This article by Jenny Nguyen-Barron originally appeared in ForbesLife. Read the original here.

An elevator ride to the top of Tokyo’s swanky new Toranomon Hills tower will probably have your ears popping from the sudden increase in altitude but it’ll also have your eyes popping once you set sight on the dramatic, art filled lobby of the Andaz Tokyo hotel. A stunning design collaboration between New York based Tony Chi and local designer Shinichiro Ogata, the end result is visually harmonious. Both designers take influence from contemporary European style and a minimalist yet equally sumptuous Japanese aesthetic.

Soft, natural and luxurious touches like washi paper and Hokkaido walnut wood are seen all over ”“ reminding guests that this is no ordinary hotel, but one where no expense is spared and no detail is left unconsidered.

THE ROOMS

Each room at Andaz Tokyo is a continuation of the lavish natural design characteristics rooted in Japanese aesthetics. The bathrooms are wooden enclaves fitted out with deep Japanese soaking tubs that reference Japan’s traditional bathing culture, only now, with all the mod cons.

While details like the minibar stocked with complimentary high-end Japanese confectioneries and the custom-built walnut console containing lighting options for every mood are certainly appealing, the real attraction is each room’s astonishing view. Floor to ceiling windows provide sweeping, completely unobstructed city views from one of Tokyo’s tallest buildings. So dizzyingly high that you’re likely to experience a case of vertigo as you approach the window’s edge.

FOOD & DRINK

The food and drink program certainly doesn’t take a back seat especially with the breakfast buffet ”“ an affair to remember with exotic, colorful fruits and delicacies from Japan and beyond. Breakfast should be enjoyed at least once during your stay preferably by a window overlooking the metropolis you’re about to embark on.

After a busy day touring Tokyo, a complimentary Japanese aperitivo waiting for you in the guest area of the lobby is a welcome sight that conjures up a scene inside an upper crust members club. If your day calls for the stronger stuff, simply step over to the lobby bar (or weather permitting, the rooftop bar) for an expertly shaken cocktail. Andaz Tokyo’s cocktail lounge may be a younger sister to the famed Park Hyatt bar but it’s our premonition that there’s only a matter of time before the global glamorati start migrating over to Toranomon Hills in search of cocktails with a side of contemporary style.

http://tokyo.andaz.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

Andaz Tokyo
Japan, Tokyo, Minato, Toranomon, 1−23−4
虎ノ門ヒルズ森タワー
+81 3-6830-1234

The Andaz King Room’s floor to ceiling windows make the views a front and center feature ”“ Photo: Courtesy of Andaz Tokyo

The lavish living quarters of the Andaz Tokyo’s Suite ”“ Photo: Courtesy of Andaz Tokyo

Hokkaido Walnut details inside an Andaz Tokyo King room ”“ Photo: Courtesy of Andaz Tokyo

Entryway into an Andaz Tokyo guestroom is like a walnut enclave ”“ Photo: Courtesy of Andaz Tokyo

The most impressive hotel view in Tokyo and possibly the world can be found at Andaz Tokyo ”“ Photo: Courtesy of Andaz Tokyo

Intricate washi paper artworks by Tetsuya Nagata adorn each elevator at Andaz Tokyo ”“ Photo: Courtesy of Andaz Tokyo

Entry into the AO Spa Club designed by Shinichiro Ogata ”“ Photo: Nacása & Partners Inc.

The AO Spa Club pool boasts sweeping views over Tokyo ”“ Photo: Nacása & Partners Inc.

Jenny is Melting Butter’s Founding Editor. She’s NYC based via Melbourne, London and Amsterdam. Her hotspot recommendations have also appeared in The Observer, ForbesLife, Belle Magazine, National Geographic Traveler Magazine and Gotham Magazine. Read about Jenny’s favourite hotspots here

(Feature Image: Andaz Tokyo’s lobby dining area designed by Toni Chi ”“ Photo: Courtesy of Andaz Tokyo)

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