Surrounded by skyscrapers and designer shopping complexes in the upmarket Marunouchi district, the opulent Shangri-La Tokyo occupies the upper 11 floors of a 37-story tower a stone’s throw from the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, one of the world’s busiest terminals. Lavish chandeliers, unbeatable views, and a 2,000-strong collection of artwork make this place a top option in a city flush with luxury hotels.
When guests emerge from a train car at Tokyo Station, a red-suited staff member will escort them through the labyrinthine walkways to the entrance of the 200-room Shangri-La — expect grand floral arrangements and the hotel chain’s signature heady aroma of ginger and bergamot to hang in the air.
When guests emerge from a train car at Tokyo Station, a red-suited staff member will escort them through the labyrinthine walkways to the entrance of the 200-room Shangri-La — expect grand floral arrangements and the hotel chain’s signature heady aroma of ginger and bergamot to hang in the air.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- In addition to lavish upholstery, gold-flecked paintings and contemporary flower arrangements, the elegant Tokyo hotel is also filled with more than 50 crystal chandeliers, most created by Lasvit in the Czech Republic.
- Design highlights include a dramatic chandelier (almost 39 feet long with nearly half a million crystal beads) that cascades through a sweeping staircase spanning three floors; and elevators that whisk guests from the first-floor entrance to the 28th-floor lobby are adorned with beehive-shaped chandeliers and handlebars sparkling with crystals.
- At odds with Tokyo’s reputation as a city lacking space, Shangri-La is home to some of the largest guestrooms in the capital, ranging from about 540 to 2,900 square feet.
- The contemporary Italian fare featuring seasonal ingredients at the hotel's restaurant Piacere is rivaled only by its grand views over the Imperial Gardens.
- A holistic, healing atmosphere runs through the luxury hotel's CHI, The Spa, which is decked in Eastern décor and features Chinese medicine-inspired, energy-aligning treatments in six private spa suites.
Things to Know
- The fitness center houses workout equipment and an indoor heated swimming pool that gives a bird's eye view of the Tokyo skyline. You'll also find a sauna for men and a private steam sauna for women.
- Shangri-La Tokyo has an array of services for guests, including complimentary shoe shining, laundry and valet. You can also rent the hotel's house car (a BMW i3) and a personal pocket-sized Wi-Fi device.
- There is a popular wedding chapel on the premises with an interior flooded in white light and a large circular chandelier.
The Rooms
- Dark wood panels, plush carpets, calligraphic artworks and rich maroons and neutral hues evoke a luxury Asian ambiance, complete with deluxe touches like 300 thread-count cotton linens and hypoallergenic pillow options.
- Center stage are the sprawling urban views (seen through floor-to-ceiling windows) of landmarks such as Tokyo Skytree, the Imperial Palace gardens and — on a clear day — Mount Fuji.
- A wall of glass in bathrooms let guests take a long soak while enjoying the view. Bath products include Shangri-La’s signature fresh mint toiletries or, for those in the Horizon Club rooms and suites, Bulgari amenities.
The Restaurants
- Signature dishes at the lauded Piacere include spaghettoni alla carbonara, served with egg yolks, crunchy pork cheek and Pecorino cheese. Insider tip: Those looking for a romantic evening should request the private sommelier seats, rumored to have a 100 percent success rate when it comes to marriage proposals.
- Japanese fare is available at Nadaman, developed by a culinary group that dates back to 1830. Here, chef Takehiko Yoshida oversees kaiseki-style banquets, as well as the sushi and teppanyaki counters.
- The Lobby Lounge hosts lavish afternoon teas featuring seasonal ingredients against the soundtrack of live piano music. Cocktails are expertly mixed after dark at the bar beneath a sparkling gingko leaf motif chandelier.
Getting There
1-8-3 Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-8283, Japan
TEL81-3-6739-7888
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
HND (18-24 min)
NRT
