The exceptionally fashionable designer's Shinjuku Granbell Hotel

Overview of Shinjuku Granbell Hotel

Shinjuku Granbell Hotel was opened in December 2013, following Akasaka Granbell Hotel and Shibuya Granbell Hotel which quickly became popular after its opening in 2006. The concept of the new facility is “Asia’s Next Artist & Hotel”. Through collaboration with many creators from all over Asia the rooms, the amenities, the interior and just about everything else became really fashionable! It evolved into a trendy place which aims to be a “creative hotel” rather than just a business hotel. The location is about 15 minutes on foot from Shinjuku station, next to Kabukicho’s pleasure quarter. The nearest station is Fukutoshin subway line’s Higashi-Shinjuku, from where the hotel is in about 4 minutes’ walk. Because of its location, the hotel attracts Japanese as well as foreign guests, businessmen and tourists, all kinds of people.

From outside it looks like a typical hotel, but just enter inside the first floor where the reception is and you will already feel the refined atmosphere. Definitely try the nice sofa for a pleasant rest.

That is a designer's hotel! All rooms are stylish

There are a total of 380 rooms in Shinjuku Granbell Hotel. Standard room, loft, executive and suite are the four types, but even the least expensive standard room is pretty fashionable! What is common for all types is:

1. They are all designer's creation
2. They all use Simmons beds
3. Wi-Fi is available

Lately the Wi-Fi coverage in Japan is increasing, so it is great that not only Japanese, but also foreign guests can use wireless connection in the hotel. The Simmons beds are so soft! Once you close your eyes you will sleep sound till the morning.

The photo below is from a “casual double” executive type of room. The first thing that grabs your attention upon entering is the pop-art wallpaper, but then you also notice the sofa, the desk and lamp, all the vintage-style furniture which makes you think that “a stylish person must be living here”. There is also a wide 46-inch TV set and you can enjoy your time watching TV from the bed or the sofa. But what you cannot see in a typical business hotel is the big window! The view of night-time Shinjuku down this big window makes the experience so saturated.

Everything grabs your attention in the designer's bathroom!

The famous creator RYOONO, known for his dynamic graphics and wall painting, was in charge of this room’s design. He often collaborates with many business companies and one can notice the details of his design in the room. In this hotel you can actually learn more about the people who designed the rooms.

Besides that, in charge of Shinjuku Granbell Hotel’s layout was UDS company, known for desiging Tokyo Kidzania and many other fancy accommodation facilities. In short, everything is stylish! That goes also for the bathroom. There are many other places where fashion is the main selling point, but when it comes to the bathrooms, they’re all same typical. However, Shinjuku Granbell Hotel gives you the real thing. The style of the bathtub and the toilet makes you feel like you are previewing an exhibition of a designer’s mansion! It is so classy that you start thinking how you want to live in such a room! In some guest rooms you can see the night view outside from the bathroom. There is also a rainshower installed catering to the needs of foreign visitors. For Japanese people who are not used to it, the feeling might be a little strange, but it is actually very useful. Definitely try it yourself.

Using the special lounge

There are a total of 32 executive rooms, divided into 4 kinds like the studio double described above. There are also 4 suite rooms, and only the guests in those two types of rooms can use the special lounge. You can sit and wait for the check-in or check-out while enjoying free food and drinks, such as beer, juice or espresso coffee available for self-service. The free food is vegetable chips and nuts. The chairs are very soft and relaxing. Guests from suites and executive rooms should definitely try the lounge.

Open between 8:00~12:00 and 15:00~22:00.

Spacious dining room

Breakfast is always one of the enjoyments of accommodation. In Shinjuku Granbell Hotel the breakfast is buffet style at the restaurant located on the 12th floor. It is a spacious place with big windows allowing for lots of sunlight which makes your breakfast really pleasant! The designer of the restaurant is the interior designer Hiroyuki Matsunaka.

The menu consists of about 30 different items from the Japanese and western cuisine. The Japanese one includes white rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables, natto (fermented soybeans) - all the typical ingredients. The menu is attractive for both Japanese and foreign guests, so one can try a bit of everything. In fact, there are many foreign guests who look around the tables wondering what more to taste, but choose to be moderate. Around 7am in the morning the restaurant can get crowded, so those who are in a hurry should probably arrive a little earlier.

Restauran G (12th floor)

Open: 7:00~11:00

Buffet style, 1200 JPY

Breakfast might be included in the accommodation depending on the room. Please check.