Perched at the top of the second-tallest building in the city, the Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills connects past, present, and future by combining its location in one of Tokyo’s oldest neighborhoods with a resolutely modern design. I had the pleasure of spending a night in this establishment a few months ago and was lucky to have one of the best views of the city right from my room! More on my 24 hours in one of the most fashionable establishments in Tokyo below!
A brand from the Hyatt group, Andaz opened its Tokyo establishment in June 2014. For their 12th hotel out of a total of 18 worldwide, Andaz chose the Toranomon Hills neighborhood, one of Tokyo’s oldest districts which is currently experiencing a renaissance in preparation for the 2020 Olympics. Close to the center, this location is perfect for exploring other parts of Tokyo.
Perched at the Top of 52 Floors…
Located in the second-tallest building in the city at about 52 floors, Andaz Tokyo occupies the top six floors. On the 51st floor we discovered the lounge, a fluid space without an immense counter, allowing for a convivial and personalized greeting. We were offered a welcome drink before continuing with the usual procedures in this space which acts as the heart of the hotel, where guests can help themselves to drinks and snacks at any time of day. This modern, open-minded vision of luxury hospitality certainly made an impression on us!
Modern Japanese Design
We owe this hotel’s bold, artsy design to two architecture firms: Tony Chi & Associates, based in New York, took on the rooms and restaurants, while SIMPLICITY from Tokyo designed the spa, rooftop, and Andaz Studios. These two distinct universes blend together for the perfect representation of modern Japanese design. The overall look offers a glimpse of the past while remaining rooted in the present, but one thing is certain ‒ there are elements of Japanese culture everywhere. It’s impossible to imagine you’re anywhere in the world but Tokyo when you stay at the Andaz!
My Room: An Incredible View!
Of the hotel’s 164 rooms, only eight are suites. This might have something to do with the respectable size of the rooms, which already start at 50 m² in the smallest category. My room featured a sophisticated design: omnipresent wood elements, a green carpet reminiscent of nature, rust-colored armchairs, and immaculate walls. The spacious bathroom displayed influences from Japanese bath culture, with a gorgeous round bathtub that I absolutely adored! Through the large picture windows, I had the chance to admire one of the most spectacular views of the city including the Tokyo Tower, an emblematic monument that lights up after nightfall.
The AO Spa & Club: An Urban Oasis for Relaxation
As soon as you arrive, you’ll come face-to-face with a counter boldly displaying the spa’s concept. It’s adorned by an array of fresh herbs, plants, fruits, spices, and oils that the therapists use for their treatments. Guests are then invited to make their way into the wellness center, featuring a 20-meter indoor pool for the perfect opportunity to relax. In this serene universe where you can enjoy the view of the imperial garden, five treatment rooms are available for massages and other services using products from brands like Kotoshina, Biologique Recherche, and Elemental Herbology.
My Dinner at The Tavern - Grill & Lounge
Andaz Tokyo’s signature restaurant, The Tavern - Grill & Lounge, specializes in grilled food. Here, diners can indulge in the best of Japanese meat accompanied by local, seasonal ingredients, all showcased in a resolutely modern style. This is where we discovered “snow-aged beef,” or beef that has been preserved in a snow-filled depot in the Niigata region. This 200 year-old preservation technique enhances the meat’s flavors, and we were certainly impressed with our “Hokkaido snow-aged Chateaubriand F1” ‒ a delight for our taste buds!
In terms of the room’s design, large picture windows offer guests a spectacular view, while the omnipresence of wood accents lend a warm feeling to the dining space. A superb wooden sculpture with complex geometric shapes is suspended above the restaurant, bringing an extra touch of modernity.
For a more casual evening, the restaurant BeBu (short for “Beer and Burgers”) is the place to go. If you’re looking for Japanese cuisine, head for The Sushi, a small bar with only eight seats where chef Toshihiro Watanabe is given free rein to offer an authentic experience. You can continue the evening at the Rooftop Bar, where a semi-open terrace perched up on the 52nd floor is the ideal spot for sipping on a creative cocktail while admiring the view of the Rainbow Bridge.
The Verdict
The Andaz Tokyo is one of the most fabulous luxury establishments in the Japanese capital. Its bold, fashionable look and exceptional panorama overlooking the Tokyo Tower completely won me over. This hotel is charming a new generation of travelers who enjoy the combination of modern and traditional influences, perfectly executed in the building’s design. The AO Spa is along the same lines, both original and contemporary, as is the signature restaurant, the Tavern Grill & Lounge, where we spent an unforgettable evening with an incredibly flavorful dinner. A trendy hotel that’s at the top of its game!
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About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.