MANDARIN ORIENTAL TOKYO

This elegant, modern hotel opened at the end of 2005, and continues to impress its influential guests. Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is consistently rated as one of the finest hotels in Asia and has recently been awarded with the highest 'Luxury Comfort' rating of five red pavilions by the Michelin Guide.Located in the heart of Nihonbashi, the hotel offers an oasis of luxury in the historical and financial centre of the city. Occupying the top nine floors of the contemporary 39 floor Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, the hotel design was conceived as a large tree, with the guest rooms being the top branches. Within these branches are triptych floor-to-ceiling windows that offer unrivalled views of the city. East-facing rooms look out over the new Tokyo Tower, Asakusa, the Sumida River, Odaiba, and Tokyo Bay, while the west-facing rooms boast views of the Imperial Palace garden, Ginza, Tokyo Station, Shinjuku and Mount Fuji in the stance.Keeping in line with the underlying principles that govern Japanese aesthetics, no single object stands alone in this hotel. There is a harmonious flow in every element, from sumptuous silks on the walls and rich wooden flooring, including waterfalls and fireplaces, and soft arc lights that emphasize the luxurious design elements. Additionally the very latest in electronics complement the sleek designs, with guest room blinds and drapes operated from bedside panels, audio jacks for iPods, wireless laptop connections and 45-in flat screen televisions offering more than 50 free channels and video on demand.The pampering continues right up to the point guests doze off on their 450-thread count cotton sheets. While other hotels anoint their pillows with chocolates at turn down, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo instead places a bottle of natural aromatherapy fragrance to calm the senses.With in-room luxuries such as these, it is understandable if guests may prefer to remain in the comfort of their accommodation, but to do so would be to miss out on the other attractions that have earned Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo its award-winning reputation.Diners are in for a real treat as this is the only hotel in the capital to have three Michelin-starred restaurants in the latest Japanese Michelin guide. Signature (serving contemporary French), Sense (Cantonese) and the creative Tapas Molecular Bar (serving innovative molecular cuisine) which all received a single star: Signature for the third time, and Sense and the Tapas Molecular Bar for the second. In addition, the Gourmet Shop offers guests the finest in homemade cakes, chocolates and bakery items. All the products are beautifully presented, and the hand-dipped chocolates and patisseries are ideal as gifts.Indeed, while the amazing views, splendid interior design and legendary service make this hotel special, it is the many little touches that make it all the more attractive.