One of the best hotel suites in Tokyo is not quite its largest nor its most luxurious. However it is definitely its most distinctive. Tucked away on the 14th floor of the prestigious Imperial Hotel Tokyo, which has long been an institution in the Japanese hospitality industry, is the Frank Lloyd Wright suite. It’s not open to the public so let me share with you details and photos from my time there.
THE FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT CONNECTION
This suite was not created by Frank Lloyd Wright, the great architect. In fact most of the current Imperial Hotel was not created by him either. He created the original Imperial Hotel on the same site where the current one now stands. Meanwhile, any remnants of his wonderful original masterpiece have been transported to the open-air Meiji Museum in Aichi Prefecture. For design and architecture enthusiasts, this museum is a must-visit, by the way.
Meanwhile, at the current Imperial Hotel, which has been around ever since I can remember. It is still the lodging of choice for many leaders of countries and other government officials when they are on official visits to Japan. However, in its current form, only some blocks from the original Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel actually remain. You can see these in the lobby. There are also several blocks from the original building displayed by the driveway of the Tokyo American Club.
A SUITE ABOVE THE REST
There are many suites at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, including one that is earmarked for presidents and another for cabinet ministers. However the truly special suite is the Frank Lloyd Wright Suite, which is Suite 1401.
This Frank Lloyd Wright suite was inspired the architect — down to the reading lights, the gadgets on the study desk, the dining room chairs, and even the bathroom fixtures. If you are a great fan of structured lines that meld beautifully so that these are almost unnoticeable with the surroundings, then you must stay in this truly one of a kind suite. It’s probably the most seamless Frank Lloyd Wright-themed suite in the world.
Unfortunately this suite isn’t on the regular room inventory list of The Imperial Hotel Tokyo. You won’t be able to book it online. It is on a request basis and few guests are actually allowed to check-in to this one-of-a-kind suite.
ABOUT THE FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT SUITE
The Frank Lloyd Wright suite is a corner suite with a large vestibule, and a spacious living room and dining room. Each area is separated by a barrier inspired by the designs of the famous architect. At the end of the dining room is a corner office with a large desk and a corner with a window and a comfortable reading chair designed in the same style.
In keeping with Japanese sensibilities, the bedroom is spacious but not over the top in size or design. Everything is about flawless simplicity. But indeed there is so much visual enjoyment here that one feels calm and yet also pampered. Even in the middle of Hibiya, which is one of the busiest districts of the one of the busiest cities in the world.
NO PARTIES HERE
I longed to stay here and plan a dinner party here. It’s the perfect venue to show lovers of design and architecture. Alas, it will never be. Aside from the stringent veto policy in place for prospective guests, the hotel discourages dinners or parties lest way too many people in the suite at one time leave scuff marks on this beautifully done suite.
So, for now, I’m sharing photos of the amazing Frank Lloyd Wright suite so more people can see it, even if they can’t ever stay in it. Even the great architect would have been impressed by this suite created as a tribute to him.
READ MORE ABOUT THE BEST HOTEL SUITES IN JAPAN
