BACKGROUND Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group was founded in 1963 and operates in 28 locations around the world. Mandarin Oriental Tokyo opened in 2005.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Walking from the basement of Mitsukoshi-mae station, I took the escalator that directly brought me to the entrance of Mandarin Oriental Tokyo. The hotel’s interiors are inspired by nature, which has been amalgamated with modern design sensibilities across the property. At its entrance I noticed a dark-grained wooden counter in front of a stainless steel mesh. This symbolises roots of a tree and the entrance to the “forest” or hotel. Taking the elevator to its reception on the 38th floor, I reached the “canopy” of this “forest”. It is depicted by a large plant in the centre of the lobby’s lounging area. Restaurants are spread across the 37th and 38th floors, while rooms are between the 30th and 36th floors. Birds’-eye views from across the lobby are stunning and include sights of TOKYO SKYTREE, and Mt. Fuji on clear days. Since I was early for check-in after my morning flight from Mumbai, the hotel offered me a complimentary breakfast (I picked the Japanese option) as I waited for my room to be ready.

WHERE IS IT? A part of Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower in Nihonbashi that’s also considered as Tokyo’s foremost financial district. Tokyo Station, Ginza area and Tokyo Stock Exchange are all between five and ten minutes walking distance from the hotel.

ROOM FACILITIES The rooms are quite big with the base category Deluxe room starting at 50 sqm, followed by Deluxe Premium (50 sqm), Deluxe Corner (50 sqm) and Mandarin Grand (60 sqm) rooms; Executive (100 sqm), Mandarin (100 sqm), Mandarin Corner (100 sqm), Oriental (100 sqm) suites, and the Presidential (250 sqm) suite. My Deluxe room had a walnut hardwood floor that is partially carpeted. During the day, I didn’t require any lighting as its expansive windows adequately brightened up the room. The large work desk faces the window and a sofa, pouffe and table are placed between the window and the bed with Egyptian cotton linen. A spacious walk-in wardrobe to the left of the room’s entrance helped in not crowding the room. The marble bathroom with a round bathtub and rain shower is equipped with Bottega Veneta amenities and bath salts. Every night, the house-keeping pleasantly surprised me with Japanese sweets and fresh fruits when I returned to my room after a day of meetings. The room also features yukata (kimono-style night robe), Olympus binoculars, free wifi, a Nespresso machine and a yoga mat. Blinds and lights are electronically controlled.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS I dined at its eight-seater Sushi Sora where I enjoyed a traditional Japanese sushi experience while interacting with the chef. There are two one-Michelin starred restaurants — Signature (French) and Sense (Cantonese). Other outlets include K’shiki (Italian, breakfast is served here too), Vantaglio (Mediterranean) and Tapas Molecular Bar (eight-seater molecular gastronomy-specialising restaurant). Mandarin Bar hosts live jazz and is a sophisticated venue for high profile meetings. The Cellar is its private dining restaurant and Oriental Lounge serves set breakfast and cocktails.

MEETING FACILITIES There is a pillarless and divisible grand ballroom (550 sqm), four banquet rooms and six meeting rooms. The hotel houses the spacious Sanctuary Chapel for wedding ceremonies as well.

LEISURE FACILITIES The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo has a vitality pool, four treatment rooms and five VIP spa suites with private facilities. There is also a fitness centre that offers wellness programmes, Paradise Beauty Salon and a swimming pool.

VERDICT Sophisticated luxury in the heart of Tokyo’s financial hub.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in a Deluxe room in April started from JP¥17,701/₹30,349.

CONTACT 2 Chome-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuõ; tel: +81 3 32708800; mandarinoriental.com