Originally Posted by
MikeFromTokyo
I agree that MO has some of the best overall F&B in the city, but I would argue that the Ritz-Carlton's restaurants, especially the Japanese dining venues at Hinokizaka and Frech restaurant Azure 45, could give Mandarin Oriental a run for its money.
Considering that you will be traveling with an infant, if possible, I would suggest looking at entry level suites as opposed to rooms (or possibility of upgrade into such suites). Club access may be less important if traveling with a baby. I can imagine it would be nicer and more relaxing to order room seevice and stay in one's own suite, in which case you would not need to have club access at R-C.
It's also not impossible to find yourself upgraded to club level if booking a suite at R-C, alghough that is certainly not guaranteed. A good TA could possibly work out a great deal (e.g. confirmed upgrade, club access, etc...) for you under the right circumstances.
Thanks for the info, Mike.
As you pointed out, club level is probably not something that we would use a great deal since traveling with infant. We hope to explore Tokyo (it seems like location between RC and MO is not such a big deal given both are near subway lines), eat lots of food and when we aren't doing that, spend some time relaxing in the hotel.
Is there a big/noticeable difference in service between RC and MO if staying in entry-level rooms / non-club levels? With the pricing as is currently, we'd prob be looking at the entry level Deluxe rooms at RC or MO. We would be booking through a Virtuoso/Fan/STARS agent so may get an upgrade (as well as breakfast etc), but I imagine this would at most be one category to a room with a better view.
We are leaning towards RC just because the rate is a bit cheaper and the newly refurbished rooms do look a lot nicer than previously int terms of colour schemes etc, but if the MO has noticeably better service (just things like remembering you at breakfast vs being asked room number each day) then that might sway us there. I'm sure we will be very happy with whatever we choose!