Evaluation: AC Lodge by Marriott Tokyo Ginza

As I approached the end of my trip accross Oceania and Japan, I found myself in need of a simple one-night stay in Tokyo before my flights home the following day.

With Tokyo hotels being notoriously expensive, my choices were quite limited, and I opted for a more modest stay at the AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza.

I figured that after reviewing many higher-end Tokyo hotels on previous trips, it’d be worthwhile to review a more budget-friendly option in the city this time around.

AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza – Booking

Tokyo hotel prices have reached such exorbitant levels in recent months that the most reasonable option was to redeem 42,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for a stay at the AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza.

Typically, you can expect rates at the AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza range from ¥48,000–60,000 ($325–405 USD, $440–550 CAD), but they can soar as high as ¥80,000 ($540 USD, $740 CAD) and beyond at peak periods, such as during Japan’s post-pandemic tourism influx. 

While it was tough to part with 42,000 Bonvoy points for this stay, the alternative redemptions and cash prices were even steeper. In fact, the cash rate exceeded $600 (CAD) at the time of my visit.

However, the hotel has a prime location for getting some last-minute errands done, as it’s surrounded by numerous attractions that are all within walking distance. Since I wouldn’t be spending a lot of time in the hotel, I figured this was my best bet.

AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza – Location

The AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza is situated right in the heart of Ginza, close to the nearby sister hotels Aloft Tokyo Ginza and the Courtyard Tokyo Ginza. 

The AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza occupies a prime location that places you within a stone’s throw of numerous attractions.

The immediate area of the hotel area boasts a collection of chic boutiques, vibrant art galleries, and gourmet dining spots. Many popular attractions are also within walking distance.

For instance, the Ginza Six shopping complex is less than five minutes away by foot. Similarly, both the iconic Kabukiza Theatre and the bustling Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Market are conveniently situated a brief 10-minute stroll from the hotel.

Moreover, if you’re looking to venture a bit further, the AC Hotel Tokyo Ginza is positioned near key transit hubs. Both Higashiginza and Ginza subway stations are within a five-minute walk, while JR stations, Shimbashi and Yūrakuchō, are a 10-minute walk away.

From Shimbashi Station, the Tokyo Tower is just a 15-minute train journey, while the historic Senso-ji Temple and the majestic Imperial Palace are reachable within a 20-minute train ride

In terms of venturing to and from the airport, you can hop on the Narita Express train heading to Tokyo Station. Once there, switch to the Yamanote Line and get off at Shimbashi Station. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from there.

From Haneda Airport, your best bet is the Tokyo Monorail. Take it to Hamamatsucho Station, then transfer to the Yamanote Line. Alight at Shimbashi Station, and you’re just a short 10-minute walk from the AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza.

AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza – Check-in

Upon arriving at the hotel, I was struck by its modern vibe, which seemed to blend effortlessly with Ginza’s vibrant cityscape.

Right at the entrance, “AC Hotel Ginza” was displayed boldly above, flanked by stone pillars on which the hotel’s name was also subtly etched.

Though the lobby might not be vast, its expansive windows lend it an open feel. In contrast to the darker exterior, the lobby boasts a creatively layered wooden wall, and is complemented by a pair of chic leather lounge chairs positioned nearby.

To the right, you’ll spot two check-in desks, and by the window, contemporary artwork catches your eye.

Upon check-in, the associate confirmed my stay in the Standard King Room and briefed me on my Titanium Elite status benefits.

At this location, those with Platinum status or higher can choose between a breakfast voucher for the hotel restaurant, a free drink or snack, or a $10 discount at the restaurant. I opted for the complimentary breakfast as my Titanium Elite perk this time around.

I was assigned Room 1116 located on the 11th floor, referred to as the “Prime Floor”. Its exact meaning is a bit unclear to me, but I figured it likely pertains to elite members.

AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza – Standard King Room

Upon entering the Standard King Room, the modern features and neutral tones immediately stand out.

Dominating the bedroom is a king bed, flanked by bedside tables which are thoughtfully fitted with lighting controls, universal charging outlets, and both USB-A and USB-C charging ports.

Adjacent to the right of the bed is a versatile seating area with a table. This space is cleverly designed to serve as both a dining and working zone.

Directly in front of the seating area lies a minibar; however, it was only stocked with water. To my delight, the room also boasts a Nespresso machine, which I wasn’t necessarily expecting out of an AC Hotel.

Facing the bed is a flat-screen TV, securely mounted on the wall.

On the opposite side, to the left of the bed, you’ll find a discreet closet, veiled behind a frosted sliding door. Inside, branded plush robes await.

Interestingly, when the door is slid open, it furnishes an added degree of separation from the main bedroom area.

The bedroom and bathroom share an open-concept design. A vanity stands as the only divider, yet the bathroom largely remains in view of the rest of the room.

The walk-in shower and the high-tech toilet have their own private enclosures, and the bathroom is adorned with KORRES bathtub amenities.

However, the choice of wooden floorboards in the bathroom – which don’t exactly play well with wet floors – was a detail I found less appealing.

In summary, the Standard King Room is devoid of any standout views or additional luxuries, but is still adequately appointed, and served as a comfortable space for my brief stay.

AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza – Breakfast

Breakfast is available at the AC Kitchen, the sole dining facility on the premises, located on the first floor.

As a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum or Titanium Elite member, guests have the option to select a complimentary breakfast as an elite welcome amenity, which is what I opted for.

However, for a more laid-back setting, guests can choose to dine in the adjoining bar and lounge area. The AC Kitchen also offers lunch and dinner menus.

The breakfast experience was commendable. There were both buffet and à la carte options to choose from.

The à la carte menu was concise, featuring a variety of egg dishes, along with pho and ramen noodles.

As for the buffet, the cold selections featured a variety of fruits, cereals, salads, and yogurts, while hot items included bacon, sausage, fried chicken, and french fries.

Local flavours included shrimp, steamed gyoza, grilled fish, miso soup, and tai chazuke, among other delicacies.

Additionally, classic staples like assorted cereals, pastries, bread rolls, and sweet treats were available.

As for beverages, there were juices, self-serve coffee, and water available.

The breakfast items were quite appetizing, even if the quality didn’t exactly set new culinary benchmarks. It brought back memories of my breakfast experience at the Courtyard Tokyo Station some years ago.

I found it interesting to see both pho and ramen on the menu, and decided to sample both. I found them to be tasty, but not exceptional.

AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza – Dining

Beyond the AC Kitchen, the property also hosts a bar and lounge area.

This space is adorned with stylish furniture, exuding a chic ambiance and providing an array of comfortable seating options. Come evening, the bar offers Spanish tapas alongside its specialty drinks.

For those looking to get some work done while enjoying a drink, there are spacious tables equipped with built-in outlets.

AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza – Other Facilities

The hotel features a 24-hour fitness that’s impressively stocked with gym equipment. There’s a row of treadmills, as well as a dedicated section for strength training, complemented by free weights.

Separately, the hotel offers an outdoor rooftop terrace, which occasionally hosts seasonal yoga sessions.

Although my visit coincided with a rainy day, I could envision the appeal of this space on a sunlit afternoon. There’s expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and refreshing open-air ambiance.

Conclusion

The AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza offers a pleasant and modern ambiance, which aligns with what one would anticipate from the AC Hotels brand.

Its location is notably advantageous, making it a reliable choice for those visiting Tokyo, especially if your intention isn’t to spend an extensive amount of time within the hotel or to heavily rely on its on-site dining and amenities.

It’s worth mentioning that, given the increasing influx of visitors to Tokyo, both cash and points rates are expected to remain on the higher side for the time being.

However, when compared with other available options in the current market, the AC Hotel Tokyo Ginza still offers commendable value for money.