Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

The Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is a gorgeous luxury hotel occupying floors 30 through 38 of the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower. Swish and polished interiors are luxurious, yet in a minimalist way, while the building's glass facade of windows means that there are great views over the city -- and some of Mount Fuji -- throughout the property. Most of the action takes place on the 37th and 38th floors of the hotel, as this is where the restaurants are, offerng everything from Michelin-starred eats to afternoon tea. Check-in takes place in a sleek lobby on the 38th floor, filled with chrome accents and sleek modern art sculptures. While business travelers are the main clientele here, the hotel also gets many leisure tourists. Most tourist guests are single travelers or couples, but kids' features such as child-size amenities in rooms, children's menus, and babysitting services make it a viable option for families, too. 

The Mandarin Oriental is located in Tokoyo's Nihonbashi area, with direct access to the Mitsukoshimae subway station and JR Shin-Nihombashi station from the hotel. There are dining and shopping options in the area, including Mitsukoshi, Japan's oldest department store and one of the largest, which is just a three-minute walk from the hotel. It's about a 10-minute drive or 20 minutes via public transit to the Imperial Palace, while luxury shopping at Ginza Six is less than a 10-minute taxi or metro ride away. Ueno Park, home to several museums, is about 10 minutes away on the Ginza Line, while the Tokyo Tower takes 25 minutes to reach by public transportation, or 10 to 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Narita Airport is about an hour via public transit (around the same by taxi, depending on traffic), while getting to Haneda takes 35 minutes by public transit or cab. 

Rooms and suites are spacious for Tokyo, ranging in size from 538 to 2691 square feet (50 to 250 square meters). Decor is elegant and chic, but restrained, having a sleek, contemporary look garnished with details like suspended bedside lamps that resemble rice paper lanterns, potted orchids, and plush throw cushions in shades of gray or peach. Most units have gray textured carpets and/or light-wood parquet floors that are paired with wooden bed frames, glass-top desks (with office supplies such as scissors, tape, and staplers), and a framed print or two on the walls. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning views over the city -- Mount Fuji or Tokyo Bay are visible from some. Those who don't mind the splurge might want to upgrade to Corner or Presidential Suites for even better panoramic vistas. Suites add living rooms with sofa beds, plus some also have powder rooms. Note that connecting units are also available in some categories. 

Rooms are decked out with modern and thoughtful amenities, including flat-screen TVs with DVD players, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, yukata and terrycloth robes, yoga mats, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are equally sleek, if small in some categories, with walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs, vessel sinks, and a solid assortment of amenities, including hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, scales, and all sorts of toiletries and personal grooming supplies. Some have windows that look out into the main rooms, all with privacy screens. 

The Mandarin Oriental certainly covers its bases when it comes to features, though the lack of a proper pool may be a disappointment for some guests. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is worth a visit for its views alone, due to gorgeous panoramic vistas from treatment rooms and relaxation lounges. Separate male and female facilities here include dry saunas, rain showers, and a "crystal amethyst" steam room with a large chunk of stone at its center. The bright and modern fitness center is illuminated by walls of windows and offers a range of cardio and strength-training machines. It's open 24-hours, plus Pilates classes are available and there's even a Pilates machine.

Business travelers are catered to with free property-wide Wi-Fi, a business center, and 14 meeting rooms. Catering services and wedding planning are available. Parking is available, but it's expensive. Cultural experiences for guests are also offered, including tea ceremonies, tours, and Bushido martial arts lessons.

Dining options here are extensive and impressive, running the gamut from elegant French fine-dining in the Michelin-starred Signature to the more laid-back Pizza Bar on 38th. Other grourmet options include the Michelin-starred Sense, which serves Cantonese fare, and Tapas Molecular Bar, which -- as the name suggests -- focuses on molecular food prep and also has a Michelin star. Casual outlets include Ventaglio, which has a focus on Mediterranean fare, the Sense Tea Corner, which serves teas and pastries during the daytime, and K'shiki, offering a morning breakfast service (for a fee) and Italian food at lunch and dinner. Breakfast is also served at the Oriental Lounge, which offers an afternoon tea service later in the day as well. Private dining is available in the hotel's wine cellar, with French and Cantonese options depending on what guests are after. The Mandarin Bar is the only real bar here, with live jazz music every night except Sunday. There's also the Gourmet Shop on the street level of the building, offering pastries and sandwiches plus street-view seating. Room service is available around the clock.