, then a desperate attempt to look cultured.
Day 2: Culture Shock & Ramen Rendezvous
- 8:00 AM - Battle with the Breakfast Buffet. Okay, the breakfast buffet situation - This is where the "refined" tourist becomes a rabid food wolf. I’m going to sample everything. Everything. The egg station is the battleground. I’m going for eggs, a small pastry, and maybe some of whatever that suspiciously colorful fruit is…
- 9:30 AM - First Temple (Possibly Meiji Jingu Shrine?). Okay, the temples. Everyone says go. Everyone says it's stunning. I'm picturing myself getting hopelessly lost, accidentally offending someone with my terrible etiquette, and then bursting into tears. I’m taking the train. Which means I need to figure out the train. Wish me luck. If I'm not back by noon, send ramen.
- 12:00 PM - Ramen Quest. Okay, this is important. Researching the best ramen in Tokyo has become an obsession. I've got a list. I've got google maps. I'm bracing for the queues. I'm craving that savory broth, the perfectly cooked noodles, the umami explosion. Let's just hope I don't slurp too loudly because apparently, that's considered rude. I swear I can't help it when I eat ramen!!!
- 3:00 PM - Explore the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. A little peace, a little quiet. I hope. Might need a nap, honestly. The sheer density of Tokyo is already frazzling my nerves. I need a green space, a moment to breathe, or I'm gonna have to eat another snack.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at a Restaurant in Shinjuku. Something more casual tonight. I want to wander, to stumble upon something unexpected, to soak in the atmosphere. Maybe I'll even try the karaoke bar, if the sake gods are extra generous. (Spoiler alert: I will try Karaoke. And it will be a disaster).
Day 3: Fish Market Frenzy & Personal Collapse
- 5:00 AM - Tsukiji Outer Market Adventure (Maybe a Fish Auction, if I'm up for it). Okay, five AM. I'm not a morning person. This is going to require an ungodly amount of coffee. The fish auction… it's the stuff of legends. The sheer energy, the flash of the knives, the potential for incredibly fresh sushi. But the crowd! The chaos! Pray for me. And for my ability to wake up.
- 7:30 AM - Sushi. Glorious, Glorious Sushi. Reward time! Sushi at the market. The freshest fish imaginable. I'll probably order too much. I’ll probably be in a food coma by 8 AM. It's fine. It's all worth it.
- 9:00 AM - Back to the hotel. I am wrecked. Absolutely wrecked. This is where I write a goodbye letter to society and hide in my hotel room until the plane home.
- 10:00 AM - Nap & Recovery. The need for rest is strong.
- 1:00 PM - Shopping Spree (If I Haven't Collapsed). I'm going to need souvenirs. But what do you even get someone from Tokyo? I'm leaning towards weird snacks and questionable t-shirts.
- 3:00 PM - More wandering, More wandering, More Snacks. I am a hungry, lost tourist, forever in search of the perfect snack.
- 7:00 PM - Final Dinner. Maybe. (Depending on my energy levels). Maybe it's just room service and quiet contemplation. I'm gonna need strength for my flight home.
Day 4: Departure & Post-Tokyo Trauma
- 8:00 AM - Last Breakfast Battle. Same as Day 2. Except this time I'm going for an egg, a pastry, and all the fruit.
- 9:00 AM - Pack. Crying. Packing. How did I accumulate so much stuff? Do I have all my chargers? My passport? Did I leave a sock in the hotel room? All of these questions haunt me.
- 10:00 AM - Check out. (Hopefully without embarrassing myself). Try to act sophisticated, even though I'm probably still reeling from the culture shock.
- 11:00 AM - Hotel to Airport Transport. The limousine bus again. Pray for no backseat pukers.
- 2:00 PM - Flight Home (Praying the flight goes smoothly). I will never be the same. The trip. The food. The chaos. It's a journey that will live with me and will leave me a better person… maybe. Or at least, a person with a lot of funny travel stories.
- (Days After) - Post-Tokyo Depression & Sushi Withdrawal. I'm already planning my return. Maybe I'll learn some Japanese, so I don't need to rely on "please" and "thank you." Mostly, though, I want more ramen. And sushi. And to experience more of the magic. Wish me luck. I'll need it.
This, my friends, is my Tokyo Takedown. It may be flawed. It may be over-the-top. But it's honest. And that's all that matters. Now, pass the wasabi. I have a city to conquer. Or, at the very least, to attempt not to make a fool of myself in. Wish me luck.
Saint Joseph's Hidden Gem: The Boulevard Inn Unveiled!
Okay, Okay, RIHGA Royal... Is it REALLY that fancy? Like, *fancy* fancy?
Alright, let's be honest. "Fancy" is a subjective beast, right? But picture this: I walked into the lobby, and my jaw *literally* dropped. It wasn't just the chandeliers (and trust me, there were chandeliers), it was the sheer *scale* of the place. It's like...if a museum and a five-star hotel had a baby, that baby would be RIHGA Royal Tokyo. Huge, airy, impeccably decorated... and slightly intimidating, if I’m honest. I felt like I should have been wearing a suit, even though I was, you know, just a regular tourist. So, fancy? Yeah. Proper "wow" fancy. Expect to feel a tiny bit outclassed, but in a good way. Don’t let that put you off though – it’s part of the charm. The people watching alone is worth the price of admission (figuratively speaking, of course... unless you are somehow magically admitted without paying).
The Rooms – Are They Actually Comfortable, or Just Pretty? (And are they SMALL like some Japanese hotels?)
Okay, this is where I get *really* enthusiastic. I hate cramped hotel rooms. I need space to breathe, to flail, to unpack my entire life. The rooms at RIHGA Royal? They're *generous*. I felt like I could actually *live* there for a week, you know? Plenty of space to spread out, big windows, and the beds… oh, the beds! Cloud-like, honestly. I sunk right in, and for the first time in my life, I can say I slept like a baby. (I usually sleep like a slightly stressed toddler who wakes up every three hours.) And the views! I got a city view, and watching Tokyo light up at night from that window was… well, I actually got a little choked up. It’s the small things, right? Like a perfectly comfortable bed after a long day of struggling with the train system. Seriously, GET a room with a view. You won’t regret it. I’m still dreaming about that view! Okay, maybe I’m getting a little carried away… but seriously, the rooms? Top notch. Not tiny. Comfortable. Perfect.
Food, Glorious Food! What's the dining situation like? Does it break the bank?
Okay, the food. This is where I had to take a deep breath and mentally prepare my wallet. There are *options*. Lots of them. From fancy French restaurants (which, yes, are going to involve a hefty bill) to more casual affairs. Breakfast? Oh, breakfast was insane. A buffet that could feed a small army. Croissants that practically melted in my mouth. Fresh fruit that tasted like sunshine. And… here’s a confession: I may have eaten, like, five plates of pancakes. Don't judge me! I was on vacation! But yes, some restaurants are pricier. Do your research! Consider the buffet, though – you get a *lot* for your money. It’s a splurge, sure, but you are in *Tokyo*! Embrace the adventure! And let’s be honest, a little fancy food is part of the fun, right? Just pace yourself and maybe pack some instant noodles for later.
I heard about a spa. Is it worth it (and again, HOW expensive is it?)
The spa… Okay, here’s where things get *complicated*. Yes, the spa is incredible. Like, ridiculously beautiful. Think serene music, the smell of essential oils, and a level of pampering that makes you feel like royalty. I got a massage, and I swear, my shoulders haven’t felt that relaxed since… well, since before I started googling "how to book a flight to Tokyo." The treatments are… *not cheap*. Let’s just say it. But… I am also a firm believer in treating yourself. If you can swing it, even if it's just for one treatment, do it. It’s a total experience. Otherwise? They also have amazing saunas and things, which you can probably access without shelling out a fortune for a massage. Honestly, I'm still kicking myself for not spending *more* time there. It’s an oasis after a day of battling the crowds. Seriously, go. You have my permission to be hedonistic. And hey, you deserve it!
Location, Location, Location! Is it a pain to get around?
Okay, the location is *pretty* good. It's not *right* in the middle of all the action, like, say, Shibuya. But it's close enough to public transport that getting around is easy. There's a subway station nearby, which, once you master the intricacies of the Tokyo metro (which is a feat in itself!), opens up a whole world of possibilities. I messed up a few times, took the wrong train, ended up miles from where I meant to be... that’s part of the adventure, right? And look, Tokyo is *huge*. You're going to spend time on public transport no matter where you stay. So, the RIHGA's location is perfectly acceptable. Not ideal if you want to roll out of bed and be in the middle of Harajuku, but convenient enough to launch your expeditions. Plus, it’s far enough away to be a little more peaceful. That's a win in my book, after the chaos of Shibuya.
What about the service? Is it as polished as the decor? (And are the staff actually nice?)
Oh, the service. This is where RIHGA Royal Tokyo *really* shines. The staff? Impeccable. Polite, helpful, and genuinely friendly. They're not just going through the motions. Remember when I had an absolute meltdown trying to figure out how to use the TV? (Don’t judge me, it was the jet lag!) Someone came up to my room, smiled, and patiently walked me through it. They spoke fantastic English, which was a lifesaver for me. This wasn't some generic, robotic hotel experience. They remembered my name, they made small talk, and they genuinely wanted to make sure I had a good time. And that, my friends, is what elevates a good hotel to a *great* hotel. It's the little things, the genuine smiles, the feeling that you’re cared for. Seriously, the service was *fantastic*. Five stars all the way. I wish I had a picture of the guy who helped me with the TV. He deserves a medal.
Hidden Gems? Anything I should know to *really* make the most of my stay?
Okay, a few insider tips. Explore the grounds! There's a beautiful garden (even if you, like me, aren't a huge fan of gardening, it's nice to strollTrending Hotels Now
