InterContinental Yokohama Grand

InterContinental Yokohama Grand is one of the most recognisable buildings on the Yokohama waterfront, a curved tower shaped like a ship sail that rises beside the Pacifico Yokohama convention centre. It belongs to a global luxury brand and offers the full-service experience that goes with it: a large lobby, several restaurants and bars, a spa and fitness area, and attentive English-speaking staff. The location is on the harbor side of Minato Mirai, so many rooms face the open bay, the Bay Bridge or the skyline, and the evening light on the water is a real part of the stay. It sits at the top of the price range in this market, which makes it the natural choice for honeymoons, anniversaries, business travellers on an expense account and anyone who wants a polished, memorable base.

The setting is the headline. The hotel stands on the waterfront edge of Minato Mirai, a short walk from the Ferris wheel area, the Nippon Maru sail-training ship and the park paths that run along the bay. The nearest stations are on the Minatomirai line, and the Sakuragicho and Kannai stations on the JR network are within walking distance for most guests, which keeps Chinatown, the Red Brick Warehouse and the Cup Noodles Museum close.

Haneda Airport is reachable in under an hour by train, and the airport limousine bus is another option; check which suits your luggage and arrival time.

Rooms at this level are spacious by Japanese standards and are furnished in a calm, contemporary style with large windows, deep bathtubs in many categories and good soundproofing. Higher floors and the bay-facing side carry the best views, and on a clear day the horizon can be wide enough to include distant hills. The restaurants cover Japanese, Western and Chinese cuisine, and afternoon tea and bar evenings with views over the water are popular with couples. Breakfast is generous and worth including in the rate.

Think about who this hotel suits. It is excellent for couples celebrating something, for families who value space and pool-and-spa style facilities, and for conference visitors attending events at the neighbouring Pacifico centre. It is less suited to travellers on a tight budget or those who want to eat cheaply in a local neighbourhood each night, because the area around the hotel is polished and spaced out rather than gritty. Prices rise sharply during large conventions, concerts and the summer fireworks, so book early for those dates.

When you reserve, check whether club-level access, breakfast, parking and a bay-view room are included. Ask about late check-out if you have a flight, and use the front desk for luggage forwarding between Yokohama and Tokyo or the airport so that you can sightsee without bags.