The Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay presents a fascinating paradox. While the lobby boasts a modern, lavish, and upscale ambiance, reminiscent of a blend between a high-end business hotel and a luxurious family resort, the standard guest rooms can feel like a step back in time. The hotel stands adjacent to the Hilton Tokyo Bay, which is often considered a more consistent choice for a Disney-themed stay.
A Glimpse into Two Worlds: The Standard vs. the Enhanced
The Sheraton offers a stark contrast between its renovated and standard rooms. The newly redesigned Park Wing, Ocean Dream, and Sheraton Club rooms are sleek, stylish, and luxurious. These rooms offer a modern and refined experience.
However, the majority of the rooms retain a dated aesthetic reminiscent of the early 1990s. These rooms, despite a recent refurbishment, suffer from a lackluster decor, a lingering aroma of cigarette smoke, and an overall feeling of blandness.
The Room: A Mixed Bag of Amenities
We experienced both types of rooms during our stays. The standard rooms, while clean, are undeniably dated and lack the charm of modern design. They offer basic amenities like coffee, tea, water, and a flat-screen TV, along with a large, possibly unnecessary table. The rooms can accommodate up to four guests with separate beds, catering to families.
However, the lack of free Wi-Fi without an SPG membership can be frustrating.
The bathrooms, while a bit dated, are spacious and offer a good selection of toiletries.
Despite the room’s shortcomings, it’s important to remember that they are typical of many Japanese hotels, and the Sheraton isn’t an outlier in this regard.
Beyond the Room: The Allure of Amenities
While the standard rooms may disappoint, the hotel shines with its exceptional common areas. The lobby, a testament to the ongoing renovation project, is a marvel of modern design and boasts a calming waterfall feature, a business center, a shopping promenade, and multiple restaurants. The hotel also features two chapels, indicating a strong focus on weddings.
The Sheraton also boasts a Disney Fantasy Store where guests can purchase tickets and souvenirs, guaranteeing park admission even when the parks are sold out. This is a significant advantage for guests, especially during peak seasons.
Beyond the lobby, the Oasis building houses a Treasure Island kids play area, a Namco Land game arcade, a guest laundry, and a seasonal pool. While the Garden Pool wasn’t open during our June visit, its inviting appearance promises a delightful respite for guests.
The Verdict: A Trade-Off of Comfort and Amenities
The Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay is a hotel of contrasting experiences. While the standard rooms leave much to be desired, the hotel’s modern common areas, abundant amenities, and access to Disney attractions make it a compelling option.
However, the standard rooms are a significant drawback, especially when compared to the basic rooms at the Hilton Tokyo Bay. We recommend the Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay only if it offers a substantial discount of at least $20 per night compared to the Hilton.
Ultimately, the Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay offers a unique blend of modern luxury and dated charm. The choice between the Sheraton and its neighboring Hilton depends on your priorities and budget. If you value modern accommodations and amenities, the Sheraton’s common areas and enhanced rooms are certainly tempting. But if you prioritize a consistently pleasant and comfortable room experience, the Hilton might be a better choice.
