Where to Stay: Smart Luxury Options in Tokyo

by Aaron Butzen

If you’re going to brave the über-populated, hyperactive metropolis that is Tokyo, you will need digs that offer a relaxing respite from the frenetic pace of the city. We guarantee these three luxury picks are more comfortable than the capsule hotels favored by many Japanese businessmen.

Money is No Object: Mandarin Oriental
Starting Rate: JPY 63,000/$607 USD per night

Although your first splurge instinct in Tokyo might be the majestic Park Hyatt featured in Lost in Translation, the newer Mandarin Oriental has rapidly emerged as the top contender. Located in the historic Nihonbashi District, which contains shops with origins as far back as the 17th century, the upscale Ginza fashion district is within easy walking distance and the tranquil Imperial Palace is just down the road. The Mandarin Oriental prides itself on endless, sweeping views of the city, from their stunning 38th-floor lobby surrounded by glass to the extraordinarily spacious rooms with glass walls and gigantic windows. The room interiors are plush, clean and modern, stacked with only the most sophisticated entertainment and communications amenities. The Mandarin’s extensive spa is one of the best in Tokyo, with four treatment rooms and five private spa suites offering contrasting views of the busy city below.

Smart Luxury: Park Hotel
Starting Rate: JPY 17,325/$167 USD per night

A more affordable yet top-notch luxury option is the Park Hotel, located at the top of the Shiodome Media Tower in the stunningly modern Shiodome district. As you step out of the elevator 25 floors in the sky, you’ll be greeted by the ten-story atrium/lobby/lounge area, capped by a glazed glass ceiling and providing views of Mount Fuji on clear days. The atrium is a comfortable workspace for guests with laptops and transforms into a live music venue every night from Tuesday through Saturday. If the rooms’ color-coordinated Italian-designed furnishings and handmade artwork from French artist Monique Le Houelleur aren’t enough to lull you into a restful coma, the Park offers a complimentary pillow-fitting service with specially-trained sleep professionals and in-room massages until 2:00 a.m. every evening.

Family Pick: Keio Plaza Hotel
Starting Rate: JPY 21,500/$207 USD per night

Although there are a handful of more kid-oriented hotels in Tokyo (such as the National Children’s Castle Hotel), the Keio Plaza makes it easy to bring the tots along without sacrificing the luxury and amenities that you need to stay sane on vacation. Located in central Tokyo’s West Shinjuku district, the hotel is across the street from the Observation Deck at the Tokyo Municipal Government Building and just minutes from the Meiji Shrine and Tokyo Opera City. As far as the little ones are concerned, there is a day-care center for tykes two months and up, supervised activities for children and an outdoor pool on the seventh floor of the main building. Of course, there’s also the fact that the hotel is a skyscraper—what kid wouldn’t love exploring almost 50 stories above the streets of Tokyo?