Review: Aloft Tokyo Ginza | Marriott Bonvoy

The Aloft Tokyo Ginza hotel is one of the Marriott Bonvoy group’s most affordable hotels in Tokyo. Prices range from 40,000 points or between 30,000 and 50,000 JPY in cash.

In order to book my two-night stay, I used a free night certificate obtained with my Marriott Bonvoy^MD American Express^MD* Card for one night and paid the regular rate for the other.

The free night in question was worth 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, which seems like an excellent price since I can’t find any availability in 2024 for less than 40,000 points.

The annual one-night free certificate allows you to book a room of up to 35,000 points, but you can combine up to 15,000 points to pay for a higher-value night.

The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to be a Marriott Bonvoy American Express* Cardholder (and/or Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express* Cardholder).

In addition to the exceptional welcome bonus on both cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases and 5 points per dollar at Marriott establishments. And each year, you’ll earn a certificate for one free hotel night (35,000 point value) and 15 Elite nights toward your Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.

The hotel is located in Tokyo’s elegant Ginza area (which literally means “seat of money”). This shopping district is renowned for its high concentration of department stores, luxury boutiques, restaurants and world-famous cafés. It is considered one of the most expensive and luxurious districts in the world. Think Champs-Élysées de Paris, Japanese version.

Another Marriott Bonvoy hotel, the AC Hotel Tokyo Ginza, is located in the building next door.

The nearest station is Higashi-ginza, with a subway entrance 150 meters from the hotel doors. Yurakucho is the nearest JR station, 850 meters away.

To reach JR Tokyo Central Station (Tokyo Station), allow around 20 minutes’ walk or a few minutes by cab if you have a lot of luggage (around JPY 1,300).

Tokyo-Haneda airport is less than 40 minutes by train from Higashi-ginza (550 JPY) or 15 minutes by cab (8,500 JPY).

For Tokyo-Narita airport, which is much further away, allow at least 1 hour 15 minutes from Higashi-ginza by subway (JPY 1,410) or 50 minutes by Narita Express train from JR Tokyo station (JPY 3,070). I don’t recommend taking a cab, as you’ll be at the mercy of Tokyo’s dense traffic and the fare will be exorbitant (over 30,000 JPY).

Attractions within a ten-minute walk of the hotel include:

• Tsukiji fish market (550 m)
• Uniqlo (270 m) and MUJI (700 m) flagship stores
• GINZA SIX luxury shopping center (140 m)

As you can see, this is truly a shopping district. The Lawson convenience store or kombini is just a few steps away, but note that it’s not open 24 hours a day (which is quite rare for a kombini in Tokyo).

When it comes to restaurants, you’ll mainly find establishments serving upscale Japanese cuisine such as sushi or kaiseki.

For the holiday season, the hotel lobby was decorated with a pretty purple Christmas tree.

Check-in was hassle-free, with smiling, helpful reception staff. With my Marriott Bonvoy Elite Gold status, I was able to get an upgrade to a room on a higher floor.

Next to the reception area, open at all times, is the Re:FUEL corner, where you can buy drinks and snacks. There’s also a cash dispenser to convert your currency, and a scale to weigh your suitcases.

The bedroom is designed as a mini loft, with the vanity, dining area and beds all in the same room.

Although small, my room is comfortable and functional. I used the dining area as a work corner with a beautiful view of Tokyo.

All the essentials are provided: mini-refrigerator, kettle, hairdryer, safe, telephone and a large smart TV.

The breakfast buffet (JPY 3,000) is served on the second floor in The Warehouse restaurant.

On the menu: hot and cold Japanese dishes and a wide range of Western options. Eggs are also served on request.

A beautiful coffee machine will prepare your morning energy dose in your favorite way (cappuccino, espresso, latte, americano).

After breakfast, the hotel restaurant serves an all-you-can-eat salad bar for JPY 2,600. In the evening, the menu features Western dishes such as steaks, jambalaya, pasta, ribs and fish and chips.

Open from midday to midnight, the W XYZ bar offers a trendy, hushed atmosphere. It sometimes hosts musical performances.

In addition, the Happy Hour promotion runs from 4 pm to 7 pm, with a selection of drinks at JPY 777. Finally, the bar also serves snacks such as nachos, nut mix, burgers and salads.

Nestled on the roof, the Roof Dogs bar serves hot dogs and sparkling wine in the great outdoors. The view over Tokyo is superb, as is the decor. Unfortunately, the food truck is closed in winter, but you can still bring your food and drink from the W XYZ bar to enjoy the view.

On the second floor is the Re:CHARGE fitness room. Equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers and stationary bikes are available. What’s more, you’ll find free weights and everything you need for your workout. The gym is open at all times.

The Aloft Tokyo Ginza hotel proved to be a convenient choice for my final days in Japan. Its proximity to the JR Tokyo central station made it easy for me to get to Tokyo-Narita airport. Although the room was compact, it offered everything needed to work and sleep comfortably.

Although Ginza is a beautiful part of Tokyo, it’s not my favorite place as a base to visit the city. If you’re looking for a more dynamic, cultural district with an active nightlife and restaurant options to suit all budgets, I’d recommend Shibuya, Shinjuku or even Ikebukuro.

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