Chez Lily Tokyo: Tokyo's Hottest New Secret Spot? (You HAVE to See This!)
Chez Lily Tokyo: Tokyo's Hottest New Secret Spot? (You HAVE to See This!) - My Chaotic, Wonderful Truth Bomb.
Okay, okay, hold up. "Tokyo's Hottest New Secret Spot?" That's a big claim, right? Especially in a city that breathes coolness. But Chez Lily Tokyo, well, it's got serious potential. And after my recent stay, I'm willing to spill the (green tea) beans. Buckle up, because this review ain't your average, sterile hotel write-up. It's a messy, honest, and hopefully, helpful dive into my own Chez Lily experience.
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Let's get real about Getting There & Getting In (Accessibility & Beyond):
First, let's talk about finding this "secret spot." My taxi driver, bless his soul, took a detour through a fish market before finally landing me at Chez Lily. Seriously, GPS was fighting us! They really are trying to be a secret. That's a good thing once you get there, a little less so while en route.
Accessibility: Okay, straight up, this is crucial for me. They advertise being accessible, and mostly deliver. The elevator is a lifesaver (I'm not getting younger, people). I saw ramps, and the facilities for disabled guests are definitely a plus. Now, a proper audit from a wheelchair user would be the real test, but my initial impression? Pretty decent. (I'll get back to the details later)
- Wheelchair accessible is a big box they check.
- The Check-in/out [express] was definitely needed after the taxi debacle.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Thank goodness after my little taxi adventure.
Inside the Fortress of Calm (Rooms, Cleanliness, & Safety - With a Side of Anxiety):
The rooms are… gorgeous. Okay, maybe I should back up. The room decorations themselves are a bit much. I'm a minimalist at heart, and it's a bit over-the-top. But the soundproofing is divine. This is Tokyo, noise is everywhere. And the blackout curtains? Pure bliss for a sleep-deprived traveler.
The air conditioning was a godsend for the Tokyo humidity, and the bathrobes and slippers? Luxurious. Essential. The in-room safe box was helpful for storing money. They've really thought about the details.
Cleanliness is paramount, and Chez Lily takes it SERIOUSLY. I mean, they're practically paranoid, and in a good way!
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? You betcha.
- Hand sanitizer at every turn? Guilty.
I appreciated the safety/security feature like CCTV in common areas and Security [24-hour], seeing as my first taxi experience… left me a bit rattled. The air filtration in the hallways was a real bonus, made me feel at ease.
But here's a minor quibble (and I always have one): I opted not for the Room sanitization opt-out available, because what's the point? But I think they should maybe lighten this up a little. It creates a slight sense of paranoia. Maybe lighten the heavy hand a bit in the future?
Things I Loved So Freaking Much I Could Cry (Spa & Leisure - Pure Bliss):
Alright, let's talk about the really good stuff. The SPA. Seriously. The spa/sauna is incredible. The steamroom was a welcome hug. I might have spent an entire afternoon in the sauna, just sweating out the stress of… well, everything. The Pool with view? Dreamy. Absolutely dreamy. Imagine floating in the pool, overlooking the Tokyo skyline. It's pure escapism.
I didn't get around to the Body scrub or Body wrap, but the menu looked amazing.
The fitness center is well-equipped, but to be honest, after all that delicious food and the spa… I might have just looked at it.
This is where Chez Lily really shines.
Food, Glorious Food (Eating, Drinking, and Making Decisions):
Dining at Chez Lily is an experience. Let me be clear: I'm not a foodie. But even I was blown away.
- Restaurants: Multiple!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Delicious!
- International cuisine in restaurant: Also, delicious!
- Breakfast [buffet]: Excellent selection of both Asian and Western options.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential.
- Poolside bar: Cocktails overlooking the city? Yes, please. (Happy hour was VERY happy.)
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for late-night cravings (guilty!).
I had a beautiful a la carte in restaurant lunch. I did also have some bottle of water. It's all I'll say… I did also try out the desserts in restaurant. The salad in restaurant was fantastic as well. For me, the variety of choices really made it a special stay.
The Little Things (Services & Conveniences That Make the Difference):
Chez Lily doesn't skimp on the extras.
- Concierge: Super helpful in getting me around (after I survived that taxi ride).
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Laundry service: A godsend after a week of exploring.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Vital.
- Air conditioning in public area: Cool.
- Elevator: Really needed.
- Taxi service: Convenient, but next time, I'm asking about a car with a GPS.
Possible improvements
- Car power charging station. I wasn't needing this, but I could imagine someone might, and it is a forward facing amenity to have.
And this thing that always gets me… Essential condiments. Sometimes the littlest things make a big difference.
For the Kids (And the Kid in You):
Chez Lily is definitely Family/child friendly. They even have a babysitting service. Honestly, I didn't investigate this deeply, as I was traveling solo, but I saw families enjoying themselves.
The Verdict: Is Chez Lily Tokyo Worth the Hype?
Listen, "hottest new secret spot" is a tough title to live up to. But, yes, I think Chez Lily Tokyo is worth the hype. It's not perfect. It's got some quirks and the décor is a bit… much. The taxi experience… well, that's on Tokyo, I suppose. But the service is impeccable, the food is delicious, the spa is heaven, and the safety protocols provide peace of mind. Is it perfect? No. But is it damn good? Absolutely.
My biggest takeaway? Relaxation. Serenity. Escape. In a city as manic as Tokyo, that is a huge win.
My Offer for You (And Why You NEED to Book Now!):
Ready to unlock your own secret escape?
Here's what you get when you book with my VERY SPECIAL offer (valid for a limited time only, click here!)…
- A complimentary bottle of premium sake upon arrival(because you deserve it after the flight)
- A voucher for a complimentary 60-minute massage at the award-winning spa (because you've earned it!)
- Free upgrade to a room with a better view (because you deserve the best!)
- And a personal email by me with tips for navigating the city.
Click here to Book your escape to Chez Lily Tokyo! (And tell them I sent you!)
Book Your Escape Now! (And tell them I sent you!)
Palma Rima Hotel: Your Gambian Paradise Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously-planned itinerary. This is Chez Lily in Tokyo, a place that's whispered about in hushed, foodie-giddy tones, and trust me, it's going to be a WILD ride. Let's see if my poor, sleep-deprived brain can even remember what I thought I wanted to do. And, oh boy, prepare for the feels…
Chez Lily Adventure: Tokyo, Expect the Unexpected (and Maybe a Stomach Ache)
Day 1: Arrival & Ramen-Induced Bliss (and Panic)
- Morning (ish, let's be real, it's almost noon thanks to the jet lag): Land at Narita (ugh, long flight, my back is killing me already), navigate the airport like a confused penguin, and try to find my way to the hotel in Shibuya. I'm gonna be honest, I'm already slightly panicked about the train system. I've practiced the phrases "Sumimasen" (sorry) and "Eigo dekimasu ka?" (do you speak English?) approximately 300 times, but I'm still convinced I'll end up in a rice paddy somewhere.
- Afternoon: Hotel Check-In & Lost-in-Translation Lunch: Found the hotel! (Victory!) It's tiny, like, really tiny, but hey, it's Tokyo, right? After the check-in, I need food STAT. Found a little ramen place near the hotel. Uh oh, no English menu. Okay, time to channel my inner brave soul (read: hangry tourist). I pointed at a bowl with a picture of a gorgeous pork belly and prayed. It arrived. It was glorious. I slurped, I sweat, I nearly cried (happy tears). Literally the best ramen I've ever had. Then, the bill came, and I definitely misunderstood. Paid too much. Oh well, worth it.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Shibuya Scramble & Sensory Overload: Shibuya Crossing! OMG. The sheer volume of people… It's like a human river. I crossed it about five times just to experience it. Took a billion photos, probably got in everyone's way, and nearly lost my phone. That was scary. Dinner? Maybe another ramen place? I'm already feeling a slight bloat, but hey, YOLO, right?
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. And a touch of bewildered awe. Tokyo is overwhelming, beautiful, and utterly bonkers. I already love it. And I am currently eating another ramen bowl. Don't judge me!
Day 2: Tsukiji Outer Market & Sushi Dreams (and Fishy Realities)
Morning (Early! My body clock is screaming): Tsukiji Outer Market! I am determined to experience the legendary fish market. Waking up before sunrise felt like an act of war, but sushi. Need to get there early to avoid the worst of the crowds. The air smells like the ocean (and, let’s be honest, a little bit like…well, fish). Amazing energy. I saw the tuna auctions. It was intense. I felt a weird mix of respect and slight horror.
Late Morning: Sushi Marathon: Sushi breakfast! Queued at a tiny, legendary sushi stall. It was worth the wait, even if my feet were killing me. The otoro (fatty tuna) was divine. Melted in my mouth. I don't think I've ever tasted something so sublime. ate myself sick.
Afternoon: Harajuku: Off to Harajuku! This is where things get… weird. I'm talking rainbow cotton candy, teens in outrageous outfits, and the sound of pure, unadulterated enthusiasm. Took some photos of the outfits; had to try the famous crepes. Okay, they’re good. Maybe too much whipped cream.
Evening: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden & Reflections: Exhausted? You bet. Needed some peace. Headed to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a bit of zen. It was stunningly beautiful, a complete contrast to the chaos of the day. I sat under a tree, watched the leaves fall, and felt my sanity slowly returning. Dinner: something less… fishy. Maybe udon?
Emotional Reaction: Full. So, so full. Also, slightly overwhelmed by the sensory overload of Harajuku. The garden was a balm to my soul. Feeling grateful, and a little bit lost in the beauty of it all.
Day 3: Ghibli Museum & a Dash of Culture Shock (and Sweet Dreams)
- Morning: Ghibli Museum - The Holy Grail Finally, the day I've been waiting for. The Ghibli Museum! I swear, this place feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli movie. (Make sure to book tickets WELL in advance. I almost didn't get in!) It's whimsical and magical, and I was like a wide-eyed kid the entire time. I could have stayed there forever. Got a load of postcards and some of the iconic cat bus plushies.
- Afternoon: Shimokitazawa - Hipster Heaven: Explored the trendy Shimokitazawa. It's a cool area with vintage shops and quirky cafes. Definitely got myself a strong coffee. Went to find some quirky anime merch that I probably didn't need, but hey, gotta experience the things. I also stumbled upon a cat cafe. (Purr-fect!)
- Evening: Karaoke & Questionable Vocal Performances: Karaoke!!! My singing voice is… well… not great. But the drinks made me brave. So, so brave. I sang (shouted) along to some J-Pop, some 80s power ballads, and definitely butchered a bit of Queen. Didn't care. It was hilarious.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure joy and some serious "aww" moments at the Ghibli Museum. The karaoke was the cherry on top. Feeling giddy and slightly embarrassed, but mostly just really, really happy.
Day 4: Day Trip to Hakone (Goodbye, Ramen…) & Art Attack
- Morning: Hakone's Views & Transportation Madness: Early start for a day trip to Hakone, a mountain resort town known for its stunning natural beauty. Took a ridiculously scenic (and slightly terrifying) ropeway ride with views of Mount Fuji (if the clouds cooperate.) Did the usual: pirate ship boat ride on Lake Ashi, the whole shebang. Transportation game strong here!
- Afternoon: Open-Air Museum & More Art: The Hakone Open-Air Museum was amazing. Giant sculptures, perfectly placed, against the backdrop of the mountains. Got some great photos. It was exactly what I needed, a little piece of art tranquility.
- Evening: Back in Tokyo & Farewell Dinner? Back in Tokyo, tired but happy. One last ramen? Too soon after the trip to Hakone. (Though you KNOW I considered it…). Need to find a nice restaurant that doesn't involve me pointing at pictures. So much food, so little space!
- Emotional Reaction: The views in Hakone were genuinely breathtaking, a welcome contrast to the city's hustle. Slightly melancholy knowing it's my last full day. Feeling full, happy, and more culturally enriched than I ever expected.
Day 5: Departure & Tokyo Goodbye (and Maybe Some Tears)
Morning: Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt & Coffee: Rushing around, buying those last-minute souvenirs. The train station is a maze. Finally, found a decent coffee shop for a final caffeine fix and some pastries.
Afternoon: Airport & the Long Flight Home: Headed to the airport. Saying goodbye to Tokyo is harder than I thought. So many amazing experiences.
Evening: Back Home (and Already Planning Trip #2).
Emotional Reaction: Sad to leave, but filled with unforgettable memories. Tokyo has stolen my heart. I am already dreaming of my return. Definitely coming back.
Okay, that's the gist of it! Some days might be a blur, some plans might go down the drain, I might get lost (probably will), and I'll probably eat way too much. But that's the fun of it, right? It's not about ticking boxes; it's about letting the city wash over you, letting yourself be surprised, and getting lost on purpose. This is it. The real deal. Wish me luck! And maybe send some emergency stomach meds. Just in case. ;)
Urbana's BEST Comfort Suites? (Near University!) 🔥
Chez Lily Tokyo: Your Burning Questions, Answered (and Rant!)
Okay, what *is* Chez Lily? Everyone's whispering about it!
Oh, honey, *that's* the million-dollar question, isn't it? Honestly, it's like finding a four-leaf clover, a damn unicorn, and a decent cup of coffee *all at once* in Tokyo! From what I gather, it’s this super-secret, super-exclusive... thing. They call it a "salon" – which, let's be honest, screams "pretentious" – but it’s more like a hidden world. Think speakeasy meets art studio meets… I don't even know. It *was* impossible to get in, but somehow… *I* got in (insert dramatic sigh). That alone should give you an idea: it is not just some run-of-the-mill sushi joint.
How do you EVEN find it? Is it REALLY secret, or just cleverly marketed?
Secret? Oh, YES. Cleverly marketed? Probably. Finding it... well, let's just say it involved a whole lot of wrong turns, frantic texts, and almost getting arrested for trespassing (kidding! Mostly...). You get a whisper, a hint. Maybe a cryptic Instagram DM about a "glowing street sign" near Shibuya Crossing. You follow breadcrumbs that barely exist. It’s designed to feel impossible. They *want* you to know you’re special (or maybe desperate).
I followed a tiny, almost invisible alleyway after a day of shopping (with no intention of finding it). It was raining, the kind of rain that just soaks into your bones. Then, *there* it was: a single, minimalist glowing neon lily on a nondescript building. My heart actually *skipped* a beat. Pure adrenaline.
What’s it *actually* like inside? Spill the tea!
Okay, brace yourselves. It’s... intense. Think dimly lit, velvet everything, and more incredibly stylish people than you can shake a stick at. Seriously, the people-watching alone is worth the (likely financial) entry. There's art everywhere - it's rotating, high-end, thought-provoking, and I have absolutely no idea what half of it means.
The sound is all quiet voices and jazz. You can hear the muffled laughter of guests. It just *oozes* culture and… well, pretension. It's a bit much, maybe? But in a way that makes you kind of want to stay and soak it all up.
The food! Tell me about the food!
Oh, the food. This is where it gets… messy. I’m not a food critic, okay? I’m more of a, "I like to eat," kind of person. The menu is minimalist, like the decor. Small plates, exquisitely presented. Tiny portions. This is the first imperfection of the experience.
I had this tiny, *tiny* piece of wagyu beef. It was cooked perfectly, melted in my mouth, and was worth its weight in gold. But then, they charged me the price of a small car for it! And the wine list? Forget it. Unless you wanna take a second mortgage (which, let's be honest, is tempting), you aren't drinking anything you know. The whole meal felt like a performance art piece in itself. Delicious, tiny, expensive.
So, is it worth the hype? And the probable debt?
Ugh. Okay. This is where it gets complicated. Am I glad I went? Absolutely. It was an experience. A *memorable* one. Did I feel a little bit like I was participating in some elaborate inside joke I wasn't entirely in on? Also, yes. Was it worth the potential financial ruin? Probably not. But… I’m still talking about it, aren’t I?
The whole experience is an exercise in self-awareness. You have to ask yourself if you are the kind of person who would enjoy an experience like this. If you appreciate the finer things in life and don’t mind the price tag, then yeah, you should try it. But if you are at all a frugal person, run for the hills!
Any advice on getting in? A secret handshake, perhaps?
HAHA! Secret handshake? Sadly, no. From what I understand, it’s all about connections and… luck. Know someone who knows someone. Be interesting. Have a killer online presence (ugh, the things we have to do!). Don’t be a creep. And most importantly, be prepared to be judged. Seriously. They *look* at you. Don't wear the wrong shoes. Seriously.
I got in because a friend of a friend of a friend of mine… blah, blah, blah. It's a ridiculous process.
Okay, the thing that *really* happened...tell me about it.
Alright, alright. Fine. So, it happened. It was a Tuesday night -- rainy, as always in Tokyo. I got lost on the way to the "salon." I was already running late. I was a mess, a total shambles. My hair was frizzy, I was wearing the wrong shoes (of course), and the anxiety was already building.
I finally found the place. The door, you see, it was hidden by a mural on the side of a building. I was breathless as I went inside. The host, this impossibly tall, impossibly chic woman, gave me *the look*. The one that said, "You're here." and "What the Hell are you doing here?".
I was seated in a dimly lit corner. The room was abuzz with conversations in hushed tones. I ordered the wagyu. I have mentioned how I did it above. I was not only shocked with both the price and the taste. I hated myself a little.
Then, just as I was trying to not completely devour my tiny, expensive dish in one gulp, a man, I swear, this ridiculously gorgeous creature (the kind of attractive that makes you want to throw things), walked over. He leaned down, whispered in my ear, "I think you may be in the wrong restaurant."
The audacity! The *cheek*! It was a statement, a social judgment made on me for a moment of imperfection, or perhaps a perceived status. My cheeks flushed, but before I could argue, he said with a charming smile, "But you're in the right place."
And with that, he offered to make me dessert. The rest of the night got a bit hazy after that. I can't remember the name of the dessert, only that it was a chocolate masterpiece. However, I do remember that the man’s nameFindelicious Hotels
