Mandarin Oriental

Description:

• Opened in 2005 in the historic Nihonbashi district just steps away from the venerable Mitsukoshi department store, this sophisticated hotel has quickly climbed to the top of the pack in Tokyo's competitive market. A luxurious property, it occupies the top floors of the soaring Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, affording outstanding city views from its 38th-floor lobby, its restaurants, and guest rooms. Modern in design, the hotel boasts fabrics and textiles made expressly for the hotel by artisans in 12 cities across Japan, who used weaving and dyeing techniques handed down for generations to create everything from the wall coverings in public spaces to the bedcovers and upholstery in the guest rooms.

  Rooms are massive for Tokyo, starting at 50 sq. m (538 sq. ft.) and affording views of the Sumida River or -- for a higher price -- Tokyo Bay, the Imperial Palace's garden, or Mount Fuji on clear days. Bedside controls command the curtains and lights; a lacquered box contains a robe and slippers; the safe has an electrical outlet for recharging a phone or laptop; a special delivery box at the entrance allows your cleaned shoes or laundry to be returned without disturbing you; and the 45-inch HDTV sets new standards for in-room entertainment technology with its surround sound, MP3 hookups, 50-some cable channels, DVD player, and even Internet access. Bathrooms, separated from the room by a wall of glass, have separate showers and deep sunken tubs, from which you can operate a smaller TV by remote control. With its unique interiors, state-of-the-art facilities, spa, and dining options ranging from Cantonese to French, this standout hotel has quickly become one of Tokyo's best.

  Facilities: 4 restaurants; bar; lounge; tea lounge; fitness center w/views; personal training sessions at JPY 12,600 per hour; spa; concierge; small business center; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; same-day laundry/dry-cleaning service; nonsmoking rooms; complimentary shoeshine

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010

ForbesTraveler

•  Forbes Traveler 400 2008