Toranomon is a bustling and prosperous business district of Tokyo and central amidst it is the well-designed skyscraper that houses the Andaz Hotel. This Hyatt brand is relatively new and it’s geared to younger and fashionable travelers seeking a hotel that is luxurious and hip at the same time.

This combination can be hard to get right in Japan’s capital, as luxury usually equals stodgy here. However, it seems that Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills has perfected this combination. The hotel is a hit among its target market, and this particular Andaz is generally considered by the hotel industry to be the best Andaz property in the world.

LIFE AT ANDAZ TOKYO TORANOMON HILLS

We checked in on a winter weekday amidst COVID-19, expecting the hotel to be quiet. There was a pandemic raging after all. Instead, it seemed that many people had the same idea as us : to escape the uneasiness of the world, to the comfort and safety of the Andaz Tokyo.

We took the elevator up to the lobby and walked into modern wood-paneled space full of people either checking in or checking out. This is a lifestyle hotel, however, so guests usually do not line up at the front desk. Instead, we sat in a nice lounge with other guests, observing proper social distancing and sipping acerola drinks while check-in formalities were undertaken.

TOKYO AT OUR FEET

“How civilized,” my companion said, as we sat in one of the booth tables observing everyone coming and going. When registration was done, we were shown our room on the 51st floor, which is the non-smoking floor. We had a corner deluxe room which was so spacious that other hotels would have called this a suite. The walk-in bathroom had a large bathtub in a separate room, and this was already the size of the room itself.

The bedroom itself was the kind of hotel room you can stay in all day. Rectangular in size, it had floor-to-ceiling windows offering the most incredible views of a different side of Tokyo from the usual. Even the view of Tokyo Tower was from a new and refreshing angle for me altogether.

Yes, we had a view of Tokyo Tower, so you now probably understand why we felt we had the city in front of us and never needed to go out. There are so many wonderful restaurants and food shops in this neighborhood as the Toranomon district has a food culture of its own, known mostly to locals only. But nothing could tempt us to head out. We had the kind of room to order every meal in, and especially breakfast which allows you to watch the city wake up over yoghurt and eggs Benedict.

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SIMPLE & HIP STYLE

The interiors too are simple, hip and stylish. A long banquette set against a mirrored wall partners with an equally long wooden table so that you can sit and work or read here while enjoying the views. This replaces the typical hotel seating furniture of other hotels.

Perhaps the best part about the room — which already has way too many great things about it — is the massive bed which is perfectly made. Housekeeping is definitely on its toes here as the sheets are wonderful and there is not a single crease in sight. The effects of this wonderful bed were immediate. I had some of my most restful nights here at the Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills.

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On our last night at the Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, we booked a table for drinks at the rooftop bar. Andaz hotels are quite famous for their rooftop bars. The rooftop bar of the Andaz Singapore, for instance. with its plants and cozy seating, is one of the best places to unwind in the Lion City — for those in the know.

Similarly, the rooftop bar of the Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills is the go-to place not only for guests, but for locals in-the-know. The trek is something of a maze, as you will need two elevators to get there from the street level. Along the way, you’ll pass the lobby, a restaurant, a chapel and a narrow and winding walkway that will make you wonder temporarily if you have taken a wrong turn and are heading for the maintenance room.

HOW TO GET TO THE ROOFTOP BAR

However, the effort to get to the rooftop bar is worth it. You will find yourself in a cavernous space of dark wood and bright lights with the feel of a Hollywood film set and unparalleled views of Tokyo. When seated, the ceiling is so high that you will wonder whether there is actually one at all. It turns out that your hunch was right.

The rooftop bar is semi-open air as there is an open portion that allows air to enter and to circulate all year round. This is particularly important now for safety amidst the COVID19 pandemic, and perhaps this is why this bar is reportedly always comfortably full. Social distancing can be properly observed and the ceiling heights allow guests to relax and not think much about whether they are seated in the air stream of the guests in the next table.

BEST PLACE FOR PARTIES IN TOKYO

“This is perfect for private celebrations, corporate events or for group drinks,” my companion said. We got the corner table so we had the panoramic view of the bar. Indeed, it’s a great venue for a casual get-together in a special place that can be as exciting or as romantic as you wish it to be. It’s probably got the best up close and personal view of Tokyo Tower as well, out of any hotel.

The music when we were there was upbeat and cool, as were the guests and the wait staff. The bar team, for example, is young and enthusiastic. They could all have been extras on a movie set, which probably adds to the Hollywood feeling. They’re also happy to recommend nice cocktails, in case you can’t pick the right one for you from the lengthy menu of drinks.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU?

Meanwhile, the bar chow is short but very sweet. We ordered several items and everything was delicious. The wagyu sliders and the chicken nuggets seem to be everyone’s favorite — so this should give you an idea of the casual but stylish vibe of this rooftop bar.

Then there’s the X factor of the experience. Prices are reasonable and yet for a few hours you’re afforded the opportunity to go somewhere you’ve never been and literally feel on top of the world.

Read more about the best hotels in Japan in Travelife Magazine.

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The coronavirus pandemic has presented all kinds of challenges for luxury hotels. Those who have managed to stay open at all — or to reopen after a lockdown hiatus — have their work cut out. They must now grapple with the task of offering up the luxury experience in as safe and satisfactory a manner as possible.

Many hotels have become quite creative in this regard. Understandably, few relish the idea of disappointing their guests amidst COVID-19. At the Andaz Toranomon Hills in Tokyo, a top-class hotel under the lifestyle brand of the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, guests can avail of optional in-room afternoon tea and in-room cocktails.

This hotel is sleek and lovely, and it has stylish minimalist rooms. It’s created with a younger affluent traveler in mind. So it’s really the brighter and more hip sister of the elegant Park Hyatt hotels.

WHERE TO EAT IN TOKYO

Considering the hotel only has a flagship restaurant for all day dining and a sushi bar on its rooftop, afternoon tea via room service sounded like a sensible and stress-free option. This is an incredibly popular hotel. So guests are constantly coming and going and the guest lounge which offers complimentary drinks is always full of happy campers.

Meanwhile, the main restaurant is busy all day long. So refreshments in the privacy of my suite, with a view of Tokyo Tower, was too good to pass up.

CELEBRATING HALLOWEEN IN 2020

As it was the Halloween weekend, the Andaz chefs put a touch of quirky and scary into the trays that were wheeled into the suite. So even someone like me, who doesn’t think about October 31st much is suddenly observing this holiday even in a small way. Amidst COVID-19, this is actually a big deal. Anything harking back to normalcy and pre-pandemic days offers cause for celebration in this world turned upside down.

The artful afternoon feast began with shot glasses of foaming drinks in purple and green hues. This was a most appropriate start. Glasses clinked and liquids downed, we then proceeded to feast on tiny hamburgers with smiling eyes and chocolate pastries shaped like graves. As we did this, we recalled ghost stories from childhood. Between exchanging tales of the macabre, we paused every so often to look out at the wonderful views that our corner room at the Andaz Toranomon Hills Tokyo offered.

SURREAL AND WONDERFUL

The pandemic was racing through much of the world like a wildfire taking no prisoners. Cities and countries were on lockdown. Life was far from normal for millions. And yet there we were ensconced in this spacious luxury with trays of goodies almost too beautiful to eat. Some of these grinning right back at us. This was far from normal too. In fact, everything about that afternoon was surreal, albeit in a most wonderful way.

Read more about the best hotels and resorts in Japan in Travelife Magazine.

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