InterContinental Yokohama Grand by IHG

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ve stayed at plenty of hotels in Yokohama over the years, but the InterContinental Grand actually made me stop and take notice the moment I walked into that lobby. It’s positioned right in the heart of Minato Mirai – and I mean right in it, not just “near” it like some places claim. You’re literally looking out at the Cosmo World ferris wheel and the Red Brick Warehouses from most of the upper floors, which honestly never gets old even if you’ve seen it a hundred times.

What struck me most wasn’t just the obvious stuff like the polished marble and impressive height (this thing towers over most of Minato Mirai), but the small details that show they actually think about their guests. The elevators are surprisingly quick for such a tall building, which matters when you’re running late for a meeting in Sakuragicho. The rooms – well, they’re generous by Japanese standards, and the soundproofing is solid even though you’re surrounded by the busiest part of the city. I mean, you’ll hear the occasional siren from the street below, but nothing that’ll wake you up at night. The beds are that perfect firmness that somehow works whether you’re dealing with jet lag or just tired from walking around Chinatown all day.

The staff here has that international hotel polish without feeling stuffy – they’ll switch between Japanese and English mid-conversation if it helps, and they actually know the neighborhood. When I asked about getting to the lesser-known ramen joints in Noge (which is just a quick train ride away), the concierge didn’t just hand me a generic tourist map. The location really can’t be beat if you want to explore Yokohama properly – Sakuragicho Station is basically next door, so you can hop over to Shibuya or hit up the shopping in Kohoku New Town without much planning. Plus, you’re walking distance from the good stuff in Minato Mirai, though honestly, the area can feel a bit artificial if you spend too much time there. That’s why I appreciated being able to duck back into the hotel’s quiet elegance after dealing with the weekend crowds at Cosmo World or the Red Brick events. The whole experience feels intentional rather than accidental, if that makes sense – from the way they handle check-in (smooth, even during busy conference season) to how the restaurant staff remembers your coffee preference after a couple of days. It’s the kind of place that works whether you’re here for business around the Pacifico convention center or just want a solid base for exploring the city.