Luxury Hotels - Shangri-La or Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Hello!

My partner and I will be returning to tokyo for six nights at the end of May. Aside from the SL & MO we've considered the pen, park hyatt, and FS Marunouchi but ruled them out, though open to it if anyone could place a good argument :p. Would anyone have a good comparison between the SL & MO?

Both the SL & MO are part of the visa signature hotel program, whereas the SL is not part of the amex FHR program. Do any of you have experience with what is considered a "room upgrade" and all the other said benefits?

Both hotels look like outstanding properties, what's important to us is customer service, location, quality of rooms, and spa/fitness.

Also, we will be arriving quite late into HND (22:30) and departing early (6:00). Are there public transport issues at these times? Hotel car is close to $400US and cabs $100+ each way...

Thanks for all your tips!

I don't think a cab to/from HND will cost $100 each way, even given that Tokyo cab fares are 20% higher between 11pm and 5am. More like $70, and there is no tipping. The MO would be cheaper to get to than the Shang.

The issue on late night and early morning transport for HND has been discussed extensively in the FT Japan forum, you should check there. The trains should still be running for your arrival if you keep moving through the system, but not for your departure. There are some late night/early morning airport busses at a premium charge (but still cheaper than a taxi for 2 people).

Any Tokyo luxury hotel experience will be outstanding. There are threads in this forum comparing the various Tokyo luxury hotels. Do a search, maybe you can get it to work for you (I rarely can get search on FT to work for me!).

Hello!

My partner and I will be returning to tokyo for six nights at the end of May. Aside from the SL & MO we've considered the pen, park hyatt, and FS Marunouchi but ruled them out, though open to it if anyone could place a good argument :p. Would anyone have a good comparison between the SL & MO?

Both the SL & MO are part of the visa signature hotel program, whereas the SL is not part of the amex FHR program. Do any of you have experience with what is considered a "room upgrade" and all the other said benefits?

Both hotels look like outstanding properties, what's important to us is customer service, location, quality of rooms, and spa/fitness.

Also, we will be arriving quite late into HND (22:30) and departing early (6:00). Are there public transport issues at these times? Hotel car is close to $400US and cabs $100+ each way...

Thanks for all your tips!

I would choose the Mandarin Oriental. The food and beverage is the best in Tokyo (among the luxury hotels), and the views are among the best as well. The Nihombashi Mitsui Tower, which houses the Mandarin Oriental, is located away from the neighboring skyscrapers of Marunouchi allowing for unobstructed views of the entire Tokyo Skyline.

I would recommend a Corner Room if you want panoramic views, but these feel less spacious than the other rooms. If you do take a corner room, request a high floor, as the views from the corner rooms on the lowest floor of the hotel are partially obstructed due to the buildings tapered design.

For a truly spacious room, choose a Premier Grand room. These rooms all face to the west and have excellent views. The hardwood flooring, carpeting, and fabrics used add warmth to these rooms.

The Deluxe rooms are spacious, starting at 50 square meters. The three deluxe categories have essentially the same layout; the only difference is the type of view.

Shangri-la is located very nearby, and can be seen out the windows of the Mandarin Oriental. The f&b is also excellent at the Shangri-La at Piacere and Nadaman. At the Shangri-la, the Premeir rooms are the best, especially those with corner locations. Good points about the Shangri-la would be the option of club floor accommodation, and the swimming pool.

Both hotels, IMO have good spa and fitness facilities. The Mandarin Oriental has no swimming pool, but does have shared Japanese style baths, steam, and sauna facilities.

These are some great tips. Thank you! Would you notice any service differences between the two?

These are some great tips. Thank you! Would you notice any service differences between the two?

In my opinion the service is good at both hotels, although most of my recent experience has been with the Mandarin Oriental. One difference is the option of club level accommodation at the Shangri-la, which must provide very personalized service given the small number of club rooms and suites.