Tokyo’s Armed Forces Resort: The New Sanno Hotel and Resort

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Affordable Luxury: Unbeatable Value for Military Travelers

We stayed at the New Sanno Hotel & Resort during a trip to Tokyo. Our main goal was to save money, as Tokyo is an expensive city. The hotel offers incredible value for military and DOD travelers, especially when compared to other hotels in the area. While the price is unbeatable, the property could benefit from some updates. It’s a popular choice, so booking well in advance through the New Sanno website is essential. We paid $64 per night, which felt like a steal.

Table of Contents

• Affordable Luxury: Unbeatable Value for Military Travelers
• Armed Forces Resorts & DOD Employees
• Amenities at The New Sanno Hotel
• Hiro-o Neighborhood
• Armed Forces Resorts Facilities
• Room Service and Restaurants
• Sunrise Cafe
• Fair Winds Lounge
• New Sanno Sunday Brunch
• Empire Room Sunday Brunch
• New Sanno Hotel Amenities
• Final Thoughts
• FAQs
• Contact Information
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Armed Forces Resorts & DOD Employees 

New Sanno Hotel and Resort

The New Sanno Hotel is part of the Armed Forces resort chain. Unlike other MWR resorts in Honolulu, Seoul, Orlando, or Edelweiss, it is privately managed. Access to the hotel is limited to military ID holders (and their guests), along with certain DOD employees, and is strictly enforced at the manned entrance. Be prepared to show your ID every time you return. The hotel offers a Navy Exchange and other services designed specifically for military travelers, making it a convenient spot for those eligible to stay.

Amenities at The New Sanno Hotel

The hotel provides a range of amenities tailored for military guests. These include an indoor pool, fitness center, and a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining. It also has a barber shop, souvenir shop, and a travel desk to help plan excursions in Tokyo. Families will appreciate the play area for children and babysitting services. Additionally, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, laundry services, and an ATM, ensuring guests have everything they need during their stay.

The New Sanno Hotel provides approximately 40 secured vehicle parking spaces, free of charge for guests. The hotel offers parking on a “first occupied basis,” and you cannot reserve spots. Only guests staying at the hotel can park overnight. You must provide your license plate number at check-in. Because parking is extremely limited, plan ahead and consider using public transportation. Parking is strictly for registered guests or authorized staff and contractors. If you’re not staying at the hotel or attending an event, parking is not allowed.

Hiro-o Neighborhood

The Hiro-o Station

The New Sanno is located in the prestigious Hiroo residential area of Tokyo, offering a prime location for exploring the city. The nearest subway station, Hiroo, is just a 7-minute walk away and is part of the Hibiya Line. This line provides convenient access to Tokyo’s top shopping districts, popular sightseeing spots, and the vibrant nightlife of Roppongi.

If you plan to take a taxi, it’s helpful to print out the map with instructions on “how to get to the New Sanno” in Japanese to show to your taxi driver for a smooth trip. You can actually walk from the hotel to the Shibuya area or the Tokyo Tower in 30 minutes. But if you don’t want to walk, the Hiro-o subway station (Hibaya Line) is only 3-4 blocks from. The subway is pretty easy to understand, it took us less than 15 minutes to figure out. You just have to remember there are two companies operating two separate lines (subway and Toei) that intersect but maintain their independence in ticketing. The Hiro-o station is on the Hibaya line of the Tokyo subway. The popular Roppongi Hills area is just one stop down the line.

Armed Forces Resorts Facilities

Though the hotel retains its grand atmosphere, the facilities are beginning to show wear and tear, and renovations would go a long way in refreshing the space. The New Sanno Hotel and Resort, situated in the heart of Tokyo, offers 149 rooms. It has a variety of accommodations and restaurants in an English-speaking environment. It offers a swimming pool, recreational facilities, a beauty salon, a Navy Exchange, and other services designed specifically for military travelers, including concierge service, a gift shop, and a general store. The gift shop has many beautiful souvenirs, including kimonos, artwork, and magnets.

In-Room Dining at the New Sanno Hotel and Resort

The New Sanno Hotel offers 24-hour in-room dining, allowing you to enjoy exclusive private dining in the comfort and safety of your room. Whether you’re in the mood for a full meal or just a quick snack, the all-day menu is available to satisfy your cravings at any time.

For a more detailed look at the menu, please visit the hotel’s website or use the QR code provided inside your room.

Hours of Operation

• Breakfast: 6:30 am – 10:30 am
• Lunch & Dinner: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
• Late Night Dining: 10:00 pm – 6:00 am

Breakfast in Bed Menu is available on weekends only.

For in-room dining assistance, dial EXT. 8065.

Sunrise Cafe

Located on the lobby level, adjacent to the Emporium Restaurant, the Sunrise Bakery Café offers a full-service coffee and artisan bake shop experience, perfect for both sit-down or grab ‘n go options. They proudly serve Starbucks® coffee, alongside a selection of freshly baked pastries, ready to kickstart your day.

In addition to coffee, you can enjoy selected Tazo teas and specialty drinks, prepared to provide refreshing options all day long.

The café’s skilled pâtissiers create stunning artisan desserts, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, whether you prefer to indulge alone or share with friends. You can also customize one of their premium large cakes for special celebrations.

Hours of Operation

Friday & Saturday: 6:00 am – 11:00 pm

Sunday – Thursday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm

Fair Winds Lounge

Over at the Fair Winds Lounge, the fish tacos and buffalo chicken dip stood out as favorites—perfect for a casual bite in a relaxed setting. One of the great conveniences was being able to purchase food and drinks to take back to our room. After a long day of sightseeing, it was a real comfort to unwind with a good meal in the privacy of our room. We took advantage of that option several times, and it was a great way to end busy days in the city.

The Fair Winds Bar & Lounge is designed for adults to unwind and socialize with business partners, coworkers, friends, or your significant other. You can watch your favorite sports games or enjoy the ambiance with great music while sipping on one of the lounge’s special drinks.

The lounge offers an extensive beverage menu, featuring a wide variety of draft beers, popular bottled beer labels, signature cocktails, premium wines, champagne, multiple whiskey brands, sake, shochu, and a comprehensive selection of liquors. Pair your drinks with addictive bar food that enhances your relaxing evening. Please note, no guests under 20 years of age are permitted.

Hours of Operation

• Monday – Thursday: 3:30 pm – 11:00 pm
• Friday: 3:30 pm – 1:00 am
• Saturday: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am
• Sunday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm

Holiday on Monday

Monday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm

New Sanno Sunday Brunch

Starting in June 2024, the award-winning New Sanno Sunday Brunch will return on the second Sunday of every month, featuring the “Classic Champagne Brunch.” This brunch will be held in the Empire Ballroom, offering a luxurious experience with complimentary bubbly, a wide selection of dishes, and professional entertainment.

In addition to the regular Sunday Brunches, the hotel schedules special holiday-themed brunches throughout the year, including Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Upcoming Brunch Dates:

• October 13: Classic Sunday Brunch featuring Baird Beer (10 am – 2 pm)
• November 10: Month of the Military Family Brunch (10 am – 2 pm)
• December 8: Classic Sunday Brunch (10 am – 2 pm)

Holiday Brunch Special Buffets:

• October 27: Halloween Brunch Buffet (10 am – 3 pm)
• November 28: Thanksgiving Day Buffet (11 am – 7 pm)
• December 25: Christmas Day Buffet (11 am – 7 pm)

Advance reservations are highly recommended. Prices start at $29 for adults and $12 for children (ages 6-12), with higher rates for holiday brunches.

New Sanno Hotel Amenities

The Rooms and Service

The rooms are large and spacious. I banged my foot up against the wall because it was too close to the bed, which also made it hard to get out. Each room comes with a DVD player, and DVDs are available to “rent” free of charge at reception. The rooms have the obligatory mini-fridge, blow dryer, table for two, and pullout sofa. However, there is no microwave. There are a ton of free toiletries and a black washcloth to remove makeup.

Everybody was nice and welcoming. Thanks to the maid who cleaned our room and told us what NOT to miss on our upcoming overnight to Kyoto. I appreciate the bellman who helped me search for a sweater when we dropped off our bags before the 3 pm check-in, and the waiter who moved us to a warmer area of the cafe when he saw me shivering. This is one time when the hype is well-deserved. I highly recommend the New Sanno Hotel & Resort.

FAQs

Do I need a power converter for U.S. electronic devices?

No. The New Sanno facility, including all guest rooms, is equipped with (3-Prong) 100v / 50 Hertz outlets. Your U.S. electronic devices should work fine in your room and within the hotel.

Are there microwaves in the hotel rooms?

No. However, microwaves are located on each floor behind the guest elevator.

Is it safe to consume the tap water in the room?

Yes. Water is tested and safe for drinking. However, if you prefer mineral bottled water, we can provide mineral bottled through In-Room Dining or purchased at Hero’s, Sunrise Bakery Café, or NEX Minimart.

Final Thoughts

The New Sanno Hotel might not have all the bells and whistles of a luxury resort, but it’s a solid value for military families. Supporting the services that have been set up for us is important, and this hotel delivers on its promise. You get what you need—comfort, convenience, and a price that doesn’t break the bank in one of the most expensive cities in the world. There’s something comforting about staying in a place that’s built to support us. It makes travel feel a little easier so far from home.

Contact Information

Military Address: U.S. Naval Joint Services Activity – The New Sanno –
Unit 45003, APO AP 96337-5003

Address: 4-12-20, Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku,
Tokyo 106-0047, Japan

Phone:

• DSN
  229-8001 (Main Number)
  229-4001 (Switchboard Operator)
• CML (from U.S.)
  Toll Free U.S. Number: 1-833-937-1841
  1-702-951-8001 (Main Number)
• CML (from inside Japan)
  03-6868-2311 (Main Number)

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