InterContinental Yokohama Grand

We stayed at InterContinental Yokohama Grand for two nights during our Yokohama trip, using the hotel both as a base for exploring Minato Mirai and for a day trip to Kamakura. We booked a 1 King Classic City View room through an IHG points redemption. The equivalent cash rate was approximately IDR 2.35 million per night without breakfast, which felt like very good value compared with many standard hotels in Tokyo. The hotel has an impressive, established atmosphere and a very convenient waterfront location, but the standard Classic Room category is noticeably dated. Our room was 31 sqm with one king bed, shared by two adults and two children. It was manageable for a short family stay, although space became limited once we opened our luggage. We could place one large suitcase on the luggage rack and another on the floor, but the room felt quite tight after that. The main reason we enjoyed the room so much was the view. Our City View room overlooked Cosmo Clock 21, the amusement area, waterways, and Landmark Tower. It was beautiful during the day and even better after dark. The deep cushioned ledge by the window also became a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the scenery. For us, the view was easily the highlight of the stay. The Classic Room is the hotel’s standard, non-renovated category, so the older design was not unexpected. The room was functional and reasonably maintained, but the age was especially visible in the bathroom. It had a combined toilet, sink, bathtub, and shower layout, with older tiles, fittings, and shower controls. On the positive side, the amenities were generous, including dental and shaving kits, vanity items, and Byredo Bal d’Afrique shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Children’s sleepwear was also available. Guests who prefer a newer interior should book a Premium Room instead of the Classic category. Premium Rooms are larger at around 38 sqm, renovated, and are also available with view options. This is an important distinction when choosing a room, especially if modern interiors matter to you. The hotel does not have dedicated children’s facilities, an indoor playroom, or a playground. There is an indoor heated pool, but it is not particularly practical for families because guests must be at least 18 years old, advance booking is required, and the fee is JPY 6,600 per visit. However, the surrounding Minato Mirai area offers plenty of open waterfront space, malls, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. The location is one of the hotel’s strongest points. Queen’s Square Yokohama is next to the hotel, and Minatomirai Station can be accessed through the shopping complex. Landmark Plaza, Landmark Tower, Cosmo Clock 21, and the waterfront amusement area are all nearby. The hotel also worked well as a base for our Kamakura day trip. Another useful feature is that the airport limousine bus to Haneda Airport stops at the hotel. Service was smooth and attentive. The staff recognised my IHG membership, helped with pre-check-in before the official check-in time, and arranged a late checkout according to my membership benefit. We had also forwarded our luggage from another city, and it was already waiting inside our room when we arrived, which made check-in much easier. There are several restaurants inside the hotel, along with many dining options in the nearby malls. We tried the à la carte breakfast and found it expensive for the quality and portion. Breakfast was JPY 4,500 per adult, JPY 2,300 for a six-year-old, and complimentary for a four-year-old. The food was acceptable and there were child-friendly options, but it did not feel memorable enough to justify the price. A nearby convenience store is a practical alternative for a simple breakfast. Overall, we would consider staying here again for the excellent city view, convenient Minato Mirai location, good service, and strong value. It is best suited to travellers who prioritise views, transport convenience, and waterfront access. Book a view category for the best experience, and choose a Premium Room if you also want a renovated interior and more space.

The location is great (see my photos for easy walking directions from the metro train at Minatomirai Station), but the hotel's check-in experience was not pleasurable. I am an IHG diamond elite member (highest IHG status), and the hotel assigned me the smallest room in the hotel at the end of the hall. The check-in rep insisted I was upgraded, but that is very hard to believe. There were bigger and better rooms available (confirmed via the IHG app), and this room wasn't even on a high floor. We sorted it out, but it shouldn't have been that way in the first place. See my photo of the location and size of the initial room I was given. As for the location, you can either take a limousine bus from Haneda or Narita Airport. If you arrive at a time when the bus is not available, your only options are the taxi or metro. Taxis are very expensive in Japan (~¥14000), so the metro (¥556) is the better choice. If coming from Haneda Airport, take the Keikyu Airport Line (transitions to Keikyu Main Line) to Yokohama Station. Then iither take a short taxi ride to the hotel (additional ¥1000) or transfer to the Minatomirai Line. Take it for one stop and get off at Minatomirai Station. The "Mark Is" shopping center sits on top of this metro station. Leave the station via Exit 6 and make your way towards the hotel thru Queen's Square. You want to head towards the direction of Pacifico Yokohama. Please note the comments in my photos. The entire walk takes about 10 minutes through an indoor shopping center and a semi-covered walkway. It's very easy and comfortable.

nice hotel, very close to the convention centre. Breakfast was great, bar is lovely too. Rooms were a little pokey but clean and even had little Japanese sleep shirts.