Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Japan
Asia

The Experience

The location is hard to beat, occupying a black glass-encased tower of 38 stories, attached to the Mitsui Building (a registered Tokyo landmark) and close to Tokyo Station. Inside, design plays a crucial role in the property's regal-yet-soothing feel. A Japanese textile designer was enlisted to help spill the deep, local culture into every inch of the property, with a tree theme and reinterpreted kimono patterns used as bedspreads, and motifs of forest and water. The hotel's strengths come through most in the details, from the three-tier fireplace in the always-booked-up Chinese restaurant to the LCD touch screens on machines in the state-of-the-art gym.

The Rooms

As with the public spaces, little touches make a big difference. Why doesn't every hotel have a compartment in which to store laundry, so that staff can collect from outside and not disturb you? Another plus is space: Deluxe rooms start at 540 square feet--as big as a Tokyo apartment. While the public areas have confident tones of slate, black and white, plus stylish modern detailing in the form of oval Asian pillows or modern lamps, the rooms are more earthy and nest-like; those deluxe rooms have walnut flooring and bamboo inlays on the headboards, along with fantastic views throughout. Grand rooms are plush with sisal carpets, and different areas are delineated with tatami-like matting, bamboo paths and lamp shades made of washi rice paper.

The Service

The subtle pampering of the property comes through at every turn, but is most intelligently displayed by the staff. Concierge and even phone operators were able to locate cult local stores and recommend where to find good yuzu martinis out of house, while a business concierge offered a rundown of Japanese business customs.

The Highlights

The in-house Chinese restaurant, Sense, offers glass-walled views over the city and Cantonese food executed with regal Japanese finesse; there's an attached tea lounge where the selection of single-flush teas from Taiwan, China and Japan may outpace the wine program in terms of singularity. Another option for tea: the Oriental Lounge does a stylish high tea by day (and by night transforms into a 12-seat private dining room offering molecular cuisine). When you’re not in the mood for tea, the Mandarin in summer 2008 became the first Japanese hotel to offer vintage Dom Perignon by the glass. You can also unwind in the spa, which features rain saunas, ice fountains for skin toning and crystal heat rooms. The full menu--along with the food and drink here--shows off the global reach of the hotel, with techniques and ingredients from Arabia, India and China all sneaking into the mix.

 

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