BACKGROUND InterContinental Hotels Group has a number of properties around Japan in locations including Tokyo, Osaka and Okinawa. InterContinental Yokohama Grand opened in 1991 as the group’s premier hotel in Japan.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The characteristic sailboat shaped building of the hotel is a landmark of Yokohama. A basement entrance leads you to the lower level of the Atrium Lobby (1F), which is dressed in shades of gold. Ocean Terrace, its all-day dining restaurant, is on this level as well. By taking the stairs or the escalator, you can reach the reception which is on the upper level (2F). From here, you can access elevators to the other rooms and facilities including restaurants and bars, and meeting spaces. The hotel has direct access to PACIFICO Yokohama, the city’s foremost convention and exhibition centre. A MICE and business friendly hotel, delegates attending events at Pacifico Yokohama are generally accommodated here.

WHERE IS IT? Minato Mirai Station of the Minato Mirai Line is a ten-minute walk from here. Yokohama Cosmo World, Motomachi — a popular shopping street, Yamashita Park and Yokohama Cup Noodle Museum are in the vicinity. Haneda Airport is 30 minutes and Narita Airport is 90 minutes by road.

ROOM FACILITIES

Accommodation is categorised under the Business, Superior, Deluxe, Grand Deluxe, Club InterContinental rooms, and suites. I was staying in a Superior category twin room (30 sqm) that overlooks a lovely view of Yokohama Harbour. The room is functional and business friendly with strategically placed power sockets and a large work desk. The artwork behind the bed, and the room’s blue carpet are symbolic of the hotel’s proximity to the waterfront. There are a few lamps placed around the room that had to be switched off individually at night. It would have been more convenient to have a master switchboard by the bedside.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS I quite enjoyed the daily buffet breakfast at Ocean Terrace. Other restaurants include Nadaman (Japanese), La Vela (Italian), Azur (French), and Pier 21 (seafood bistro). Its lounges are Marine Blue and View Lounge 31st.

MEETING FACILITIES There are 15 event spaces on the property. This includes InterContinental Ballroom, and Bay View room that offers stunning views and is decorated in shades of blue. Pacific room has a view of Yokohama Bay area. All rooms are decorated as per themes and most of them are named after oceans. PACIFICO Yokohama, attached to the property, is designed in synergy with the hotel and the sea, with its waves-like exterior. You can read more on its facilities on page 31 of the special supplement on Tokyo and Yokohama appended with this month’s issue.

LEISURE FACILITIES There is Harbour View Fitness Club and Spa “Bay Window” on the property.

VERDICT Business friendly accommodation, especially for delegates of events being hosted at PACIFICO Yokohama.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in a standard room in April started from JP¥21,565/₹13,028.

CONTACT 1 Chome-1-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture; tel: +81 45 220 222; ihg.com.