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.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE? The hotel’s lobby and reception is on the 28th floor. Decorated in classic Shangri-La style, with golden and beige hues, the lobby oozes sophistication. 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. More than 2,000 pieces of art decorate the various rooms, halls and facilities at Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo.

WHERE IS IT? The hotel offers 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 featured stunning views of the city, a marble bathroom 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 with linen made from 300-threadcount cotton made for exceptional sleep quality. Guests staying in the 41 Horizon Club rooms and suites can experience the Horizon Club on the 37th floor. Its facilities and services 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 at 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 beverages.

BUSINESS Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo features an in-house chapel, The Pavilion, for couples who wish to tie the knot in this tasteful property. Meeting and event spaces include the Shangri-La Ballroom, three Conway Rooms and a Private Room.

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 comprising signature CHI therapies. There is also an indoor pool.

VERDICT Ideal for discerning business travellers who enjoy art and refined F&B.

More than 2,000 pieces of art decorate the various rooms, halls and facilities at Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo