Why stay here?
At 125 square metres, the Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills’ Andaz Suite offers two king beds and separate sitting and work areas. The décor in the suite, and throughout the hotel, is inspired by the traditional Japanese ryokan. The walls in the room and hallways are made to look like the rice paper walls found in traditional Japanese inns. The Andaz lounge where check-in takes place has 24-hour complimentary snacks and drinks along with a wine and nibbles hour every evening. Tables made from large timber slabs invite communal conversation with other guests.
Rise and shine breakfast time
Both the food and service at breakfast are amazing. Wait staff always offered an extra hand if you were carrying food from the buffet back to your table and were attentive to coffee refills. The pottery cups and saucers were beautiful with a traditional Japanese design. The buffet was plentiful and had a large miso station with a variety of toppings. The warm bread pudding was a standout.
What’s for dinner?
There are five dining options from casual cafe to rooftop bar. We dined at the Andaz Tavern on the 51st floor. Chef Gregor Streun serves countryside European fare while you take in views of the city from the three-metre-high windows. We dined on Japanese tenderloin, foie gras, truffle, potato puree and crispy Brussel sprouts, all paired with beautiful wines and a cheese platter for dessert.
Time out
A spacious 1350-square-metre spa and fitness facility is located on the 37th floor overlooking the Imperial Palace. There is a 20-metre swimming pool, a whirlpool and a carbonated bath (a bit like soaking in a glass of champagne). There are also five spa treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness room with incredible views. The spa treatments take on a personal apothecary approach by combining fruits, herbs, minerals and oils for treatments tailored to each guest.
Wow factor
The floor-to-ceiling windows in the Andaz Suite reveal seemingly never-ending views, and you won’t tire of gazing out at the Tokyo skyline, harbour and Tokyo Tower. The deep onsen-style bath and luxury oversized bath products were a welcome indulgence at the end of a long day of sightseeing.
Could do better
Smokers at the Rooftop Bar, located on the 52nd floor, kept me from wanting to spend too much time there, even though it was a stunning spot.
I would like an upgrade
Take it to another level by booking the Andaz Sky Suite, which at 210 square metres offers 180-degree views of Tokyo Bay and Tokyo Tower.
Insider tip
If you don’t mind the smokers try out the Rooftop Bar at sunset for the signature award-winning cocktails, many infused with fruit teas.
