Imperial Hotel, Tokyo invites you to stay in a suite designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

Although one of the most influential architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, designed most of his projects in the United States, some of his works also appeared in other countries. In 1923, Wright completed the construction of a new building for the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. The unique structure, designed in the Maya Revival Style of architecture, welcomed guests for more than 40 years until it was demolished in 1968.  

Although most of the former Imperial Hotel building was destroyed, some of its parts, such as the central lobby and reflecting pool, were later rebuilt at the Meiji Mura architecture museum. Now, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Wright’s iconic design, the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo invites guests to book a stay at Frank Lloyd Wright® Suite. The one-of-a-kind hotel room incorporates details from the demolished Imperial Hotel building.

Upon entering the room, guests will find Wright's original furniture, carpets, and lighting. The Imperial Hotel, Tokyo adapted many celebrated Frank Lloyd Wright designs he created for private residences. The 2,303-square-foot Frank Lloyd Wright® Suite could accommodate up to 4 guests. In addition, the booking also includes a drink at Old Imperial Bar, which pays tribute to Wright’s 1934 designs. 

Although Frank Lloyd Wright® Suite opened its doors in 2005, only a few travelers were actually able to book a stay there. The suite is available from January 24, 2023, until March 31, 2024. The pricing starts at ¥1,400,000 ($10,787) for up to 2 guests, ¥1,410,000 ($10,864) for up to 3 guests, and ¥1,420,000 (410,941) for up to 4 guests.

The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building survived the 1923 Great Kantō Earthquake, which destroyed many nearby structures. The building was mostly unaffected by the earthquake thanks to its foundations, which included seismic separation joints, tapered walls, and cantilevered floors and balconies. In 1967, the hotel demolished its older building to create space for a new, high-rise structure, which now features Frank Lloyd Wright® Suite. 

Resources:

“At the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, You Can Now Stay in a Hotel Room From Frank Lloyd Wright’s Demolished Masterpiece,” by Katherine McLaughlin (Architectural Digest, 2023)

“Imperial Hotel, Tokyo Offering Frank Lloyd Wright (R) Suite in Celebration of 100th Anniversary of Opening of Wright Building,” by Imperial Hotel, Ltd. (PR Newswire, 2023)

“Frank Lloyd Wright merged eastern and western architecture at Tokyo's Imperial Hotel,” by Eleanor Gibson (dezeen, 2017)