Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi
"How did it strike you on arrival?Don’t expect a big five-star entrance where heels and voices ricochet off marble floors and up a grand staircase. The Four Seasons takes it down a notch at its location in quiet Marunouchi, where interiors stress a lounge-like atmosphere that's luxuriously intimate—with just 57 guest rooms. Sure, you'll catch a hint of polish here and there, but the overall vibe leans on cushy upholstered chairs, plush sofas, thick area rugs, and smooth wooden floors. The brand has little intention of matching Tokyo’s energy and instead lets it all go—this booking is about sitting back and relaxing. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Trust there won't be too many of them, considering the intimate room count. The typical Four-Seasons-or-bust loyalists are the stronghold. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Rooms are relatively close to the thrumming streets, and yet sound pleasantly far away (an effect of triple glazed windows). Premier King rooms are dressed in neutral textures, from warm wood cabinets to cozy armchairs with matching ottomans. Touches are chic: Built into the wall, soft-coated headboards rise up and across the ceiling like a canopy, while floating bedside tables are topped off with Japanese-lacquer. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The bathrooms are lovely and minimal, with fixtures set in creamy granite surfaces all anchored by dark stone floors. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is strong, but only free for up to two devices (not uncommon for the Four Seasons brand). Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Motif Restaurant & Bar is a French affair with a laid-back vibe; it folds local Japanese ingredients into fusion cuisine. Bottom line: worth it, and why?For a Four Seasons, the design feels cut from a more relaxed cloth—but with the same level of service. Other hotels will bring more flavor, but this property is at the very least consistent." - Keith Flanagan
