BACKGROUND
Hyatt’s “upscale, boutique, lifestyle” Andaz brand arrived in Tokyo last June, making it the 12th globally.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
The 164-room property is located in the 37th and 51st, plus 47th to 52nd floors of the mixed-use Toranomon Hills tower, the second-tallest in the city.
There is a taxi drop-off point but pedestrians have to take a separate (poorly signposted) entrance. Take a lift to the 51st-floor “lounge” to check in, then another lift to the bedrooms.
The understated, luxurious interior design was conceived by New York’s Tony Chi and Tokyo’s Shinichiro Ogata, with an emphasis on contemporary minimalism, combining polished marble and walnut with delicate washi paper.
Staff are extremely professional and attentive, but the vibe is less formal than at other five-star hotels in the city.
WHERE IS IT?
On the new Loop Road No 2 that directly connects with the Shinbashi business district. (Toranomon itself is in Minato ward, in the south of the city.) Nearby Tokyo Tower is a handy landmark.
ROOM FACILITIES
To be able to lie in a pristine bed and watch as the electronic blinds reveal Tokyo’s skyline is quite an experience.
At the Andaz, all guests have this opportunity, in sizeable rooms starting from 50 sqm. (In mine there was even a brass telescope.) The décor is fresh and clean with white panelled walls, spring green carpeting and cappuccino marble.
Standard amenities include well-stocked minibars (snacks and soft drinks free), tea and espresso-making facilities, 42-inch flatscreen TVs, irons/ironing boards, large work tables, Bose bluetooth speakers, laptop safes and free wifi. Bathrooms come with robes and traditional cotton yukatas, and are fitted with walk-in showers, tubs and high-tech Toto toilets. Argan bathing products from France are provided.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
As well as the ground-level Pastry Shop café and Bebu bar for burgers and tapas, there is the Rooftop bar (evenings only), which has a relaxed pub-style indoor area and a terrace with cosy banquettes and heaters.
When I popped in one night there was a performer walking around playing electric violin. It was very atmospheric with the blinking red lights of the metropolis far below. There is also an adjacent eight-seat sushi counter.
Down one level is the chic Andaz Tavern for all-day dining. An immaculate international breakfast buffet is set out in the morning, and I had a very tasty dinner in the evening. The European menu lists the likes of salads, seafood and steaks.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
The hotel has 770 sqm of event space – the largest venue is the 260 sqm Tokyo Studio on the 51st floor, which hosts 160 for a reception.
There are also four 50 sqm rooms on this level, plus the 100 sqm Chef’s Studio, along with the 52nd-floor Rooftop Studio for 180 people theatre-style. This has a show kitchen and huge windows looking on to a semi-covered outdoor terrace.
LEISURE FACILITIES
I was impressed by the 1,350 sqm of fitness facilities on level 37.
The 24-hour gym has state-of-the art Technogym equipment offering views of Mount Fuji from the treadmills on a clear day. There is also a beautiful 20-metre infinity pool (again with panoramic city vistas), and a spa with five treatment rooms, saunas, steam rooms and plunge pools.
VERDICT
An outstanding addition to Tokyo’s top-end hotel portfolio, offering more relaxed Western-style service.
Although navigating the premises can be a little confusing, everything from the food to the furnishings is of the highest quality. Highly recommended.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? 164 – 76 Andaz King/Twin, 28 Andaz Bay View King/Twin, 44 Andaz Tower View King/Twin, four Andaz Large King, four Andaz Large Tower King (Deluxe), four Andaz suites, two Andaz Bay View suites and two Andaz Sky suite.
- HIGHLIGHTS The panoramic views from every floor, the spacious rooms with classy interior design, yukata robes and free minibar, plus the gym, pool and huge rooftop terrace.
- PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in June started from £270 for an Andaz King room.
- CONTACT Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, 1-23-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku; tel +81 368 301 234; tokyo.andaz.hyatt.com
Jenny Southan
