Conrad Tokyo

Guests enter the hotel on the first floor, through a chic lobby decorated with an abstract red sculpture. The wedding chapel, bridal salon, and huge living room-style lobby with couches and a grand piano are on this floor. An elevator bank brings guests up to the 28th floor, where the reception area and TwentyEight Bar are surrounded by enormous windows overlooking Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge in the distance. Views are a common theme at this luxury hotel and the restaurants, public spaces, and rooms all make great use of the skyscraper location. The long reception desk is decorated with pendant lighting and a wood and leather curved bench provides a spot to sit. The hotel's restaurants and meeting rooms are located on this floor, with a second bank of elevators bringing guests to their rooms and the spa above. Each floor has small sculptures of the moon in various cycles from waxing to waning. Modern Japanese decor includes sleek wood, abstract art, and small bonsai trees. 

Kids are welcome here, though the majority of guests are couples and business travelers who appreciate the high-end restaurants and luxe amenities. An on-site wedding chapel and bridal salon on the first floor are popular with local brides. 

The Conrad Tokyo is built on the top 10 floors of a luxury skyscraper in the business-centered neighborhood of Shiodome in Tokyo. The tower itself is home to everything from Starbucks to noodle restaurants to small shops and the Shiodome subway station, making the entire city accessible. Shiodome is mostly centered around business pursuits: It's home to the headquarters of All Nippon Airways, Fujitsu, and Nippon Television. For leisure travelers, Hamarikyu Garden, Tsukiji fish market, and the shopping mecca of Ginza are all within a 20-minute walk of the hotel. Expect to pay for both valet and self-parking at the hotel. 

There are 289 rooms and suites at the Conrad Tokyo and each is spotless, stylish, and spacious (they're some of the largest luxury rooms in Tokyo). Decor is contemporary with Asian touches such as soft carpeting decorated with cherry blossoms, partial wood-paneled walls, and substantial wooden furniture. A plush, white Eames-style chair is pushed into a circular table and a long green couch in front of the window is topped with cheery blue pillows. In the entryway, a wooden table holds a tiny bonsai tree. Twin Room Bay View Rooms overlook the Tokyo Bay from floor-to-ceiling windows. Peekaboo bathrooms have wooden blinds for those that want privacy. Large soaking tubs, double bowl sinks, a rainhead shower, and private water closet make up the bathrooms. Aromatherapy toiletries and plush bathrobes are nice extras. Each room comes standard with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, electric kettle, free bottles of water, and a full minibar.

Upgrade to the Executive Level Rooms for access to the Executive Lounge which includes free breakfast, free booze, and free snack presentations in a gorgeous, private lounge with sweeping views and a fireplace. Perks include expedited check-in and check-out as well as a private concierge.

Features at Conrad Tokyo are as well-thought out and upscale as the guest rooms. Mizuki Spa (Mizuki means water moon in Japanese) has 10 treatment rooms (no surprise that many of them have more epic views of the city skyline) and a nail room. Organic products and a Hinoki wood bath add to the relaxed ambiance, as does the light scent of vanilla and juniper. Full locker rooms include whirlpool tubs, showers, lockers, a steam room, and a sauna. Guests are treated to Black Bean tea and sweets after treatments, which range from massages to facials to anti-cellulite sessions. A large fitness center includes modern equipment, fresh fruit, and a small aerobics studio for group classes. The indoor pool under an atrium provides a spot to swim laps or relax on elegant furniture. Note that Tokyo residents can pay for a membership to use the pool and fitness center, though the facilities don't get crowded. Personal trainers and classes such as yoga and dance are available.

Hotel weddings are popular in Tokyo, and the Conrad Tokyo has a gorgeous white wedding chapel and separate bridal salon for hair and makeup on the big day. Business guests should know there's an on-site business center with computers, printers, and a copy machine along with several professional meeting rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. 

Tokyo is a city that takes its cuisine seriously, and the Conrad is no exception to the rule. A substantial breakfast buffet is served every morning in the dining room at Collage. Offerings include made-to-order eggs and pancakes, cheeses, fresh fruits, pastries, and Asian favorites like miso soup. The dining room is exceptionally elegant and has stunning floor-to-ceiling windows. Collage also serves a la carte European fare for business casual lunches and dinners. There's a wonderful multiple course tasting menu for dinner with a French twist, which can be served in a private dining room.

Cerise (means cherry in French) is the casual but still upscale all-day-dining option, located just in front of Collage. Guests can enjoy the breakfast buffet in this dining room accented with cherry sculptures and bookshelves. The menu here focuses on salads, sandwiches, and steaks. It's a good spot for a fast bite.

China Blue has earned Michelin stars and is the spot for a formal (yet fun) business dinner or over-the-top romantic meal. The views of Hamarikyu Garden and Tokyo Bay are some of the best in the hotel and the dining room is beautifully decorated with a two-story glass wine cellar and display case of Chinese herbs.

For Japanese food with a contemporary twist (and several traditional private dining rooms) try Kazahana. This is the spot for authentic sushi, Kaiseki, and Teppan dishes. Watch chefs effortlessly cook ingredients from counter seating in front of huge windows overlooking Tokyo Bay. 

TwentyEight bar is located on the 28th floor, just in front of the reception desk. It has corner windows, amazing views, and a stylish clientele. Smoking is allowed in part of the bar, which is a turn-off for some. Afternoon tea is a popular choice.