Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo
BACKGROUND Opened in March 2009, Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo is Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ first property in Japan. It has been designed by California-based Hirsch Bedner Associates.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? The hotel’s lobby and reception is on the 28th floor. Decorated in classic Shangri-La style, the lobby breathes of sophistication with golden and beige hues. A grand staircase, elegant chandeliers and striking carpets adorn the hotel. Subtle Japanese influences are seen across the décor. It is interesting to note that the chandelier illuminating The Lobby Lounge bar is exclusively handmade in the Czech Republic, with each glass piece carefully formed into the shape of a gingko leaf — the symbol plant of Tokyo. Over 2,000 pieces of art decorate the various rooms, halls and facilities at Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo.
WHERE IS IT? The hotel oers direct access to Tokyo Station, which serves as the terminus of the Shinkansen bullet train network. It occupies the top 11 floors of the 37-floor, mixed-use Marunouchi Trust Tower Main Building. It is walking stance from Ginza’s bustling shopping district.
ROOMS The hotel’s 200 guestrooms all have a minimum space of 50 sqm, which is quite large for Tokyo. My Deluxe King room boasts stunning views of the city, a marble bathrooms with a separate bathtub and shower area, L’Occitane bath amenities, a Nespresso machine and a 49-inch Smart TV with a Sony Sound-bar. The large king bed that’s made with 300-threadcount cotton linen made for exceptional sleep quality. Guests staying in the 41 Horizon Club rooms and suites can experience the Horizon Club on the 37th floor and its facilities. These include a selection of F&B for breakfast, all day teatime and cocktails in the evening, and dedicated check-in and check-out.
FOOD AND DRINK Piacere is ShangriLa Hotel, Tokyo’s signature restaurant serving contemporary, Italian cuisine.
Breakfast is served here which is based on the concept of ‘farm fresh’ ingredients. Nadaman, the well-known restaurant group, has an outpost in the hotel. It prides itself on fine kaiseki cuisine along with sushi and teppanyaki. The Lobby Lounge is perfect for post work socialising and has a premium selection of Japanese liquor.
BUSINESS Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo features an in-house chapel, The Pavilion, for couples that wish to tie the knot in this tasteful hotel. Shangri-La Ballroom, three Conway Rooms for meetings and a Private Room are its meeting spaces.
LEISURE Located on level 29, CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La marked its Japan debut with its opening at Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo. The spa features five spa suites and an elaborate spa menu consisting of signature CHI therapies. There is also an indoor pool.
VERDICT Ideal for discerning business travellers who enjoy art and refined F&B.
Ravi Lalwani
Over 2,000 pieces of art decorate the various rooms, halls and facilities at Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo