The Park Hyatt Tokyo Appreciation Night was an evening for friends of the hotel to gather before it closes for refurbishments. A fabulous and luxurious fete including champagne, caviar, Japanese whisky, sushi, wagyu beef, and so much more.

As a sommelier at the New York Grill and Bar I was humbled to see some former guests still returning to this timeless property, twenty-two years later. Conversations were shared about the hotel, the service, the staff, the cuisine, the memories.

With fellow guests we took in the metropolis below and talked about how it’s changed over the three decades. We no longer can see the Tokyo Tower. A new Sky Tree is in the distance along with the new Olympic Stadium.

Yet there are the things that haven’t changed. The train lines and lights of cars snaking below us. Shinjuku Station an anchor to one side. Service is excellent. Staff are observing guests and quick to refill champagne flutes or offer up small bites. Guests are enjoying the live jazz at the penthouse steak house. The restaurant is buzzing.

Tonight everyone is friends. I enjoyed meeting a couple who got married at the Park Hyatt Tokyo and stay each year to celebrate their anniversary. An honor to meet the photographer for the food photos taken for brochures. We looked through some photos and I could remember the tastes of some of the cocktails or dishes he photographed, bringing back wonderful memories.

The thirty-year old property is ready for a makeover. It will reopen in the autumn of 2025. It is open until May 7th. I am excited for the staff who will go to work at other Hyatt properties in Japan. What a great opportunity. 

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