Yokohama's Square Hotel: Minatomirai Luxury You Won't Believe!
Square Hotel: Minatomirai - My Love/Hate Affair (and Why You Should Book It Anyway)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea – the very expensive, meticulously brewed tea they serve at the Square Hotel in Yokohama's Minatomirai. This isn't your average hotel review. This is a journey. A messy, opinionated, slightly-obsessed-with-the-bathrobes journey.
First, the promise: Luxury You Won't Believe! Did they deliver? Well… it's complicated. Let's break this down, because honestly, trying to keep track of all the amenities this place throws at you is like herding cats.
Accessibility: Actually Thinking About Others? Kudos!
Right off the bat, a huge thumbs up for the accessibility. Wheelchair accessible? Yep. Elevators? Yup. Thinking about guests with limited mobility? Double yup. They've got this covered, which is essential, and frankly, a breath of fresh air.
Cleanliness & Safety: Germaphobes Rejoice (Mostly)!
Look, in a post-pandemic world, we're all a little bit (or a lot) freaked out about germs. The Square Hotel gets it. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays – they're clearly taking things seriously. They even had individually-wrapped food options and safe dining setups. They were practically begging me to relax. And I did. Mostly.
Room Sanitization Opt-out Available: That's a nice touch. The professional-grade sanitizing services definitely help with a piece of mind.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (and Sometimes Not So Glorious)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The restaurants are plentiful, offering everything from Asian cuisine to Western cuisine. Breakfast [buffet] is a glorious, carb-fueled experience. Okay, I may have accidentally had three plates of bacon one morning. Don't judge me. They have vegetarian restaurant and alternative meal arrangement, so a lot of choice.
My one real gripe? The price. Everything is… expensive. The coffee shop is cute, the poolside bar beckons, but my wallet weeps softly in the corner. The room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver, especially when you're jet-lagged and craving a midnight bowl of soup (soup in restaurant).
The Pool with a View: My Personal Paradise (and the Source of One Tiny Meltdown)
Okay, let's talk about the swimming pool [outdoor] with a pool with view. Absolutely stunning. Seriously. The water sparkles, the Yokohama skyline twinkles… It's pure Instagram gold. You should definitely take pictures.
Now, here’s my confession: I'm a terrible swimmer. Like, I struggle to doggy paddle in a kiddie pool. So, I went to the swimming pool with the intention of relaxing and maybe, just maybe, doing a few gentle laps. I get there, and I was just instantly overwhelmed and had to take a detour to the Spa, where all my troubles instantly melt away.
Services and Conveniences: They Think of Everything (Almost)
The list of services and conveniences is dizzying. Concierge, laundry service, daily housekeeping, luggage storage. You name it, they probably have it. They even have a convenience store because late-night ramen cravings are a real thing.
Internet Access: The Wi-Fi Wars
Okay, let’s talk about the bane of many a hotel guest's existence: internet. Thankfully I had Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and I didn’t encounter any problems. And, in the very small chance you do some business, you'll be happy to see Internet access – LAN and internet [LAN]
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: From Zen to Zoom (and Back Again)
The Square Hotel's got options. Want to hit the Fitness center? Go for it! Need to sweat it out in the Sauna? Done! Want to treat yourself to a Massage or Body scrub? Book it, darling. I opted for a Foot bath. And then I just went to the Spa, again.
They also have Meeting/banquet facilities and are equipped for Seminars.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Yes, But…
Family/child friendly? Yes, definitely! They have Babysitting service, and Kids meal on hand.
Available in All Rooms: The Comforts of Home (and More)
Here’s where the Square Hotel truly shines. They basically equip you with a perfectly appointed apartment, except with a cleaning crew and an incredibly tempting minibar. The air conditioning is a godsend. You know what else? These are the things that made me crazy: the bathtubs, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, and daily housekeeping.
The “Meh” Moments (Because No Hotel is Perfect)
While I mostly loved my experience, there were a couple of small things. Even though the soundproof rooms kept the outside noise at bay, my room was slightly less luxurious than the photos showed.
The Bottom Line: Is Square Hotel Worth It?
Yes. Absolutely. Even with its price tag and tiny imperfections. The Square Hotel is a truly special place. The location in Minatomirai is perfect for exploring Yokohama and the staff is amazing.
But Here’s My Honest Recommendation:
Book that room. Book it now. Indulge in the spa, order room service (at least once), and soak up the luxury.
Here's the Deal (Because You Deserve a Deal):
Book your stay at the Square Hotel in the next 7 days and get a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival and a 20% discount on all spa treatments! Click the link below and use code "SQUARELUXURY" at checkout. [insert awesome booking link here]
Don’t miss out. You deserve this. Your Instagram feed will thank you. And, hey, maybe I’ll see you at the buffet. Just try not to eat all the bacon.
Beijing's BEST Hotel Near China Agricultural University? (You Won't Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't going to be your pristine, perfectly-organized itinerary. This is life at the Square Hotel Yokohama Minatomirai – or at least, my messy, glorious, slightly caffeinated version of it. We're talking:
Yokohama, Japan: A Square Hotel Story (and a Few Detours)
(Day 1: Jet Lagged and Jittery in Yokohama)
6:00 AM (Ish I Know): Wake up. Or rather, try to wake up. Body clock thinks it's still in… wherever it was before. Sun's streaming in, bouncing off the slightly-too-modern (but admittedly swanky) decor of the Square Hotel. First thought? "Did I really pack that many pairs of socks?" (Spoiler alert: yes, yes I did. I am a sock hoarder.)
6:30 AM (Coffee & Cursing): Navigate the tiny, slightly-intimidating (but functional) Japanese coffee machine in the room. Okay, maybe intimidated is a strong word. More like… warily eyeing it. Success! A barely-palatable, yet life-saving, cup of black sludge. Mutter a few grateful expletives under my breath.
7:00 AM (Breakfast Roulette): Decide to venture downstairs for the "breakfast buffet." Note: "buffet" in Japan is a whole different beast. It's not a feeding frenzy, thank goodness. More a careful selection of tiny, perfectly-crafted dishes. I tentatively try a pickled something-or-other. My face screws up. "Nope." Back to the toast. And a little bit of that weird, salty seaweed stuff. Turns out, it's kinda addictive.
8:00 AM (Rambling in the Rain): Decide, despite a forecast of "mostly sunny," to take a walk. It's pouring. Of course. Wander aimlessly, completely forgetting my map. End up in a tiny park with a statue of what I think is a very happy Buddha. Feel a sudden, inexplicable urge to hug it. Resist. (Public indecency laws, you know.)
9:00 AM (Harbor Hiccups): Finally find the harbor… after wandering through a somewhat creepy alleyway with some interesting (ahem) shops. Yokohama Harbor is beautiful, even in the downpour. Watch a group of little kids enthusiastically splashing in puddles. Wish I could join them. (But, ya know… the rain, and the age thing.)
11:00 AM (Mistake!): Commit a major travel sin and wander into a tourist trap store at the pier. They sell ridiculously cheesy souvenirs like miniature paper cranes and cheap plastic versions of the Yokohama Wheel. (Should have bought better, less cheesy gifts, so I can't even blame it on the trip budget.) Escape after 15 minutes with my wallet slightly lighter and my soul a little bit dimmer.
12:00 PM (Lunchtime Lament): Lunch. Oh, Lunch. Find a tiny ramen shop tucked away down a backstreet. The aroma alone is enough to make me drool. It's all Japanese I don't understand, so I just point randomly at a picture. Turns out to be… a spicy, soul-warming miracle. It's absolutely divine. This is why traveling is worth all the jet lag.
1:30 PM (The Yokohama Wheel…Twice. Gasp): Decide to go on the iconic Yokohama Ferris wheel. They say the view’s better at night, but I'm terrified of heights, so it's now or never. The cabin’s all glass. My palms are sweating the whole freaking time. But… the view! The city sprawls out beneath me, a glittering tapestry of lights (even in the afternoon). And… I didn't faint! Win. Go again because it was so epic.
3:00 PM (Culture Shock, Part 1): Stumble into an anime shop. My brain short circuits. Too much color, too much energy. Leave after five minutes, slightly bewildered, and with a newfound appreciation for the art of "kawaii."
4:00 PM (Rest & Recover): Back to the hotel. Collapse on the bed. Briefly contemplate the existential dread of laundry. Then, drift off to sleep.
6:00 PM (Dinner Dilemma): Dinner. Get lost in a district of tiny restaurants that are filled with people speaking a language I can't understand, but the food smells amazing. Pick a place at random. The waiter just brings me a series of unknown, delicious plates. Embrace the chaos. Eat everything. Feel utterly blissful.
8:00 PM (Nightcap and Journaling – Maybe): Back at the hotel. Intention: Journal. Reality: Staring at the ceiling, thinking about the amazing ramen I had, and wondering if I'll ever figure out how to say "thank you" properly in Japanese. Eventually, I doze off.
(Day 2: Exploring Further, Failing Forward)
8:00 AM (Repeat Breakfast, Slightly Less Pickled): Breakfast. Acquire the bravery of a seasoned, expert breakfast-eater. Pick two familiar items. Try the seaweed thing. Get a better understanding of the food. And now I have a routine: coffee, seaweed, toast, repeat.
9:00 AM (Chinatown Chaos): Explore Yokohama’s Chinatown. The smells! The colors! The crowds! Feel slightly overwhelmed, but in a good way. Browse through the shops selling everything from dumplings to fortune cookies. Buy a ridiculously large, fluffy panda hat. No regrets.
11:00 AM (Garden of Zen): Seek serenity at Sankeien Garden. It's a haven of peace. Meander through the meticulously manicured gardens, admiring the temples and ponds. Feel a sudden urge to write poetry. Quickly abandon that idea after a particularly wobbly attempt at haiku.
1:00 PM (Sushi Salvation): Lunch. Find a sushi restaurant that’s a total hole-in-the-wall. The chef barely speaks English, but that doesn’t matter. The sushi is fresh, the fish is perfectly cut, and the entire experience borders on spiritual. This is what I came for! My wallet is relieved.
2:30 PM (Shopping Spree… of Sorts): Return to the tourist trap from yesterday in order to be sure I'd seen everything and now I can buy better gifts for people. This time, I managed to emerge with a few semi-decent gifts. Achievement unlocked!
4:00 PM (Tea Time Trauma): Attempt to make tea in the hotel room. End up spilling hot water everywhere. Then, burn my tongue. Then, give up and order room service.
6:00 PM (Dinner and Departure – the bittersweet finale): One last delicious dinner in Yokohama because that is how you say goodbye from here. This time, I know what I'm doing! I head to the same restaurant as before. This time, order three dishes and eat. The last meal of my time in Yokohama is perfect.
8:00 PM (Final Reflections): Pack my bag, making a mental note to actually sort the laundry when I get home. Sit on the bed and look the bustling, glowing city outside my window. I'm leaving in the morning. I'm exhausted, exhilarated, and already planning my return!
9:00 PM (Sleep): Ready for the next part of my adventure!
Okay, so it wasn't perfect, but it was mine. And isn't that the point?
(Disclaimer: May contain inaccuracies, over-exaggerations, and an unhealthy obsession with ramen. Actual experiences may vary. Please, for the love of all that is holy, learn some basic Japanese phrases before you go. You’ll thank me later.)
Luxury Redefined: Discover Laxmi Residency Jaipur
Yokohama Square Hotel: Minatomirai Luxury You Won't Believe (Or Will You?) - An Unofficial FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, Official FAQs are BORING!)
Okay, spill the tea. Is this place REALLY "luxury"? Or is it just marketing fluff?
What's the deal with the views? They look incredible in the photos. Actually, are those real?
Is the location convenient? I don't want to spend my entire trip on public transport!
Tell me about the food. Good restaurants nearby? And are you *seriously* trying to tell me the breakfast is worth the hype?
Any downsides? Dish the dirt!
Okay, so the elevator music… seriously?
Anything else? Like, any *amazing* moments?
