The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
"Set the scene. Sometimes it's as simple as the old real estate mantra: location, location, location. The Ritz-Carlton is the only hotel in its class that’s plunked itself down in an actual neighborhood instead of a dedicated business district. As such, you get the best of both worlds—an international standard of service when you tuck yourself in at night, but heaps of cute cafes and boutiques to discover during the day. The rooms. There are two main views on offer—the Tokyo Tower view and the Mount Fuji view. Generally Japanese guests want Fuji (really only visible on clear days with low humidity—it’s far) and visitors are keen to glimpse the city’s orange version of the Eiffel Tower (a few feet taller than the real thing, for those who are keeping track.) Suites are double the size of the rooms and feel like a proper apartment in the sky; a great choice if you’re planning on sticking around for a while. Food and drink. Catering to heavyweight businesses lofted in the mega-complexes of Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills, the Ritz-Carlton knows how to wield a business lunch: kaiseki multi-course Japanese specialties crunched down into a super sexy bento box of local delicacies from sashimi to tempura. It’s a great one-hour option if you’ve got a lot of sightseeing on your agenda. Service. It’s in the corporate vernacular to ask guests what they’re up for the day (or what they’ve been up to if it’s evening) and offer cherry-on-top tips like a cool park of viewpoint to tack on to one’s urban ambling. If you like a certain amount of anonymity during your hotel stay, this may not be your most favorite hospitality tactic. Describe the tribe. Unlike many of the other luxury hotels in Tokyo, the Ritz-Carlton has a sizable Japanese clientele—both businessmen and domestic travelers enjoying some Tokyo time. Expect to share the elevator with a lot of designer labels. Neighborhood. Of all the high-luxury properties in Tokyo, the Ritz-Carlton has our favorite positioning in what’s called Tokyo Midtown. The multi-use complex approximates a giant city block in New York City, but that’s not why we love it. During the winter holidays it’s the best place in the city for a public (Christmas-inspired) light show; and during the rest of the year you’re a stone’s throw from some of the best neighborhoods, like Azabu-Juban, where cozy cobbled streets break up the monotony of steel spires. Spa. The hotels’ wellness options should absolutely not be overlooked—who doesn’t want to do their laps with unobstructed views of the city and sky? Dedicated locker rooms have state-of-the-art whirlpools and saunas to prepare the body for seasonal treatments. Go for any of the massages involving the laying and pressing of warmed rose quartz—euphoric. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? You bet. The American super-brand nails its Tokyo offering with the right balance of East and West." - Brandon Presser
