Luxurious Summer Soirées at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo

We can’t all be on a 24-hour champagne diet, but three’s not so bad. From six to nine on selected evenings, you can indulge in free-flowing champagne and a succulent barbecue at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s series of luxurious French summer parties—all appropriately named Soirée Blanche 2015.

I’ve taken part in a handful of all-you-can-drink events, from gossip-filled brunches with bottomless mimosas to spectacular city views and handcrafted cocktails, but I’ve never attended one quite like this. Here are three standout points:

1) The ambience will make you wonder if you’re on a movie set or at an exclusive after-party. Held at The French Kitchen terrace, guests escape the Roppongi hustle and bustle to enjoy some fresh air and a colorfully illuminated garden to the sounds of the resident DJ. Surrounded by high-rise buildings, you can still soak in the wonders of the city. Drawing inspiration from the original Soirée Blanche events held in the 1970s in Southern France, most famously Saint Tropez, staff and guests dress in all white. White champagne goblets and glowing orbs act as perfect accents to this elegant theme.

2) The quality of food, drink, and service are top-notch. Glasses of fresh and fruity Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial, the first ever champagne made to enjoy over ice, will keep you busy all night long. With another Tokyo summer fast approaching, I couldn’t think of a better way to cool down. Hearty servings of simply garnished shrimp and vegetables were cooked on separate grills from the meat on the night of my visit, something I appreciated as a longtime pescetarian. Though the price point may be higher than other free flow packages, you don’t have to worry about whether or not you’re getting your money’s worth. I’ve done the math so you don’t have to! Similar deals, often with less hearty bites and an additional charge for champagne, are limited to ninety minutes whereas Soirée Blanche runs for a full three hours. It makes a difference if you prefer to sip on your bubbly.

3) Though a seemingly small detail, the freedom to move between oversized booths to standing tables sets Soirée Blanche 2015 apart. Strolling about in the open air definitely makes it feel like more of a party. Even if you had nothing to celebrate when you arrived, the subtle glamour of the private terrace will leave you feeling like you did.

With the first of the remaining seven Soirée Blanche 2015 dates sold out (details below), I wouldn’t delay in making reservations. If none of the dates suit your schedule, fear not! From June through September, Grand Hyatt Tokyo will host a variety of special offerings and events. A modern hotel keen on reinventing its space without compromising tradition and class, it is a site worth visiting again and again. I look forward to returning for the summer weekday happy hour at Roku Roku Terrace (craft beers from ¥1,000), guiltless summer verrines from Fiorentina Pastry Boutique, cooking lessons from Chef Troy Lee (The French Kitchen) or Chef Adam Noffsinger (The Oak Door), and if possible, the popular disco event Club Chic 2015 summer on Friday, August 28.

The Deets

When: June 27 (sold out), July 11 and 25, Aug. 8 & 29, Sep. 19, and Oct. 10, 6–9 p.m.

Where: Terrace of The French Kitchen, 2F Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Roppongi Hills, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Dress code: All white

Reservations: Reservations required. Visit online reservations or call 03-4333-8781 for bookings.

How much: ¥10,000 per person (subject to tax and a service charge) includes free-flow champagne, white, red, and rosé wines, house spirits and cocktails such as pina coladas and mojitos, unlimited meat, fish and vegetables from the BBQ grill, truffle and parmesan fried potatoes (served by the basket on tables), and a light dessert