Hotel Reviews

Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

Location: Occupying the top nine floors and the first three levels of the Roppongi District’s 53-storey Midtown Tower — Tokyo’s tallest building — the hotel is bang in the middle of the city’s entertainment, diplomatic and business hubs. The Midtown complex means an extraordinary array of shops and eateries and, best of all, the subway is practically as close to your room as the reception desk. Narita Airport trains take 50 minutes to Tokyo Station (¥3,000/€25). From there, Roppongi is a 15-minute, ¥160 (€1.35) trip. Don’t think of getting a cab from the airport. Seriously, don’t even think about it.


Ambience: Plush without feeling overstuffed, the jaw-dropping views give this two-year-old hotel an airy feel. Guests are as exquisitely embellished as their surroundings; whether petite princesses with sashimi-sized handbags or the expenses-buttressed business set.


Guestrooms: 248 rooms and suites: beds are large and Frette-covered; bathrooms large and marble; and flat-screen TVs large and Sony BRAVIA. Views make the rooms spacious, which are big only by Japanese standards. Club rooms have access to the club lounge, which has superb daily spreads — unless we inadvertently crashed one of the hotel’s many weddings.


Service: In theory, considering that R-C’s biggest selling point is its service, opening a hotel in the world’s most service-obsessed city would be a challenge. This is met with aplomb, from the telepathic greeters, walkers and smilers to the world’s slickest luggage handlers and taxi dispatchers. 


Can I work here? Wired and wireless high-speed internet access is complimentary throughout. There is 1,100m² of meeting and conference space — including a ballroom — and a dedicated Conference Service team. 


Can I live here? Happily, between the 2,000m² spa (with its 20m pool) and the Michelin-starred traditional Japanese restaurant Hinokizaka. There’s also modern French cuisine in Forty Five restaurant and a street-level deli.


Worth Noting: As with all luxury Tokyo hotels, you will get better deals contacting the hotel directly – particularly so in this economic climate. The proximity to the Midtown complex is a plus: there are few places pleasanter (if not more expensive) for emergency business gifts or souvenirs.


+81 3 3423 8000; www.ritzcarlton.com

W, Hong Kong

Location: In West Kowloon, in what will be the world’s third largest building. The upscale Elements mall is part of the mixed-use complex, as is an Airport Express station (a 25-minute journey). Though the view of Hong Kong is great, if you’re doing business on Hong Kong Island the cab ride is a pain.


Ambience: Funky and contemporary but it tries a bit too hard. The “Whatever/Whenever” concept (call the operator at anytime and they’ll pander to your every whim, as long as it’s legal) should be a given in a five-star and after a few days its just annoying to have the phone answered in that way.


Guestrooms: The 393 rooms, many of which have impressive harbour views, have dreamy beds, high-speed Wi-Fi (charged for), Bliss Spa amenities, rain showers, plasma TVs, iPod dock and a munchie box. At W you don’t request standard rooms, but Wonderful, Spectacular or Fabulous. Suite names are even sillier: Fantastic, Marvellous, WOW and ExtremeWOW. (Imagine a businessperson asking for a WOW room.) Nevertheless, compared with the serious Chicago and San Francisco Ws, this is in a different league.


Service: The concierge staff are excellent. They scored “impossible” tables at restaurants and even retrieved a lost cell phone from the back of a cab. 


Can I work here? The in-room desk is more like a long, deep vanity counter, but its fine for sending a few emails. Unless you’re in a suite, the rooms are more e-party than e-work. The Wi-Fi is free in public spaces though and the bar is good for casual meetings. For grander scale business, they do have an impressive 930m2 of function space and state-of-the-art kit.


Can I live here? Kitchen, with its deli-style open kitchen, works brilliantly and the long communal table is perfect for solo travellers. Fire is grander and has “private” dining areas for those who really want to be seen: viewing slats and red glass make this a real see-and-be-seen joint. The Light My Fire cocktail, made with fresh chilli, will knock you sideways — in a good way. The 24-hour gym, Sweat, is well equipped and locker rooms feature saunas and steam rooms plus an infinity hot tub with amazing 73rd-floor views.