Savor Peace of Mind at Oakwood Suites Yokohama: A Private Full Course Crafted Before Your Eyes by a Master Chef | Oakwood
Oakwood
A New Full-Course Private Chef Service Utilizing Hotel Residence Kitchens
Oakwood is a serviced apartment brand with 12 locations across Japan. While primarily catering to long-term guests, "Oakwood Suites Yokohama," which opened at the end of October 2020, can be booked for stays of just one night. Its direct connection to Bashamichi Station on the Minatomirai Line is also a major plus. As a serviced residence, the rooms are equipped with a kitchen complete with tableware and cooking utensils, as well as a washer-dryer. And, most appealingly, the prices are surprisingly affordable. With that in mind, I decided to visit for a short getaway.
Text by HASEGAWA Aya | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi
A "Stay & Dine" Accommodation Plan for a Select Few: A Touch of Luxury!
Reception
The reception is on the 46th floor. Oakwood Suites Yokohama occupies floors 46 to 51 of "The Tower Yokohama Kitachu," a 58-story residential tower.
"The Tower Yokohama Kitachu" is the tallest residential building in Yokohama. It's also said to be the second tallest in Yokohama overall, after the Landmark Tower. The view from these high floors is breathtaking. You can choose between a bay view overlooking the Minato Mirai area of Yokohama or a city view of the Yokohama cityscape, and honestly, it's a tough decision...
The lobby floor, approximately 150 meters above ground, is surrounded by 360-degree glass walls, which is quite impressive. We recommend taking a full circle before checking in. On clear days, you might even see Mt. Fuji.
Lounge
Fitness Center
On the 46th floor, there is also a lounge that guests can use 24 hours a day, free of charge. It might be a good place to get some work done. Complimentary Nespresso, tea, and water are available. Also on the 46th floor is a 24-hour fitness center. Perhaps you'll be able to run further while gazing at the Minato Mirai night view.
1 BEDROOM SUITE
1 BEDROOM SUITE
1 BEDROOM SUITE
2 BEDROOM CORNER SUITE
2 BEDROOM CORNER SUITE
After checking in, let's head to your room. There are a total of 175 rooms on floors 46 to 51. They come in four types: Studio, 1 Bedroom Suite, 2 Bedroom Corner Suite, and 3 Bedroom Corner Suite. Even the smallest studio type is a spacious 33 to 43 square meters.
As a serviced residence, all rooms feature a full kitchen, complete with tableware and cutlery. It's also a nice touch that they wash the dishes you use during housekeeping. It's the best of both worlds: an apartment where you can feel at home, and sophisticated hotel services. Housekeeping and concierge services are also available.
All rooms at "Oakwood Suites Yokohama" also feature a balcony. It's rare to find a hotel on such a high floor where you can step outside. You can enjoy the Yokohama breeze while working or having a drink. In the coming seasons, lying down for a nap while feeling the wind should be, to put it mildly, heavenly. The rooms also have business desks, making them perfect for workations. If you get tired of your room, you can always go to the lounge for a change of scenery.
After a while, I decided to go out for some shopping. On the first floor of the building where the hotel is located, there is a high-end supermarket calledLINCOS Yokohama Bashamichi(a premium brand store under Maruetsu). They have a great selection of wine and cheese. It makes you want to buy a nice bottle of wine.
For dinner, I decided to use the "Stay & Dine" accommodation plan, which started this January. It's a unique concept for a serviced residence with full kitchens in every room, where a chef prepares a full course meal right in your room.
I've always been curious about private chefs, but I always thought the cost was a bit prohibitive (laughs). However, this plan makes it an experience that's within reach. The service includes table setting, serving the meal, and cleaning up the kitchen. I used it for dinner this time, but it's also available for lunch and day use (non-overnight stays). With many people avoiding dining out due to the pandemic, a private room offers peace of mind.
You can choose between Italian or French cuisine. I opted for French this time. I enjoyed some wine and cheese while waiting for the chef to arrive.
According to the chef, who specializes in in-home catering, the hotel requested "dishes that evoke a sense of the extraordinary." Indeed, when having a private chef cook in a high-rise residence in Yokohama, it makes sense to have something a bit special.
Appetizer
Caramelized Foie Gras with Sauce
Bolognese
Fish Dish
Meat Dish
Dessert
The meal itself was beautifully presented, with an appetizer, pasta, fish, and meat course. The chef this day was from an Italian background. The chef's specialty, the Bolognese, was hearty with substantial chunks of meat, perfect with a glass of red wine.
The fish dish had wonderfully crispy skin, and theイチボ (ichibo - rump cap) beef was tender and flavorful. While some preparation is done in advance, the way the chef conjured up one "extraordinary" dish after another in the hotel's limited kitchen space felt truly special.
Since the supermarket is on the first floor, it might be a good idea to ask the chef about the day's menu and then go buy drinks. In fact, that would definitely be more enjoyable. And, of course, by bringing your own wine, you save money on restaurant markups, making it a very "economical" choice. This is especially advantageous for those who enjoy more expensive wines. It can even pay for itself! I suspect many of you are nodding enthusiastically right now.
With my stomach and heart full, I glanced out the window to see the sparkling Yokohama cityscape! It was a truly extraordinary experience. After gazing at the night view for a while, I took a bath and headed to bed. The next morning, I opened the window and enjoyed yogurt and bread I had bought at the supermarket the day before.
Since it was only a one-night stay, I didn't really need to do laundry, but I decided to use the washer-dryer "just because." It's always nice to return home with no dirty clothes.
The concept of Oakwood Suites Yokohama is "Luxury Residence." Oakwood Suites Yokohama allows you to enjoy both the relaxed feeling of living and a luxurious sense of the extraordinary. It's an address worth remembering for when you feel confined by everyday life and need a quick escape.
Stay & Dine Plan Details: ・During your stay, enjoy a full-course lunch or dinner prepared by a private chef in your room. ・Choose between Italian or French cuisine. ・Cooking will be done using the kitchen within your room. ・Table setting is included in the service. Please inform us of any special requests when booking. ・Drinks are not included in this plan. ・Meal service times are: Lunch 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Dinner 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM. ・Depending on the chef's schedule, we may not be able to accommodate your preferred booking time. Price: From ¥39,204 (per person, based on 2 people in a 1 Bedroom Suite) *Includes tax and service charge URL:www.oakwood.com/ja-jp/offers/stay-dine
Incidentally, Oakwood Suites Yokohama also has two restaurants. "The Yokohama Bay" is an all-day dining establishment supervised by Jérôme Quilboff, the executive chef of the renowned Spanish restaurant "San Pau." You can enjoy their signature Basque cheesecake and original pizzas.The Yokohama BayThe Yokohama Bay is an all-day dining establishment supervised by Jérôme Quilboff, the executive chef of the renowned Spanish restaurant "San Pau." You can enjoy their signature Basque cheesecake and original pizzas.
The other restaurant, "THE FORTY SIX," is a fine dining establishment supervised by Dutch three-Michelin-star chef Jacob-Jan Boerma. This restaurant is scheduled to open later, pending the chef's visit to Japan. It's definitely one to watch as a new dining destination in Yokohama!
