Chez Lily Tokyo: Japan's Hottest New Secret Restaurant?
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the supposed vortex of culinary secrecy that is Chez Lily Tokyo: Japan's Hottest New Secret Restaurant? This ain’t your average hotel review, mind you. We’re gonna get real, get messy, and try to figure out if this place is actually worth ditching your ramen cravings for. Let's be honest, SEO is important, so all those keywords? They're in here somewhere… lurking, waiting, hoping to snare you.
First Impression: The Mystery… and the Frustrations
Okay, so "secret restaurant." That's the hook, right? It's supposed to be exclusive, hard-to-find, whispered about in hushed tones. Well, the hotel itself is surprisingly accessible – a huge plus, considering some of these hidden gems are tucked away in unreachable nooks. Elevators? Yep. Facilities for disabled guests? They ticked that box, too. And, thankfully, a car park [free of charge] - because finding parking in Tokyo is a special kind of hell.
BUT… the whole "secret" vibe? It started to feel a little… forced. More on that later.
The Room: A Mixed Bag of Comfort and Quirks
Let’s get down to brass tacks: the room! It's Available in all rooms? Check. Air conditioning - essential! Free Wi-Fi? Praise the digital gods, also available, and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And Internet access – wireless? Also check, which all leads to one conclusion: I had the internet. Alarm clock – of course. Bathrobes, slippers – standard luxury fare. Mini bar stocked with… well, I can't remember, but it was expensive.
Honestly? The room was… fine. Clean. Daily housekeeping. A desk to pretend to work at, a laptop workspace. Reading light – for when you want to look intellectual. The bathtub was welcome after a day wrestling the Tokyo Metro. The shower was decent, and the toiletries smelled… okay. Not amazing, not awful.
But the "quirks"? Okay, so maybe I'm just easily amused. But the mirror placement? It felt like I was constantly being judged by a very critical reflection. And don't even get me started on the soundproofing. I could still hear the guy in the next room snoring. Soundproof rooms… more like sound-muffled rooms.
Food, Glorious Food (or, the Chez Lily Question)
Alright, the reason we're all here: Chez Lily itself. This is where things get… interesting. The hotel boasts a ton of dining options, listed as Restaurants, with an A la carte in restaurant, to Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, a Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant Poolside bar, and Snack bar to list a few, and Vegetarian restaurant! But the "secret"?
Well, let's just say the secrecy felt a little… theatrical. The menu wasn't exactly groundbreaking. But, the food was good. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a solid offering of Japanese cuisine, and I particularly enjoyed the Salad in restaurant - seriously one of the best salads I've ever eaten. The Soup in restaurant was also a treat!
The Breakfast [buffet]… that's where things get weird. Okay, picture this: a Western breakfast, a pretty decent spread, but the Asian breakfast, well, it gave me the alternative meal arrangement – and the Breakfast takeaway service was a lifesaver for those mornings. Coffee/tea in restaurant was actually pretty decent! The coffee was never empty.
Amenities: The Indulgences and the… Gym?
Okay, so you're in a hotel. What do you want? Spa/sauna? They've got it, with a Body scrub, Body wrap, Sauna, Spa and Steamroom! They even offer Foot bath. Want to sweat? Head to the Fitness center and Gym/fitness. They got a Pool with view, and Swimming pool [outdoor]. Swimming pool. I didn't try any of these, but they were there.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Post-Pandemic Reality
Let's be clear: safety is paramount. And Chez Lily, they seem to be taking it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products being used? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hygiene certification? Pretty sure. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Absolutely. Individually-wrapped food options? Yep. And staff well-trained? I hope so. This is important: Rooms sanitized between stays, and Room sanitization opt-out available.
Getting Around… and Getting Stuff Done
Airport transfer available? You betcha. Taxi service? Always. Bicycle parking? I saw some bikes, I think. But here's the thing: the Concierge. They were genuinely helpful, despite the whole "secret" thing sometimes. The Front desk [24-hour] was also on top of things. And if you need to work? There's a Business facilities, including Xerox/fax in business center and Meeting/banquet facilities. Plus, they’ve got Audio-visual equipment for special events. They also have Meetings and Seminars.
The Verdict: Secret…ish
Chez Lily Tokyo isn’t a bad hotel. It’s comfortable, clean, and has all the amenities you’d expect. The "secret" restaurant thing? It’s a little… overplayed. It's a cool concept but loses its appeal. The food is good. The staff is helpful. The Accessibility is a definite plus.
The biggest problem? The price!
The Offer: Unleash Your Inner Explorer (and Get a Discount!)
Here's the deal: book your stay at Chez Lily Tokyo within the next 30 days and get a 15% discount! That's right, ditch the mystery and embrace the adventure. Experience the supposed "secret" restaurant (even if it's not quite as secret as they claim). Indulge in the spa, try the food, and see if you don't fall a little bit in love with the convenience store on the ground floor.
But here's the kicker: I'm throwing in something extra. The chance to write your own review in our blog for a 5-point bonus!
So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay today and discover the secrets of Chez Lily Tokyo!
(And don't forget to tell me what you think when you get back!)
Spokane Airport's BEST Hotel? Ramada Wyndham Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your meticulously planned, robotically efficient Tokyo itinerary. This is Chez Lily's Tokyo, and it's gonna be… well, it's gonna be me. Prepare for a rollercoaster of ramen, regret, and righteous indignation (probably over something stupid, like a vending machine that ate my yen).
Chez Lily's Tokyo: A Hot Mess Express (But a Delicious One)
Day 1: Arrival & Ramen Revelation (and Maybe a Mild Panic Attack)
- Morning (Sort of… Jet Lag is a Witch): Land at Narita. Breathe. Remember to grab a pocket wifi. Seriously, do not forget this. I'm already picturing myself wandering the Shibuya scramble disoriented, wailing for my phone. The train situation… looks intimidating. I'm praying my rusty Japanese can handle “Gochiso-sama desu” (thank you for the meal) as soon as possible, to make it seem like an actual human being. Also, finding the hotel is the first hurdle. May the odds be ever in my favor, or at least give me a friendly looking local to help me.
- Afternoon: Hotel & Ramen Glory!
Okay, the hotel is a shoe box, but a stylish one, right on trend with the whole "micro-living" aesthetic. Unpack, collapse, and then… RAMEN TIME! I’m gonna become a ramen connoisseur. This trip is for that. I’ve heard about a place near Shinjuku Station called Ichiran, so it's Ichiran, and it's gonna be glorious. The anticipation is physical. The broth… the noodles… the ambiance! (Though, let's be real, I will probably spill soy sauce on myself, and the lady across the counter will probably have to help me deal with the mess.)
- The Ichiran Experience (aka: What Happened to My Soul): I waited in line. For a while. But the wait was SO WORTH IT. This wasn't just ramen; it was an experience. Ordering on the little wooden thing and then writing down the ramen specifics, they tailor it to my taste! And the individual booths? Genius! I slurped, I cried (a little, from the joy of the first bite), I conquered. If I could have legally married that bowl of ramen, I would have. This is going in my top 5 meals of all time.
- Evening: Shibuya Scramble & Existential Dread:
Okay, here’s the mandatory Shibuya Crossing experience. It's as chaotic and incredible as everyone says. I might even attempt a selfie with the giant neon screens. (Shudders at the potential for a photo bomb). I will also, likely, be completely overwhelmed. I can imagine myself standing in the middle of the scramble, thinking "What am I doing in Japan?!" But the people are so cool, and it’s so cool to see them. I promise myself, no existential dread. But who am I kidding.
- Finding the Little Things: I'll definitely buy some silly stuff at a shop around the scene. A little anime keyring? Why not. A KitKat Japan-only flavor? Yes please. A little souvenir or something from a shop, that's the actual joy of travel.
- Dinner and Evening Rundown: Dinner at a tiny izakaya (Japanese pub) nearby. I'll try to order something I can't pronounce. Embrace the awkwardness. Maybe find a karaoke bar. I will be terrible, but that’s kind of the point, right?
Day 2: Temple Tranquility, Harajuku Hysteria & a Possible Karaoke Catastrophe.
- Morning:
- Asakusa Temple & Nakamise-dori: Head to Senso-ji Temple. I'll probably need to watch a YouTube video on temple etiquette because I'm worried about getting it wrong. I’ve heard the Nakamise-dori market is a delight. Potential for souvenir overload. Can I avoid the tourist traps? Probably not. But the food, the atmosphere… I can feel it will be worth a trip. I'll be a zen master.
- Afternoon: Harajuku!
- Harajuku, Where Dreams (and Sugar) Come True: Takeshita Street… oh boy. I will attempt to navigate the pastel pandemonium of Harajuku. My tolerance for crowds will be tested, but anything for the cute aesthetic! I will probably want to eat a candy cotton monster. I’m going to have to battle my inner judgmental voice. This is about fun, right? This is about enjoying some craziness.
- Evening: Karaoke Catastrophe (Confirmed!)
- Karaoke Re-do (and the Humiliation): I'll be going to karaoke again. Prepare yourselves. I've got a playlist ready, a voice that can shatter glass, and a general lack of shame! This will be either pure magic or… well… a complete disaster. Probably the latter. But the stories!
Day 3: Day trips! Day trips!
- Option 1: Hakone - Art & Views (and Bus Chaos) I'll probably take a day trip to Hakone. I've seen those pictures of the lake, the art museums, and the views of Mount Fuji. I'm sure it'll be beautiful. But I'm also slightly terrified of public transport outside of Tokyo. I'm picturing myself on a crowded bus, getting hopelessly lost with the locals.
- Option 2: Day trip to Kamakura - Great Buddha & Coastal Vibes
- The Great Buddha of Kamakura: This is a must. The giant bronze Buddha statue is awe-inspiring; and I've heard the town is charming. I really love history things. Plus, I heard they have amazing ice creams!
- Evening:
- Dinner and Wrap Up: Maybe try some authentic sushi somewhere. Or maybe just a 7-Eleven dinner in my hotel room. Depends on my energy levels.
Day 4: Tsukiji Outer Market, Ghibli Museum, and Sad Farewell (or, "Why Did I Eat So Much?")
- Morning:
- Tsukiji Outer Market: Seafood & Sensory Overload. Waking up early is a crime, but for the Tsukiji Outer Market, I might make an exception. This is for trying ALL THE FISH. Tuna auction? Maybe, if I can get my act together. I'll be trying to avoid being that loud, clumsy tourist!
- Afternoon:
- Ghibli Museum: Spirited Away to Childhood. This is happening! The Ghibli Museum! Need to book tickets months in advance. It's the mecca for animation fans. I'm expecting to be transported back to childhood. It's going to be magical.
- Evening:
- Last Dinner & Reflections: Possibly a fancy meal. Definitely feeling the bittersweet sadness of this trip coming to an end. One last toast to Tokyo!
Day 5: Departure and Post-Travel Blues (and the Ramen Withdrawal)
- Morning:
- Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble: A frantic dash to the airport for last-minute gifts and snacks. Did I forget anything? Probably. Will I wish I'd bought more matcha KitKats? Absolutely.
- Afternoon:
- Departure & The Post-Travel Blues: Plane ride. The long flight home. The crushing realization that real life awaits. Ramen withdrawal symptoms begin.
- Home: Upon my return, I will start planning when I can go back!
Important Considerations:
- Budget: I will completely blow my budget. That's a given.
- Language: My Japanese is terrible. I'll rely on Google Translate and the kindness of strangers.
- Pace: I'll probably overpack my schedule and then run out of energy. But that's okay.
- Emotions: There will be highs, lows, moments of zen, and moments of sheer panic. Embrace the chaos.
This, my friends, is the real Chez Lily's Tokyo. Wish me luck (and maybe a never-ending supply of antacids). This is going to be a ride!
Escape to Paradise: Comfort Inn & Suites El Dorado Awaits!
Chez Lily Tokyo: Your Burning Questions (and My Unfiltered Thoughts)
Okay, so everyone's obsessed with Chez Lily, right? Japan's "hottest new secret restaurant." I, of course, HAD to try it. And let me tell you, it was…an experience. Prepare yourself, because this isn't your usual pristine review. This is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the messy, glorious truth.
What *is* Chez Lily, anyway? Beyond the hype?
Well, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? It’s billed as ultra-exclusive, a hidden gem in the heart of Tokyo. You get a cryptic invitation, a password whispered only to the initiated, and then... you hope you can *find* the darn place. I made the mistake of trying to be all cool and calculated, you know? Searched for "Chez Lily Tokyo" on Google Maps and got absolutely nothing. I even tried asking some suspiciously fashionable locals (who, naturally, pretended they'd never heard of it - ugh!).
Finally, after what felt like an eternity and a near-breakdown at a vending machine (Japanese vending machines are a whole other level of tempting!), a friend who'd already been (insert smug face emoji here) clued me in. It’s not a restaurant – like, not in the traditional sense. It’s more like a private, curated tasting experience. Think art installation meets Michelin-star chef… with a hefty price tag. And a real challenge to book a table.
Getting a reservation...is it even possible? They say it's secret!
Ha! "Secret." More like, "You need a connection, a prayer, and maybe your firstborn." Seriously. I heard tales of people bribing… well, let's just say "people who know people." My friend, bless her, managed to snag a spot for us. She wouldn't spill the secrets. "Just be yourself," she said with this infuriatingly knowing smile. Yeah, right. I was myself, alright. And I'd have to guess a certain mix of anxiety and excitement.
The whole thing felt like being accepted into a secret society. The email with the invitation was so dripping with mystique, I almost felt like I was in a James Bond movie. And the dress code? Let's just say I felt wildly underdressed in my "smart casual" outfit. Should have went for haute couture. Or, even better, a full hazmat suit. Just kidding... maybe.
The food…is it *really* as good as everyone says?!
Okay, okay, the food. This is where things get… complicated. Remember how they say "expectation is the enemy of joy"? Well, I went in expecting the culinary equivalent of a religious experience. The presentation was beyond stunning. Each dish arrived like a tiny, edible work of art. Colors, textures, smells… sensory overload in the best possible way.
But… and this is a BIG but… I had some dishes that were utterly *divine*. Like, I’d have happily sold my soul for another bite. Then, I had other dishes that were just… weird. One course involved what tasted suspiciously like fermented… seaweed. Don't get me wrong, I'm an adventurous eater but some of the flavors were a little bit too *avant-garde* for my peasant palate. The chef is clearly pushing boundaries. But sometimes, boundaries shouldn’t be pushed. Not by your tastebuds, anyway. A definite roller-coaster.
Tell me about *the* experience, please. What's it actually *like* being there?
Alright, buckle up. This is where things get… intense. Finding the place was already half the battle. Apparently, it's hidden down a narrow alleyway. It felt clandestine. Like you were walking into a hidden speakeasy in the 1920s. The door was unmarked. We were ushered in by a woman who looked like a model, all elegant and imposing. And in a weird way, it was like an interactive art piece. Every single detail was curated, right down to the music (which, I'm pretty sure, was designed to make you feel slightly uncomfortable and questioning your life choices at regular intervals).
The space itself was small, intimate. Dimly lit. Minimalist decor. And the staff? Omg, they were like ninjas. They appeared and disappeared, anticipating your every need. I swear, at one point, I spilled a tiny drop of sake and *poof* a new napkin appeared before I even noticed. The service was truly remarkable, if a little… unsettling. It was like being watched constantly… But the best part? The other guests were just as intriguing. There was a couple of celebrities, I think I saw a tech billionaire. You get the idea. You feel like you're part of some secret club. It's a wild, exclusive experience.
And the *chef*? This is another level of mystique. You never actually SEE him. He's a phantom, a whisper, a legend. This isn't even necessarily a negative thing, but it does make the experience feel more like a ritual than a dinner.
So, is it worth the hype? And the price?
Okay, the big question. Is it worth it? Honestly? That depends. If you’re looking for a straightforward, delicious meal, maybe not. If you're looking for an *experience*, a story to tell, a glimpse into a world of exclusivity and culinary experimentation? Then, yeah. Maybe.
The price. Let's just say, if you don't wince when you see the bill, you probably own a yacht. It’s expensive. Ridiculously so. But. and this is a big but. It's an experience you'll never forget. And sometimes, that's worth something. Even if you're left with a lingering suspicion that you've been slightly bamboozled. I still can't decide.
Look, Chez Lily is flawed. Imperfect. But it's also unforgettable. Would I go back? Probably. Maybe. I still have some vague yearning for those divine dishes. And the thrill of the chase, of feeling like you're in on a secret… that’s hard to resist.
