Arrival/Check-in: I took the airport limousine bus to the central station and then a taxi from there. This proved to be the most comfortable and cost-effective option for traveling the hour-plus from the airport to downtown Tokyo; a direct taxi could easily exceed $150. My cab driver did not speak English, so I carried the hotel name and address written in Japanese — he found it without difficulty. I recommend keeping that card with you, as the hotel is relatively new and some drivers may not recognize the name but will know the address. At the entrance a porter took my luggage and escorted me to the lobby 38 stories above street level. (19/20)
Guest Quarters: The Mandarin’s rooms are among the largest in Tokyo, and attention to detail is evident throughout. My Mandarin Deluxe room featured bamboo floors, a 45-inch flat-screen TV, and a chaise lounge beside the floor-to-ceiling window, perfect for relaxing and enjoying views that can include Mt. Fuji on a clear day. The bathroom felt like a suite within the suite: a sliding door separated it from the bedroom, and inside was a walk-in shower with multiple settings and a standalone sunken bathtub. The spacious desk incorporated plugs and adapters discreetly, combining convenience with uncluttered design. High-speed wireless internet was available throughout the room. (15/15)
Services/Amenities: The staff provided attentive, efficient service throughout my stay. They easily arranged items and services at odd hours—finding a toothbrush at 10 p.m.—and handled express dry-cleaning. They even assisted in tracking down an old friend in Tokyo when I had only a last name and a previous address. English-speaking staff were consistently helpful.
The hotel offers a wide range of dining options across nine restaurants and bars, featuring international cuisine. Reservations are advisable, as popular dining spots fill quickly with both guests and locals. At the Mandarin Spa I experienced my first hot stone massage and afterwards enjoyed tea in the glass-enclosed spa lounge, which provides one of the best vantage points in the city. (43/45)
The Experience: Open for about a year, the hotel sits roughly a 10-minute walk from the upscale Ginza shopping district, making it an excellent choice for both business travelers and those seeking high-end shopping. The “Woods and Water” design theme brings natural elements into guest rooms and public spaces, creating a refined, tranquil atmosphere. Combined with a staff committed to exceptional service, the setting feels like a calm retreat in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities. (19/20)
Total Score: 96/100
MANDARIN ORIENTAL TOKYO
2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi
Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-8328
tel 81 3 3270 8800
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo/