I’m going to Japan this summer, staying 4 nights in Tokyo, have been reading every thread on the top stays in town(most seem 1y+ old) so would love some up to date views. Every time I think i chose a hotel some comment crops up that completely destroys it.
I thought I was set on Aman, but there’s an explosive post on money laundering via maureberger that is now putting us off the property.
So what are the best choices?
I’m looking for a sky scraper with dramatic views (stayed a night at Bellustar 2 years ago and the views are hard to beat but wanted to try something different and “more famous” but struggling to find somewhere worth it). I know it’s in Shinjuku, i love that actually :). I’m not a massive fan of tokyo station area bc it’s very corporate and quiet but the best options are there.
Views from room and from the breakfast area and the breakfast quality are super important to me (ideally not a massive buffet area filled with people).
Mandarin - looks nice (and this is currently the one i’m leaning towards) but i keep seeing posts saying it’s dated. People seem in two complete opposite minds about the concierge. Sounds like breakfast is good and the views are nice
FS otemachi - stayed at quite a few FSs and the room vibe is starting to feel a bit repetitive. Some reviews say it’s good, others that it’s too packed and too international
Bulgari - i like it, husband not so much, we both worry it’s too italian and not enough of a we’re in japan vibe
Ritz carlton - really like the location, the views, but breakfast sounds very buffet focused, i don’t want the experience to feel like going to a canteen. Other than that haven’t heard very outstanding things about it. Happy to be proven wrong bc like I said, location and views seem nice.
Peninsula - seems to be very hate or love it with people saying it’s old and rundown..
Andaz - some people find it mega run down, and heard super bad comments on the breakfast, i don’t think the rooms look super nice (very small windows), though the main areas are nice and it’s the highest one.
Edition - just doesn’t seem at the same level as the others, andaz gives me the same impression.
Aman (and therefore janu) - see the article on them.. https://www.reddit.com/r/FATTravel/s/DBNcMSxNlT
Bellustar - not as prestige as the others in terms of a full facilities set, but it’s a really strong hotel - new, good rooms with inceedible views, elegant and quiet breakfast. But surely there has to be something better.
Anyone who’s visited these places recently and has stayed in similar properties, what are your opinions?
Also this is not me trying to nitpick at all, these are my findings and i look forward to updated views.