By Angela Fairhurst
High above the crowd, from the 38th floor lobby, guests get a breathtaking bird’s eye perspective of Tokyo and overlook the prestigious financial district of Nihonbashi at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo. All 157 oversized guestrooms and 21 suites get a view as they occupy the 30th to 36th floors of the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower. On a clear day, Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance.
DESIGN
LTW Designworks designed the interior of the hotel with the main themes of “Wood and Water.” The design concept conceives the hotel as a single, large, living tree with the guestrooms as branches and the materials, décor and furnishings reflect the theme.
In keeping with traditional Japanese aesthetics, no object stands alone as all elements come together to form a whole. The end result is a contemporary design that is both comfortable and chic in the common areas, restaurants and guest rooms.
BATHROOMS
All bathrooms feature three different types of shower heads – body, hand and rain showers. The tubs are German-made sunken bathtubs and they provide two different types of aroma bath salts. In true Asian style, the “washlet” toilet room is separated and technically sophisticated. Bathroom amenities are Botega Veneta. There are heated floors and towel racks, plush terry bathrobes and Yukatas. Let’s not leave out the lobby bathrooms, as they also have a stellar view of the city.
OTHER DETAILS
The smallest things do matter, and aside from the shoe shine service, one of the most appreciated touches was the LOHAS fragrance organically cultivated from essential oils and left daily at bedside to pour into a small dish or to use as a bath essence.
DINING
There are almost too many options for dining at this location. With not one, but three Michelin-starred restaurants, experience French fine dining at Signature; Cantonese cuisine at Sense; or Molecular cuisine at Tapas Molecular Bar. There is also Sushi At SORA; Italian at K’shiki; The Pizza Bar on 38th and buffet style Mediterranean cuisine at Ventaglio. Afternoon teas are popular at both Sense Tea Corner and the Oriental Lounge as well as live music at Mandarin Bar or a private dining experience with regional French cuisine at The Cellar.
SPA & WELLNESS
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is located on the 37th floor. With four spacious treatment rooms and five spa suites with views of the skyline. There are a wide variety of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments and therapies including holistic signature treatments and heat and water experiences. The hotel has a fully equipped fitness center and beauty salon.
Mandarin Oriental hotels are known for service, and the Tokyo location doesn’t disappoint.
