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REALITY CHECK ➔ HOTEL HILTON, TOKYO
THE HOTEL: The Hilton Tokyo is a 38-storey, 808-room hotel located west of Shinjuku station amid a host of other major hotels and skyscrapers, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. THE CHECK-IN: Arrived at the hotel via an underpass from the nearby Nishi-shinjuku metro station and found my way across a busy ground floor to the reception desk. I was greeted by a very friendly member of staff who apologised that my executive room on the 35th floor wasn't quite ready. I was instead directed to the executive lounge on the 37th floor where I waited for 30 minutes and made the most of complimentary drinks, snacks and computer terminals. There were fine views in two directions, with Mount Fuji peeking out above the hazy horizon in the west. THE ROOM: The executive room was big, with two large windows and a relatively low ceiling. As well as an enormous double bed, there was a glass work desk, sofa, chairs and coffee table – with plenty of space still to spare – as well as a large wardrobe, large TV, DVD player, iPod dock, kettle with tea and coffee, small tabletop ironing board, minibar and safe. In contrast, the bathroom was tiny and a little dated.
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THE FACILITIES: A good Western and Japanese breakfast buffet was served in the executive lounge – which would also make a good base for informal meetings later in the day. There was free wifi both here and across executive floors but elsewhere it's charged for. The hotel can accommodate up to 900 people for receptions in the Kiku ballroom, and there's a further 15 function rooms. There are seven restaurants and bars including the Michelin-starred Le Pergolese French restaurant, plus Chinese and Japanese options. Leisure facilities include a
gym, indoor pool, sauna and tennis courts, plus a basement shopping arcade. THE VERDICT: The large, modern executive room – and access to the lounge on the 37th floor – were a welcome refuge from the busy city below. Underground walkways to three metro stations was a big bonus. THE DETAILS: Hilton Tokyo, 6-2, Nishi- Shinjuku 6-chome, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan. Standard rates start from around £235 per night and executive rooms from £390. Tel: +81 333-445-111.
www.hilton.co.uk/tokyo. ANDY HOSKINS
➔ TRAIN VIRGIN TRAINS
THE TRAIN: Virgin Trains first class service between London Euston and Birmingham New Street at 11.23am. The service should have been operated by a nine-car Pendolino electric train (pictured) but instead it was a five-car Voyager diesel train. THE CHECK-IN: Ticket pick-up prior to boarding from the First class lounge at Euston station worked seamlessly. Boarding was announced in good time, at 11.10. THE CARRIAGE: The switching of train types had all sorts of ramifications, from the absence of seat reservations to there being only one first class carriage instead of three. It was also running five minutes late as this was a slower train. Having walked the length of the train trying to find my carriage, an announcement explained the changes and I finally found a seat. THE SEAT: The Voyager First Class carriage was still comfortable, arranged in a 1-2 seat configuration and each seat had a fixed table. Smart navy check upholstered seats had white linen headrests and there was plentiful leg room. I found the fixed table too far away to be useful to work on, and the idea is to work, as the carriage is fitted with a Hotspot wireless internet network for mobiles, laptops and other devices.
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THE SERVICE: The service was slow to start. It took 20 minutes before the first pass of bottled water was offered (25 minutes before the on-board shop opened), but then it came constantly. There were biscuits and crisps, tea and coffee and a constant coming and going of crew with soft drinks and nibbles and, before I knew it, the train had arrived in Birmingham THE VERDICT: Despite the initial hiccup from the train swapping, the journey was comfortable and quiet and the staff capable
and friendly. Not being able to work effectively at the table was the only glitch. THE DETAILS: Virgin Trains links London Euston and Birmingham New Street every 20 minutes during weekday daytimes and Saturday daytimes, and from early afternoon on Sundays. The journey time is one hour and 25 minutes. One-way Advance First Class fares on this route start at £23.50. Tel: 0871 977 4222. For more information see:
www.virgintrains.com. GILLIAN UPTON
THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE 105
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