Unbelievable Tokyo Views: This Shibuya Hotel Will Blow Your Mind!
Unbelievable Tokyo Views: This Shibuya Hotel Will Blow Your Mind! (Or Will It? My Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from a trip to Tokyo, and specifically, I stayed at a hotel in Shibuya that promised "Unbelievable Tokyo Views." Let's just say… the reality was a bit more unbelievable than I anticipated. Prepare for a messy, honest, and hopefully hilarious breakdown, because honestly, that's how I'm feeling right now.
First Impression: Does it Deliver on the View? (The One Thing I Really Cared About)
Look, let's be real. I booked this place solely for the views. I'm talking Instagram-worthy, jaw-dropping, "I can't believe I'm actually here" kind of views. And, well… sigh. Okay, so yes, the Pool with a View was pretty darn spectacular. I mean, swimming laps while looking out at the Shibuya skyline? That's the kind of thing that makes you feel like you're in a James Bond movie (minus the explosions, thankfully). But the room itself? High floor yes, but the angle… it was like they were trying to suggest the view, not present it. You had to work for it. Peeking around the curtains, squinting, hoping a building wouldn't block it. Still, the Swimming Pool [outdoor] was the real winner. Seriously, that's where the magic was.
Accessibility & the Nitty Gritty (Because Life Isn't Always Glamorous)
- Accessibility: Okay, this is where it gets a little murky. While they say they have Facilities for disabled guests, I didn't exactly see a ramp to the pool. Elevator was there, thankfully (essential!). I didn't specifically explore the Wheelchair accessible aspects, but I'd recommend double-checking if that's a priority.
- Check-in/out: Smooth, thankfully. Contactless check-in/out was a lifesaver – especially after a 14-hour flight. They also offered Check-in/out [express], which is always a bonus when you're jet-lagged and just want to collapse.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer was a godsend. The Car park [on-site] was convenient, and the Valet parking was a nice touch. They have Car power charging station too!
The Room: More Than Just a View (Sometimes a Problem)
- Room Details: Okay, so my room had… everything. Air conditioning, check. Alarm clock, check. Blackout curtains, double check (essential for battling jet lag!). Free bottled water, a lifesaver! But the Internet access – wireless was spotty. Like, sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. Internet access – LAN was an option, but who even uses that anymore? The Mini bar was tempting, but also expensive. And the Slippers were… well, they were slippers.
- The Bathroom: The Separate shower/bathtub was a luxury. The Bathtub was deep and perfect for a long soak after a day of exploring. But the water pressure? Let's just say it could have been better. And the toiletries? Fine. Nothing to write home about.
- Soundproofing: Ah, the promised Soundproofing. Yeah… let's just say I got to know my neighbors' late-night karaoke selections. Maybe the Soundproof rooms are only on certain floors?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Feast for the Senses (and Maybe Your Wallet)
- Breakfast: They offered Breakfast [buffet], which was pretty standard. Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options were available. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, but nothing compared to the local coffee shops. Breakfast in room? Yes, please, especially when you're battling jet lag.
- Restaurants & Bars: Multiple Restaurants, including one with Asian cuisine. I tried the Happy hour, and it was a great way to unwind after a long day. The Poolside bar was perfect for a sunset cocktail. The Snack bar was convenient for a quick bite, but nothing blew my mind.
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on more than one occasion. Especially when I just wanted to be in my room and avoid all the people.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day or Bust?
Okay, so here's the deal. I booked this trip thinking I'd be all about the spa, the Sauna, the Spa/sauna, the Steamroom, maybe even a Body scrub and Body wrap. But honestly? After a day of navigating Shibuya crossing, the only thing I wanted to do was sleep. I did manage to hit the Fitness center once (which was decent), and the Swimming pool (again, the highlight!).
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe in a Crazy City
- Safety First: They had CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Security [24-hour], Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Safety/security feature. Okay, good. That's what I want to hear.
- Covid-era Stuff: They were definitely taking precautions. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Staff trained in safety protocol were all reassuring. They even had Individually-wrapped food options.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Conveniences: The Concierge was helpful, the Laundry service was a lifesaver. Daily housekeeping kept my room tidy (even though I'm sure I made a mess). The Gift/souvenir shop was great for picking up last-minute presents.
- Business Facilities: They offer Business facilities, including Meeting/banquet facilities and a Xerox/fax in business center.
- Other Stuff: Cash withdrawal was easy, and they offered Currency exchange.
SEO-Friendly Breakdown (Because I Have to, I Guess)
- Keywords: Shibuya hotel, Tokyo views, rooftop pool, spa, accessible hotel, Wi-Fi, restaurants, gym, Japanese hotel, luxury hotel, travel to Tokyo, best Shibuya hotel, Tokyo accommodation, things to do in Shibuya, hotel review.
- Structure: I've woven the keywords naturally throughout the review. I've used headings and subheadings to organize the information and make it easy to read.
- Content: I've provided a detailed and honest review of the hotel, covering all the key aspects. I've highlighted the pros and cons, and given my personal opinions.
The Verdict: Would I Recommend it? (The Messy Truth)
Okay, so would I recommend the "Unbelievable Tokyo Views" hotel? Honestly? It's complicated.
- The Good: The Pool with a View is worth the price of admission. The location is fantastic. The staff was generally friendly.
- The Not-So-Good: The room view wasn't as mind-blowing as advertised. The Wi-Fi was iffy. The soundproofing left something to be desired.
- Overall: If you're obsessed with rooftop pools and are willing to compromise on a few things, then yes, book it. But set your expectations accordingly. Don't go expecting perfection. Go expecting an experience. Go expecting to be slightly disappointed, but also incredibly happy you went. Because that's kind of what Tokyo is all about, isn't it?
- Pro-Tip: Request a high floor and try to get a room with a direct view of the skyline. And pack your own earplugs. You'll thank me later.
- Would I go back? Maybe. If they offered a serious discount and promised me a guaranteed amazing view… yeah, maybe. But next time, I'm bringing my own Wi-Fi router.
Final Thoughts: This hotel is a mixed bag. It has its flaws, but the killer views, the convenient location, and the overall experience made it a worthwhile stay. Just be prepared for a bit of a rollercoaster ride. And bring your camera. You'll need it.
Queenstown Dream Villa: Walk to Town, AC & Free Parking!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned trip itinerary. This is my attempt to survive Tokyo, specifically the concrete jungle that is Shibuya, and I’m dragging you along for the ride. We're staying at the HOTEL WILL SHIBUYA. Wish me luck. (And maybe send tissues. I'm already emotionally fragile.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Shibuya Scramble (aka, Where's My Sanity?)
- 10:00 AM (ish) - Narita Airport Arrival (and the Great Luggage Avalanche): Okay, so I'm pretty sure I packed everything. Except maybe my brain. The sheer volume of people at Narita is overwhelming. And my suitcase? A rogue agent, determined to escape at every opportunity. Managed to wrestle it onto the Narita Express. Victory! (Cue triumphant internal music.)
- 12:00 PM (ish) - Train to Shibuya: The train ride is a blur of neon signs and the quiet efficiency of the Japanese. Everyone is so… composed. I'm pretty sure I drooled on myself. (Don't judge.)
- 1:00 PM - Check-in at HOTEL WILL SHIBUYA: This hotel is actually… pretty chic. Minimalist, clean lines, tiny room (hello, Tokyo!), but the view… OMG. I can see the Scramble Crossing! Already feeling that city energy buzzing in my veins. Also, I think I forgot to pack underwear. Wonderful.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch (or, the Ramen Revelation): Found a tiny ramen place practically next door. The chef looked at me with the same weary expression I feel. The broth? Heaven. The noodles? Perfection. The spice level? Holy. Mother. Of. Godzilla. My mouth is still on fire, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. This is what I came for.
- 3:00 PM - The Shibuya Scramble Crossing: The Gauntlet: Okay, so this is it. The legendary crossing. The place where time and space bend to accommodate the chaotic flow of humanity. I took a deep breath, plunged into the swirling mass of people, and… survived! It's like being in a movie, but with more accidental elbow jabs. I even managed to snag a photo (after about five failed attempts).
- 4:00 PM - Hachiko Statue (and the Tears): Okay, so I'm a sucker for a good story. Hachiko's loyalty? Heart-wrenching! Actually teared up a little. (Don't tell anyone.) The statue itself is… well, it's a statue. But the sentiment is everything.
- 5:00 PM - Coffee and Panic: Finding a decent coffee shop: Ah, coffee, my lifeblood. Found a cute little place, but I'm already feeling the jet lag kicking in. Also, I’m starting to worry about my itinerary. Did I plan too much? Too little? Am I even doing this right? (Cue internal breakdown.)
- 6:00 PM - Dinner (or, the Karaoke Catastrophe): Went to a restaurant with a friend. Decided to try karaoke. This was a mistake. My singing voice? A delightful combination of a dying cat and a rusty chainsaw. The locals seemed… amused. And I may have accidentally broken the microphone.
- 8:00 PM - Collapse in Hotel Room: Exhausted. Emotionally drained. But also… exhilarated? This city is a sensory overload, in the best possible way. Need. Sleep.
Day 2: Culture, Chaos, and Culinary Adventures
- 8:00 AM (ish) - Wake Up and Regret: The jet lag is real. My body is screaming for sleep, but my brain is buzzing with excitement. I'm pretty sure I dreamt in Japanese.
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast (or, the Convenience Store Conquest): Okay, Japanese convenience stores are legendary. I went in for a quick breakfast and emerged with a bag full of weird and wonderful snacks. (Including some suspiciously green mochi. Wish me luck.)
- 10:00 AM - Meiji Jingu Shrine: A peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city. The towering trees, the quiet reverence… it was exactly what I needed to reset after the karaoke debacle. Found myself feeling unexpectedly serene.
- 11:00 AM - Harajuku (or, the Pastel Apocalypse): Oh. My. God. Harajuku is a kaleidoscope of colour, fashion, and pure, unadulterated energy. Lolita dresses, rainbow hair, the smell of crepes… it's sensory overload in the best possible way. I felt a little old and dowdy (I'm practically ancient at 30, right?) but had a blast.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch (or, the Crepe Conundrum): Okay, the crepes. The crepes. I swear, I spent half an hour deciding which one to get. (Strawberry cheesecake, in case you were wondering. It was worth it.)
- 2:00 PM - Exploring Shibuya: Wandered around, got lost (multiple times), and stumbled upon some amazing little shops. Found a vintage kimono shop that nearly broke my bank. (Resisted… this time.)
- 3:00 PM - Shibuya 109 (or, the Fashion Frenzy): Decided to brave the Shibuya 109. It's a fashion mecca. Think all the trends in one place. I felt like I was in a music video.
- 4:00 PM - Coffee and Reflecting: Found a little cafe and sat and watched the people. Trying to soak up the atmosphere. Realized I hadn't taken a single deep breath all day.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner and Karaoke, Part Deux: Okay, so against my better judgment, I'm going to try karaoke again. This time, with a friend. Hopefully, they can carry me. If not, well, at least we'll have a good laugh (and maybe a few more broken microphones).
- 7:00 PM - Karaoke (the Sequel): So, it was… better. My friend is a decent singer, so I just kind of, you know, stood there and clapped occasionally. Still, we had a blast. My voice is still recovering from the first night.
- 9:00 PM - Hotel Room and Reflection: The city is a symphony of lights and sounds, and I'm starting to feel like I'm a part of it. The exhaustion hits me, but I'm still so excited about tomorrow.
Day 3: Day Trip and Departure (or, Goodbye for Now?)
- 8:00 AM - Wake Up and Realize I'm Still Alive: Still alive and somewhat functional! Victory!
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast and Last-Minute Panic: Trying to eat the green mochi. It's… an experience. Also, I've started packing my suitcase, which is a Herculean task considering I have a massive shopping bag.
- 10:00 AM - Train to Hakone (Day Trip): Decided to do a day trip to Hakone, a mountain resort town. Supposed to be beautiful. (Hoping for some zen vibes.)
- 12:00 PM - Hakone (or, the Art Museum Adventure): Took the train, and it was beautiful. Mountains, lakes, art… (a lot of art). It was so beautiful!
- 2:00 PM - Hakone Ropeway (or, the Volcanic Vistas): The ropeway offered incredible views of the volcanic hot springs. The air smelled of sulfur, and it was slightly terrifying.
- 4:00 PM - Train Back to Shibuya: The train ride back to Shibuya was relaxing. It's the only time I was quiet all day.
- 6:00 PM - Last Meal in Shibuya: Found a tiny, authentic izakaya. The food was incredible. The sake? Even better. (Maybe a little too good.)
- 7:00 PM - Packing and Meltdown: Packing again. This time, with a massive suitcase and a heavy heart. Goodbyes are hard.
- 9:00 PM - Last Look at the Scramble Crossing: One last look at the Scramble Crossing, this time from my hotel window. The city feels different now. It's not just a place to visit; it's a place to feel.
- 10:00 PM - Sleep (or, the Anticipation of Departure): Sleep eluded me, but I spent the time reflecting on the trip. It's been amazing, and I can't wait to come back.
Day 4: Departure (and the inevitable post-trip blues)
- 9:00 AM - Check Out: Heartbreaking.
- 10:00 AM - Airport: The airport is huge, but I navigate it.
- 12:00 PM - Flight: I am flying home. So sad!
- 1:00 PM - Home: Home.
This, my friends, is just a glimpse into my Tokyo adventure.
Lille's BEST Hotel? Novotel Centre Gares Review!
Is the Shibuya Granbell Hotel *really* worth the hype about its views? I mean, everyone says that, right?
Okay, look. I went in skeptical. Seriously. "Oh, another Tokyo hotel boasting views," I thought. "Big deal." Famous last words, people. My jaw. Dropped. Like, physically. I literally stood there, mouth agape, for a solid five minutes when I first saw it. It's not just a view; it's an *experience*. You’re talking about the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the neon glow of the city, the mountains in the distance (on a clear day, which, let’s be honest, isn’t *always* the case in Tokyo). Worth the hype? Absolutely. Are you going to Instagram the heck out of it? Yep. Did I? Guilty as charged. And I'm not even ashamed.
What kind of rooms should I book to maximize the view? Are there any "view-avoiding" rooms?
Alright, this is crucial. Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT book a room without a view. It's like going to Disneyland and refusing to ride the rides. Ask for a room on a high floor, ideally facing Shibuya Crossing. The specific room numbers might vary, but the higher, the better. I think I was on the 12th floor, and I could practically *feel* the energy of the city buzzing below. I can’t emphasize enough that I would have been heartbroken if I was stuck in a room looking at a brick wall. Check the photos on the hotel's website, but honestly, the reality is even *better*.
Is the hotel itself nice, beyond the views? Like, are the rooms clean? The staff friendly?
Okay, let's be real. The Granbell isn't the Ritz. It's not *ultra* luxurious. The rooms are… compact. Think Tokyo compact. You're not going to be doing cartwheels in there. But they're clean, modern, and perfectly functional. The beds are comfortable. The staff is generally friendly and helpful, though sometimes there's a slight language barrier (bring your translation app!). The point is, you're not paying for the *hotel* experience, you're paying for the *view* experience. Think of the room as a convenient place to crash after a day of exploring and staring at the cityscape. And honestly, after a day of Tokyo-ing, all you really need is a clean bed and a killer view to wake up to. That's my motto!
What's the best time of day to enjoy the view? Sunrise? Sunset? All day?
Oh, this is a tough one. Okay, here's the truth: ALL DAY. Seriously. Sunrise is magical. The city slowly wakes up, and the light paints everything in these gorgeous pastel colors. Sunset? Forget about it. Pure, unadulterated, Instagram-worthy perfection. The sky explodes with color, the city lights begin to twinkle… it’s breathtaking. But honestly, even during the day, watching the constant flow of people crossing Shibuya Crossing is mesmerizing. I could have sat there all day, just people-watching. I think I *did* spend a good chunk of my trip just glued to the window. Don't judge me!
Is it noisy? I'm a light sleeper...
Okay, this is a legitimate concern. Shibuya is… lively. Very lively. You're going to hear some noise. It's part of the experience. I'm a pretty light sleeper myself. I’m talking, I wake up at the *sound* of a feather falling. But honestly, I found the noise to be… manageable. The hotel's windows are decent at blocking out the worst of it. Plus, the sheer excitement of being in Shibuya, and having that view, kind of overrides everything else. Bring earplugs if you're *really* sensitive. But honestly, the ambient city noise is part of the charm, in my opinion. It's the sound of Tokyo breathing!
Is there a good place to eat nearby with a view?
Well, technically, you *have* the best view right in your room! But if you want to go out... well, there's a Starbucks just across the street with a view of the crossing. But the best part? You can just *walk* to the hotel's lobby and stare! You are already there! So, go get some convenience store snacks and enjoy the view from your room! It's the best meal you can have!
What's the vibe of the hotel? Is it modern, quirky, or what?
Okay, the Granbell is definitely more on the modern, slightly quirky side. Think minimalist design with pops of color and art. It has a cool, trendy vibe, but without being pretentious. It's the kind of place where you feel comfortable, but also like you're in a cool, happening part of town. I wouldn’t call it "boutique," but it’s definitely not a cookie-cutter hotel. The lobby is usually buzzing, and there's often a lively atmosphere. It's a good base for exploring Shibuya's vibrant nightlife, if that's your thing (and it should be!).
Any tips for booking? Should I book far in advance?
YES! Book as far in advance as you possibly can. Especially if you're traveling during peak season (cherry blossom season, Golden Week, etc.). This hotel is popular, and those rooms with the good views? They disappear FAST. I'd say, aim to book at least three months out, if not more. And be prepared to pay a premium for those prime rooms. But trust me, it's worth it. I almost missed out because I procrastinated! Don't be me! Set an alarm, and book your room NOW!
Okay, you've convinced me. Anything *else* I should know? Any hidden gems or secret experiences?
Hmm, hidden gems… well, the best experience is just *being* there. But, alright, here’s a little secret. After a long day of exploring, grab a drink from the convenience store (theyEscape To Inns
