Only At The Peninsula

The Peninsula Tokyo
October 7, 2014


My Pen friends know this:  "Once a Peninsula fan, always a Peninsula fan." Having worked for the distinguished hotel chain once upon a time, I understand the true meaning of luxury and the legendary Peninsula service. My Tokyo visit wouldn't have been complete if I didn't get to see this illustrious hotel property.

The Peninsula Tokyo

Sitting in a prime area, The Peninsula Tokyo is located in the prestigious business district, Marunouchi, and only a stone's throw away from the Imperial Palace Gardens.

The Peninsula Tokyo is located in the Marunouchi business district

As with most Peninsula properties, its lobby is the focal point and the perfect place to have breakfast, lunch, or even classic afternoon tea. The Lobby boasts of "hanabi," a crystal chandelier inspired by fireworks. I just learned that overlooking this lobby is a private balcony with an exclusive table for four. It's an option available for those who want a unique afternoon tea experience. I wish I had seen that first hand.

The Lobby with its arresting piece of art under the "hanabi." 

Now the rooms! They are so spacious, luxurious, and unlike the typical accommodations in the city.  (See my previous post entitled Tip Not, My Dear Sir.)  I was very fortunate to take a peek inside the hotel's Deluxe Suite overlooking the Tokyo Imperial Palace Gardens. Just look at that incredible view!

The luxurious suite's living room area is wrapped with stunning views.

View of the Tokyo Imperial Palace Gardens from the Deluxe Suite

Separate bedroom area

Marble and stone bathroom with a large dressing room

After the quick tour of the suite, we approached the Concierge Desk to ask directions to the Tokyo Imperial Palace. The Concierge staff was pleased to give us a map and told us we still had plenty of time to roam the East Gardens before closing time. So off we went to our next destination!


This story was continued from Song, Dance, and Skill. A series on my Japan visit.

My Cup of Tea

I enjoy afternoon tea.  It’s very girly, I know.  But I find the overall experience and the whole ritual so appealing.  The dainty teacups and delectables, elegant surroundings, and relaxing ambience make one-on-one time with a friend so perfect.

I was first introduced to afternoon tea in the early '90s when I used to work at The Peninsula Manila.  Back then, afternoon tea was served at The Conservatory which was on the mezzanine level.  I vividly recall the violinist and flutist playing Canon in D by Pachelbel as I gently sank into my chair and succumbed to total relaxation. It was pure bliss!   Nowadays, they serve tea at The Lobby where people gather “to see and be seen.”

More recently, I've had some memorable and noteworthy tea times:

Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria (a “must do” when in Victoria, Canada)

Hubby and I were in Victoria in 2009 when I decided to surprise my mother-in-law with this treat. For more than a century, the famous tea lobby of The Fairmont Empress hotel has been serving this grand tradition.  In years past, they even served royalty and celebrities.

Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria
(a "must do" when in Victoria)

Experiencing the great tradition of afternoon tea
at Victoria's Fairmont Empress with mom-in-law Linda

They even give you a little history of how afternoon tea came about.

You can learn more here.  http://www.fairmont.com/empress-victoria/dining/afternoontea/

Afternoon Tea at Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand

I just want to make it clear that I didn’t personally get the chance to partake in the beloved tea ritual here last October 2012.  However, I did have the great opportunity to witness the event which was part of the Food and Wine All-Star Weekend...and the privilege to meet the lovely Gail Simmons. I've always dreamed of experiencing Afternoon Tea at the prestigious Joël Robuchon restaurant. Imagine my delight when they announced this rare occasion.

Meeting Gail Simmons during Afternoon Tea at Joel Robuchon
Food and Wine All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas, October 2012 

Gail Simmons greeting guests at the Afternoon Tea event at Joel Robuchon
This is an awesome way to do tea!

With the famous Pastry Chef Kamel Guechida of Joel Robuchon

Afternoon Tea at Mandarin Oriental with my bestie, Corinne (my BFF from 2^nd grade)

We went to the Tea Lounge in Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas last November 2012.  High up on the 23^rd floor, we had a panoramic view of Sin City.  In the distance, we could even see the Thunderbirds in flight during an air show for Veterans Day.  Then at sunset, we saw the Las Vegas Strip slowly come to life with the city lights and neons gradually turning on.

We chose to have one of the blossoming teas while taking in the view of the Las Vegas Strip.

Catching up over tea with my bestie at the Tea Lounge in Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas.

Afternoon tea was even more fun with Corinne, my BFF from second grade!

The scrumptious goodies that came with our classic afternoon tea at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas.

It makes me sad that The Ritz Carlton in Lake Las Vegas no longer exists.  I used to go there for afternoon tea with my good friend Suzanne. It was one of my favorite venues. Even the little tea place inside the Antique Mall is now long gone.  Over there, they served meringues at the end of the tea service. The other place I used to frequent with my dear pal Sandi is the Verandah at the Four Seasons.  

There are a few other tea places in town that I still need to try like Petrossian Bar at Bellagio or English's at Town Square.  I'll soon be calling on some F.O.D. (Friends of Donna).  I'd like each of them to spend a delightful afternoon with me. We'll engage in tête-à-tête while sipping on Earl Grey and having a bite of heavenly petit fours or yummy scones. It's just my cup of tea.