InterContinental Yokohama Grand

The scale of the Intercontinental Yokohama Grand, and the surrounding Pacifico Complex is enormous. Endless paved walkways, concourses, and water features stretch along the waterfront, around huge white buildings. The area is designed to resemble a boat and the building's sail-shape tower, curved lines, and the many white railings certainly create a nautical feel. The theme is echoed in the lobby's polished gold pillars and rails, though the feeling here is more upscale liner. Escalators and wide stairways disappear upwards. There's a raised open seating area beside an indoor stream and an enclosed lounge with striped carpet and porthole mirrors. Upstairs, a bright dining room looks over the bay, and deep blue carpeted hallways with compass-inspired patterns lead off to the rooms. It's a busy place with many different languages filling the lobby. Guests range from business travelers and airline crews to mature couples and tourists passing through the city.

The InterContinental Yokohama Grand is located right on the waterfront, in the center of Minato Mirai, which is Yokohama's new town and the central business district. Surrounded by upscale hotels and malls, the hotel is connected to a conference center. It's a five-minute walk next door to Queen's Square, a vast mall with shops and restaurants plus a music hall. Expect a 10-minute walk to the Yokohama Museum of Art and the same to the Landmark Tower -- one of the country's tallest buildings, with spectacular views from the 69th floor observation deck. Across the water is the popular Cup Noodle Museum and the theme park Cosmo World, which are about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Minatomirai subway station is a 10-minute walk for trips further out: Chinatown is a 20-minute journey, and the historical neighborhood of Yamate, or The Bluff, is 30 minutes. The subway connects to Haneda Airport in about 45 minutes, or there's an airport limousine bus to both Haneda and Narita airports. Transit time by car to Haneda is about 30 minutes.

The 593 spacious rooms have a classic style, with nods to the waterfront location via deep blue carpets, light blue drapes, and cream furniture. They have small desks, armchair seating, and (in many) superb views over the bay. Harbor and Intercontinental Suites are located on the vertex of the triangular building, giving them panoramic views of the area. Club Rooms and Japanese Suites have a distinct, elegant style with many decorative touches. Rooms all feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, tea/coffee facilities, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and slippers. Cub Rooms add safes and bathrobes. Suites also have small kitchenettes with sinks and fridges plus large dining/sitting rooms. Club Rooms also have their own reception desk and access to the private lounge, with free breakfast and evening cocktails.

Bathrooms feature a pale or white tile decor with marble countertops and all include designer Agraria toiletries. Entry-level rooms have shower/tub combos, while Club Rooms and Suites upgrade to window-side tubs and separate showers maximizing those sea views.

The InterContinental's features focus on business travelers, but still appeal to leisure guests. There are six restaurants in all, and a further one in the waterfront terminal building. There are flavors from all over the world here, including French, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese -- plus an international buffet restaurant and a laidback lounge bar. Both Japanese- and Western-style breakfast buffets are available. The 4th floor leisure club has a spa offering a range of treatments, a whirlpool, and a serene relaxation room as well as an indoor pool, sauna, and a gym with a good selection of cardio equipment and weight machines. It's worth noting that the club facilities come at an extra charge. There are six event spaces of varying sizes, four private dining rooms, a beauty salon and florist on-site, plus several stores, and even a wedding chapel. Valet parking is available and services such as laundry and room service can be arranged at the 24-hour front desk.