This time we will be introducing the Hotel New Grand, which opened in Yokohama in 1927. Hakuru, who has an aesthetic eye for design in everyday life and captures it in writing and photography, will deliver a record of his stay, complete with plenty of photos.
This time's traveller: Hakuru-san
Owner of the bar "Suikatou" on Fifth Avenue in Shinjuku Golden Gai.
He currently works at the store on Fridays and Saturdays.
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Opened in 1927, it has a history of hosting many important people, and features designs that are not made in modern times.
At the end of August, I visited the Hotel New Grand in front of Yamashita Park in Yokohama.
Since its opening in 1927, this hotel has hosted celebrities such as Douglas MacArthur and Charlie Chaplin, and in 2007 it was recognized as a Modern Industrial Heritage Site by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. It was designed by Watanabe Jin, known as one of the leading pre-war architects. The hotel was given its current name in the hope that it would serve as a replacement for the "Grand Hotel," which closed after being damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake.
Hotel New Grand
At the main building entrance, which was once used as the main entrance, there is a grand staircase that symbolizes the hotel. The blue carpet, commonly known as "New Grand Blue," and the color and curves of the tiles are also distinctive. Upon investigation, it seems that the shape of this tile is no longer made in modern times.
After climbing the stairs, a lobby spreads out before me, where the essence of different cultures blends beautifully. The mixture of Western mahogany and Eastern lamps and reliefs creates a tranquil atmosphere that makes it hard to believe that the place is located near a station or a busy shopping district, and above all, it has a mysterious sense of openness.
A bay view room where you will never tire of seeing a large ship welcoming you
In the check-in lobby of the Tower Building, you are greeted by gorgeous floral arrangements (for me, this is the point that makes me feel like I've come to a nice hotel). It's nice that you are given an analog key instead of a card type.
Tower Hall lobby
This time I stayed in a bay view room. When I opened the curtains, I could see the ocean with a large ship floating in front of me. Just a moment ago, numerous designs filled my field of vision, but now I was greeted by a spectacular view of nature. I was once again overwhelmed by the hotel's capabilities, with a space and scenery that I never tire of looking at.
View from the Bay View room in the Tower Building
Enjoy the "Spaghetti Napolitan" that originated at Hotel New Grand, then head to the traditional British bar "Sea Guardian II"
At La Terrasse, which connects the front lobby and the main building, I saw some ladies enjoying afternoon tea. I was planning to order a sandwich as it was a late lunch, but I was tempted by the menu and decided to go for a Mont Blanc. Something sweet helps to relieve the fatigue of travel.
"La Terrasse" on the 1st floor of the main building
For dinner, we had spaghetti Napolitana, a dish originating from Hotel New Grand, at The Cafe on the first floor of the main building. It is said that after the war, American soldiers ate pasta as military rations with ketchup, but found it bland, so the second head chef made a sauce from tomatoes, which is how Neapolitan was born. When you hear it's the original, you imagine something very simple, but it had a deep, refined aroma and flavor. It was time to enjoy a glimpse of the hotel chef's brilliant work.
Surprisingly, the seafood doria and pudding a la mode are also dishes that were popularized at the Hotel New Grand. This is one dish that I have no choice but to visit again.
Spaghetti Napolitan, said to have originated at New Grand
It was still too early to sleep, so I went to the traditional British bar "Sea Guardian II" to enjoy some after-dinner drinks. This place was designed to resemble a bar on a cruise ship anchored at the harbor, and serves many famous cocktails such as "Yokohama" and "Bamboo". The dreamy feeling of the classical atmosphere and the impression of the luxurious name matched, so after some hesitation I ordered a drink called "Million Dollar". This is a gin-based cocktail made with pineapple and egg white, and I was told that it was invented by the manager of the Grand Hotel (1873-1923).
Million Dollars ordered from Sea Guardian II
As I left the hotel through the courtyard to get some evening breeze, I was greeted by the fountain, which looked completely different from daytime, and the simple yet dignified "HOTEL NEW GRAND" sign, shining proudly in the Yokohama night.
A formal atmosphere, yet open to the public in a friendly manner
We had breakfast at Le Normandie on the fifth floor of the Tower Building. Like Sea Guardian II, this restaurant also has a cruise ship-themed layout, designed by French architect Pierre-Yves Rochon based on the dining room of the Normandie.
Tower Building 5th floor "Le Normandie"
After waiting for our seat, we chose the Monte Cristo sandwich recommended by the staff from the three types of breakfast sets. This sandwich is a French toast sandwich that originated in North America. It felt like we had traveled around the world in just one night, and it was a very pleasant feeling.
With the view of the bay, my hazy head from waking up gave me the illusion of really being on a cruise ship. The beauty of the arched chairs in the middle, the efficient waiters. As my consciousness cleared a little with the after-meal coffee, the emotion of the experience gradually welled up inside me. I felt somehow proud that my life after check-out would be an extension of this time.
With a bag packed with the bare necessities and a few entertainment items, I entered a building that was beautiful in every respect. I was given a generous welcome, slept comfortably, and woke up to my favorite breakfast. The Hotel New Grand was the perfect setting for such a luxurious experience.
Although dramatic, the formal atmosphere is open to the outside world, and the lobby and cafe are often used by ordinary tourists. The presence of this positive place, which has adopted styles from around the world over its long history and embraces people from all over the world, is sure to bring a rare sense of security whenever you drop in.
Hotel New Grand
| address | ： | 10 Yamashitacho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture |
|---|---|---|
| access | ： | Take the limousine bus from Haneda Airport International Terminal to Yamashita Park (approx. 35 mins) → walk to Hotel New Grand (approx. 1 mins) |
| phone | ： | 045-681-1841 |
| Web | ： | https://www.hotel-newgrand.co.jp/ |
Domestic Discount Fares Skymate
Limited to ages 12 and over and under 25!
Extremely affordable discount fares available for booking from the day of departure (4 hours before departure)
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
