WHAT’S IT LIKE? Occupying the higher floors in the tallest skyscraper in Tokyo, this hotel offers panoramic views of one of the world’s greatest metropolises and, on a clear day, the iconic Mount Fuji. The interior design by Frank Nicholson is also visually stunning. Elegance and style abound on all sides.
WHERE IS IT? In the Tokyo Midtown complex of Roppongi Hills, one of the Japanese capital’s hippest and most happening districts, surrounded by embassies, fashion outlets and media offices, not to mention the lively nightlife strip.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 248 guestrooms, including 36 suites and Ritz-Carlton Club Rooms.
ROOM FACILITIES: An opulent array of bed linen is provided, with Frette sheets and featherbeds with down pillows and comforters. The marble bathrooms have Japanese-style deep tubs and there are individual rain-showers, with luxury amenities. There are two televisions: a 20-inch flat-screen TV set in the bathroom in addition to the main 40-inch flat-screen TV. There is also an in-room CD and DVD player.
Wired and wireless high-speed internet services are complimentary, which was convenient. Indeed, the entire hotel is Wi-Fi accessible.
Housekeeping service is twice a day with an evening turndown service, which includes delivery of complimentary mineral water. Insomniacs won’t go hungry with 24-hour in-room dining options.
The Ritz-Carlton Club Level offers premium amenities, including access to a separate lounge located on the top floor with breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. The lounge offers five complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day and evening, and there is a dedicated concierge staff who is eagerly attentive and helpfully informative. Club Rooms and Suites have Bvlgari bath amenities.
RESTAURANTS: There are three restaurants on the hotel’s 45th floor. Forty Five is a French-style restaurant with stunning views of the city skyline, while Hinokizaka faultlessly blends contemporary and traditional Japanese dining and unsurprisingly was awarded a Michelin star for its excellence. The latter offers various styles, teppanyaki, sushi and tempura, but the kaiseki menu is strongly recommended for first-time diners. There are private rooms, some with tatami, available for those hosting group dinners. The Ritz-Carlton Café and Deli is on the ground floor in the inner courtyard of the Tokyo Midtown shopping centre.
BARS: The Lobby Lounge is a place to relax, greet friends and indulge in a little decadent luxury. The Afternoon High Tea is a particular treat, aside from the range of alcoholic beverages. Labels is a very classy wine bar adjacent to Forty Five, offering everything from recognised vintages to some of the newer, less familiar lines. Knowledgeable sommeliers are on hand to answer your questions and offer recommendations, where appropriate.
BUSINESS FACILITIES: There is a fully equipped business centre open from 8am until 5pm on weekdays, as well as a strong concierge team to assist busy executives. Wireless high-speed internet access is available throughout the hotel.
LEISURE FACILITIES: On the 46th floor is the 2,000-square-metre Spa & Fitness by ESPA, one of the world’s leading spa brands. Here guests can make use of the indoor pool, dry sauna, steam sauna, nine spa treatment rooms, one spa suite, fitness studio and more. The highly trained staff offers a variety of treatments for men and women.
PRICE: A Deluxe Guest Room with king-size bed and city view is available online from around ¥45,000 (US$470) nightly.
VERDICT: Roppongi is pretty much the centre of Tokyo chic these days and so the Ritz-Carlton fits like a glove with its surroundings. Stunning views and superb service.
CONTACT: Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-1, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6245, Japan, tel 81 3 3423 8000, www.ritzcarlton.com
Kenny Coyle
