Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

Elevators are the name of the game at Andaz Tokyo, and don't be surprised if your ears pop while you zip up to the 51st floor, where the open-concept lobby is located. There isn't a traditional front desk; instead, hosts greet guests and seat them at community-style wood tables, where they're offered drinks and snacks, then checked in using a tablet. Tony Chi and Shinichiro Ogata designed the hotel with impeccable details such as washi paper in the elevators, rich wood, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Look for ceramic rabbits, a nod to a Japanese fairytale about rabbits on the moon. One confusing thing about this property is that guest rooms and some features are actually below the lobby, requiring a second elevator to take guests down to rooms on floors 47 through 50, or to to the spa and pool on the 37th floor. A third elevator brings guests up to the rooftop bar, which has an indoor lounge and gorgeous patio. Clientele are mostly hip tourists who care deeply about design and ambiance, and business travelers attracted to the luxe meeting rooms. An open-air rooftop space and event rooms are popular for Tokyo weddings.

The Andaz Tokyo is located inside a tall skyscraper, fully loaded with everything you'd find in a small town: restaurants, shops, beauty services, and businesses. Outside, the Toranomom neighborhood is dedicated to additional skyscrapers and hotels. There's an Audi car dealership across the street and several ramen joints, coffee shops, and a subway line nearby. Loop Road No. 2 (Kanjo Dainigosen) is being completed in front of Toranomon Hills tower. It's slated to become Tokyo’s version of the luxurious Champs-Elysées (high-end boutiques and posh restaurants) and will also lead directly to the 2020 Olympic village. 

There are 156 rooms and eight suites located on the 47th through the 50th floors at Andaz Tokyo. Standard guest rooms are 540 square feet and have enormous windows overlooking the Tokyo skyline and bay. The bedroom is furnished in a slightly retro style with a long gray couch in front of the window, red leather desk chair, and mustard-colored carpet. An abstract dresser and enormous open closet space provide plenty of room to unpack. The bathroom is a real highlight: there's a rainhead shower next to a large onsen-style soaking bathtub. The private water closet holds a Toto toilet and the free toiletries change scents with the seasons. Technology includes electronic drapes, free Wi-Fi and local phone calls, and a flat-screen TV. All rooms have free minibars stocked with snacks, drinks, and espresso (there's a charge for alcohol). Upgrades to other room categories can get guests even more space and even better views. 

The 37th floor of the hotel holds both the relaxing and spacious AO Spa and the fitness center with a swimming pool and locker rooms. Each treatment at the spa comes with a visit to the Blend Bar, where therapists use a variety of organic products and ingredients to mix up a custom hand or foot scrub. Treatment rooms have breathtaking views of the skyline and some include semi-outdoor spaces. The modern fitness center holds Technogym cardio equipment with individual television screens and a variety of free-weights. An attached indoor lap pool is housed under an atrium for natural light and more views of Tokyo. Sophisticated meeting rooms have wooden conference tables and can be set-up with audiovisual equipment. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Free snacks, drinks, and newspapers are available for guests in the large lobby.There's a huge event space on the rooftop that includes indoor and outdoor space. The hotel is a popular spot for weddings. 

The hotel owns and operates two restaurants on the first floor of the Toranomom Hills skyscraper: Pastry Shop and BeBu. BeBu is short for beer and burgers, and offers indoor and outdoor seating for a casual yet gourmet menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches, and sides. Look for the fishcake burger topped with green papaya salad, peanuts, and chili sauce. Pastry Shop overlooks Shintora street and serves a huge variety of baked goods, quiche, and specialty coffees. Upstairs, (way upstairs, on the 51st floor) Andaz Tavern is located just off the lobby. There's a dedicated bar and lounge area, where live music is often presented. Luxurious private dining rooms are available for meetings and events here, too. Adjacent to the bar, on a raised level, is the all-day dining restaurant with a la carte lunches and dinners and a full breakfast buffet with Asian and American items. Fresh juice, made-to-order omelets, cheeses, baguettes, and dim sum are all on offer, for a fee. Finally, the elegant and sophisticated Rooftop Bar is popular with locals and hotel guests. It's a bit hidden; look for the elevator with rabbit statues in front of it. There's a bar area and private lounge, plus ample enclosed outdoor seating and views of Tokyo Tower. Heaters make it a comfortable spot in the winter.