From the ground floor Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is just like any other high-end luxury hotel. But the real experience begins at floor 38 where the panoramic city views will leave you lost for words. If you are lucky Mount Fuji will be glinting majestically in the distance too.
Check in commences in the room while you are presented with glasses of iced tea; it is easy to feel relaxed. The Mandarin Grand rooms are particularly spacious and lavish in style; no amenity is overlooked. The colour scheme is warm and inviting with pale bamboo wood floors and delicate fabrics. The design aims to blend Japanese tradition with modern comforts.
At the foot of the bed, lacquerware boxes contain fine yukatas (casual summer kimonos), loungewear for guests to enjoy in the room. On the table a plate of special premium “sky berry” strawberries from the Tochigi prefecture were left as a welcoming gift for us to enjoy. The sweetest strawberries you could ever imagine.
The spa-like bathrooms are a blissful sanctuary to refresh and rejuvenate in after a day exploring tireless Tokyo. Here you will find a rainforest shower, stand alone bathtub, terry flannel bathrobes and indulgent designer Bottega Veneta toiletries.
Tokyo is one of the world’s top foodie cities, but with three Michelin starred restaurants within the Mandarin Oriental, there is little reason to venture out. Signature serves contemporary French cuisine, Sense offers Cantonese and Tapas Molecular Bar is an innovative eatery where guests can enjoy the art of molecular cooking. For more casual dining, Sora is a popular sushi restaurant, Ventaglio presents comforting Mediterranean food, and all-day dining is available at K’shiki.
We enjoyed the array of food at breakfast, while admiring the city down below. Guests can choose to have a la carte at the Oriental Lounge or the buffet at K’shiki. I loved the tantalising buffet, which offered an impressive range of continental, American and Asian recipes. I picked a modest selection of pastries and tropical fruits, but could have chosen to have an elaborate meal; I noticed there were four varieties of bacon on offer!
After a day of shopping in Ginza you may need a little extra pampering. Some room categories offer complimentary use of the heat and water oasis at the spa, which includes vitality pool, amethyst crystal steam room, sky-view sauna and rain showers.
The service is sophisticated and spotless throughout the hotel. From the luggage porters to the concierge, every staff member seems to put in extra effort to ensure your stay is tailored to your needs. The concierge spent a great deal of time calling and researching our itinerary queries.
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is not just a place to stay, but a hotel you will remember long after you return home.
More information and book a room at Mandarin Oriental here.