You know that feeling when you step off a train in a foreign city and just want to collapse? It’s real. If you’ve ever navigated the sprawling labyrinth of Yokohama Station, you know it’s a beast. But right there, literally a one-minute walk through an underground mall or a quick skip across the street, sits the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel and Towers Yokohama. It’s a landmark. It’s also a bit of a classic that somehow manages to stay relevant despite the flashy new skyscrapers popping up in Minato Mirai.
Honestly, the location is the biggest flex this property has. You aren't just "near" the station. You are part of the station's ecosystem.
Most people visiting Japan fixate on Tokyo. They think Yokohama is just a side trip. But the smart money—and the seasoned travelers—know that staying here is often a better deal. You get more space. You get a different vibe. And if you’re staying at the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel and Towers Yokohama, you’re getting a view of the bay that rivals anything in Shinjuku.
The Tower vs. The Standard Experience
Don't make the mistake of thinking every room here is the same. It isn't. The "Towers" part of the name actually means something significant.
The Towers floors are the executive levels, specifically floors 24 through 27. If you book these, you get access to the Sheraton Club. Now, I’ve seen some club lounges that are just a sad bowl of fruit and some lukewarm coffee. This isn't that. The lounge here underwent a massive renovation a few years back, and it's slick. It has that refined, dark-wood-and-glass aesthetic that makes you feel like a high-powered executive even if you're just there for the free sparkling wine.
They serve a breakfast spread that’s actually worth waking up for. Think fresh pastries, Japanese staples like grilled fish and miso soup, and eggs made to order.
Standard rooms are fine. They’re clean. They’re "Sheraton-standard." But they can feel a little bit like a time capsule from the late 90s if you end up on a floor that hasn't seen a recent refresh. It's a massive building—over 300 rooms—so the experience can vary. Always check the room photos carefully. Look for the "Luxury" or "Towers" designations if you want the modern, crisp interior design.
Eating Your Way Through the Building
Japan is a food culture. This hotel knows it.
Compass is their buffet restaurant on the second floor. Usually, "hotel buffet" is a warning sign. Here? It’s an event. They do these seasonal themes—Hokkaido seafood festivals or strawberry desserts—that attract locals who don't even stay at the hotel. It’s high-quality stuff.
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But if you want the real deal, go up.
Saison is their French restaurant on the 28th floor. It’s pricey. Let’s be real. But the view of the Yokohama skyline at night? Unbeatable. You can see the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel glowing in the distance. It’s the kind of place people go for anniversaries or when they’re trying to close a very expensive deal.
Then there’s Sagami. It’s a teppanyaki spot. Watching a chef sear A5 Wagyu right in front of you while the lights of the city twinkle below is peak Japan travel.
What No One Tells You About the Underground Access
Here is the pro tip: Use Joinus.
The Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel and Towers Yokohama is connected to the Joinus shopping mall and the Takashimaya department store. This is crucial because when it rains in Yokohama, it pours. You can spend an entire day shopping, eating ramen at "Ramen Street" in the basement, and grabbing high-end snacks at the depachika (department store food hall) without ever stepping outside or opening an umbrella.
It's basically a subterranean city.
Why Business Travelers Love This Spot
If you are in town for a conference at PACIFICO Yokohama, you might be tempted to stay in Minato Mirai. Don't.
Well, okay, stay there if you want to be right next door to the convention center. But if you stay at the Sheraton, you’re at the transit hub. You can hop on the Blue Line or the Minatomirai Line and be at the conference in under 10 minutes. More importantly, when the conference is over, you can hop on the Narita Express or the Shinkansen-bound trains without dragging your luggage across three city blocks.
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The Wi-Fi is solid. The desks in the rooms are actually big enough to work on—not those tiny decorative vanity tables you find in boutique hotels.
Dealing With the "Old Hotel" Reputation
Is it dated? Sometimes.
You’ll see it in the elevators or the hallway carpets on certain floors. It has that heavy, monumental feel of 1990s Japanese luxury. It’s grand, but it isn't "minimalist-chic."
Some travelers complain that the gym is a bit small for a hotel of this size. It’s functional, but it’s not a Gold's Gym. And the pool? It’s nice, but be aware that in Japan, hotel pools often come with an extra fee even for guests, and you might need a swim cap. It’s a cultural thing.
However, the service usually makes up for the age. The staff at the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel and Towers Yokohama are incredibly well-trained. They handle international guests with a level of ease that you don't always find in smaller Japanese cities.
The Local Area: Beyond the Station
Most people exit the hotel and head straight for the Red Brick Warehouse or Chinatown. Those are great.
But check out the West Exit area right outside the hotel. It’s grittier and more "real" than the polished tourist zones. There are tiny yakitori joints, crowded Izakayas, and some of the best people-watching in the prefecture.
Practical Insights for Your Stay
Booking this place requires a bit of strategy.
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- Marriott Bonvoy Status: This is a Marriott property. If you have Platinum status or higher, the upgrades here can be legendary. You almost always get moved to a higher floor with a better view.
- The Airport Limousine Bus: It stops right at the hotel. If you are coming from Haneda or Narita, do not take the train with heavy bags. Take the bus. It drops you at the door. It’s the ultimate stress-reducer.
- The View Factor: Ask for a room facing the Bay. The city-side view is just okay—lots of rooftops and rail lines. The Bay side gives you the iconic Yokohama skyline.
A Reality Check on Pricing
Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel and Towers Yokohama isn't a budget hotel. You’re paying for the brand and the location.
On weekends, prices spike. Yokohama is a huge weekend destination for Tokyoites looking for a "staycation." If you can swing a Tuesday or Wednesday night stay, you’ll often find rates that are nearly half of the Saturday price.
Compare it to the InterContinental or the Royal Park. The Sheraton usually sits right in the middle. It’s more convenient than the Royal Park for travel, and it’s more "classic" than the InterContinental.
Next Steps for Your Trip
If you’re planning a stay, check the Marriott app directly. Sometimes they have "Member Rates" that beat the big travel booking sites.
Once you arrive, drop your bags and head straight to the 2nd-floor lounge (Seawind) for a coffee. It’s a massive, high-ceilinged space that’s perfect for grounding yourself after a long flight.
Map out your route to the Sankeien Garden from the station. It’s a short bus ride away and offers a complete contrast to the high-tech Sheraton vibe. It’s one of the most beautiful traditional gardens in Japan and often gets overlooked by people who stay stuck in the mall.
Don't overthink the logistics. The beauty of this hotel is that it removes the friction of travel. You land, you arrive, you’re central. That’s what you’re really buying.