With almost 800 hotels in Tokyo, tourists are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in the capital. If you could spend one night in any Tokyo hotel, which one would it be? Weekender sifts through the lengthy list to unveil five of the city’s very best and most lavish stays.
Ritz Carlton Library Lounge, image courtesy of Ritz Carlton PR
The Ritz Carlton Tokyo
The Ritz Carlton is without a doubt the cream of luxury and our visit was nothing short of perfect. Transporting you back to movie hotel glamour with a contemporary modern and chic design, the hotel occupies the top nine floors of the tallest building in Tokyo Midtown. Rooms are spacious with grand bathrooms and views like that of an attraction observatory. The restaurants and bars are regularly frequented by international film stars, and when you visit it’s plain to understand why. Kimono-clad staff welcome guests to a wonderfully personalized service with meticulous attention to detail everywhere from rooms to guest facilities.
Rooms 5/5, Atmosphere 5/5, Service 5/5, Facilities 5/5, Location 5/5
For map and contact details, click here.
Image courtesy of PR
Mandarin Oriental
This is one of the most beautifully designed hotels we’ve come across, with themes of wood and water infused to create a tranquil environment from ground floor lobby right up to presidential suite. There are 157 rooms and 22 suites capturing the essence of modern Japanese style and design. The Sense Tea Corner is a tea-lovers paradise with a huge range of delicious teas and accompanying desserts, while in the evening its neighboring Mandarin Bar is buzzing with live music and a stylish crowd. The hotel towers high above the charming Nihonbashi district, lined with high end boutiques and gorgeous architecture.
Rooms 5/5, Atmosphere 5/5, Service 5/5, Facilities 4.9/5, Location 5/5
For map and contact details, click here.
Image courtesy of Imperial Hotel PR
Imperial Hotel
For a more traditional Japanese experience check into the Imperial Hotel; it oozes royal extravagance and it’s only fitting that it has welcomed some of the most important names in royalty and politics since 1890 (take a look at the fascinating exhibition in the lobby to find out more). The rooms are peaceful and have a very cozy, traditional feel to them which sets itself apart from newer skyscraper giants, and views include the Imperial Palace grounds and Hibiya Park. What is especially remarkable is the hotel service – attentive and efficient guest attendants are able to fulfill any requests big or small. The wellness center is quintessentially Japanese, featuring a full onsen for some steam rejuvenation.
Rooms 4.9/5, Atmosphere 5/5, Service 5/5, Facilities 4.8/5, Location 5/5
For map and contact details, click here.
Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo
We absolutely love this hotel, which sits on top of the Marunouchi Trust Tower Main and is conveniently close to Tokyo Station. The rooms are elegant with modern majestic décor, and their bathrooms are particularly divine – they have tubs perched beside large windows with soaring views across the city. The Spa transports guests to a little Bali-esque world invigorating all the senses. The pool stretches along the side of the building with big white loungers and a fully equipped gym (you can also rent out gear so there is no need to pack a sports kit). There is also a private hot tub area behind the changing rooms for the ultimate post work-out soak.
Rooms 5/5, Atmosphere 5/5, Service 5/5, Facilities 5/5, Location 5/5
For map and contact details, click here.
Aman Tokyo
This is the biggest Aman hotel in the world, nestled on top of the Otemachi Tower. The style is signature Aman minimalist-infused Japanese heritage, using wood, paper and stone. The large rooms and suites are outfitted with traditional Japanese furnishings, from washi paper sliding doors to a furo deep-soak bathtub. The spa features an onsen-style stone bath looking out over the city, pool, fitness center and eight treatment rooms. To sum up, the Aman is aesthetically stunning and luxurious.
Rooms 5/5, Atmosphere 5/5, Service 4.7/5, Facilities 5/5, Location 5/5
For map and contact details, click here.
Main image: Ritz Carlton pool, courtesy of Ritz Carlton PR
