Aventine

If Aman were on their game, they'd make it that your Tokyo stay would somehow make up for the previous mistakes at Puri. Not sure how likely that is to happen so I say stay at MO and put that money into drinks, food and shopping.

mike_la_jolla

I just had dinner at the MO last week based on the raves here on FT. I would warn any potential customer that this hotel allows smoking EVERYWHERE and the fumes permeate everything. I will avoid the MO on that issue alone. Also, I found the F&B to be poor. The famous award winning drink, the Nihonbashi, is watery and tasteless. But it does look pretty.

I do not share your opinion of the Andaz but I was in an entry level room. The Andaz did not upgrade me, claiming to 'be full'. The entry level room is inadequate for even a cheap Sofitel, let alone a hotel of this supposed caliber. I found the F&B to be mediocre at best.

Kagehitokiri

mike_la_jolla, which restaurants? (7+ at MO)

MO does not have pool
MO 50m2 vs aman 71m2

aman vs MO >

mike_la_jolla

Mandarin Bar. It was awful. I have to assume the other restaurants are better (?).

Kagehitokiri

kind of different from fine dining, tasting menus, private dining

bay / tower / park are same size
8 suites in 3 categories (2 sizes)
164 rooms total is not that big

mike_la_jolla

Not sure what you mean. I'm in Tokyo on business. When I've returned to the hotel I'm tired, jet-lagged and in no mood for a 52-course meal stretched over 7.5 hours. I always eat at the bar when I'm traveling. And that is how I am going to judge the F&B .... by what I can get at the bar ...

Kagehitokiri

some of us know that, but when there are 7 restaurants (excluding bar) "F&B" is not exactly clear

decent luxury properties should serve off menu, and top luxury properties serve any menu anywhere

curious to see reports for hoshinoya, each floor has 6 rooms (incl 83m2 kiku) and private lounge area

MikeFromTokyo

FWIW, I am one of the cigar smokers at MO when I stay there... it's Japan, not California. I also have dined countless times at the hotel's signature restaurants, and have never had a problem with smoke, which I also do not like while eating.

I recall that mike_la_jolla did not like Andaz, which is partly why I posted the disclaimer that I recieve unusually good treatment at this property, so cannot really objectively comment on service. I've also never stayed in any of the standard room categories. I think that makes a difference. It's an hotel that works for me, but not necessarily for everyone.

I think R-C club level is peerless. Ritz-Carlton is very good for people who do not like smoke. Smoking is only allowed at bar areas. I don't even know if they have smoking rooms or suites, as I never book them for myself.

MO and R-C are such properties. What you want when and where you want it, period. However, of course special orders from specific outlets could be difficult if outside of kitchen operating time. But, unlike some hotels like the Peninsula Tokyo, they do their very best to fulfill any request without batting an eyelash.

I just read this. Of course the smokers are in the BAR. It's so funny to me how Americans, and especially Californians, will travel the world and assume they are entitled to a smoke free environment in a bar or restaurant. That isn't the case in Japan. Guests at that bar have every right to smoke, and people who don't like it have the right to sit and order their drinks elsewhere

BlackHappy

I was thrown a curveball when my wife said that she wanted to tag along with our infant for my Tokyo trip next month. I'm currently booked at RC-Club level but wondering if anyone has suggestions/experience with infants at these hotels.

That said, I don't find Tokyo to be very baby friendly (especially at restaurants, transportation, etc), so there's still a chance that they won't come!

MattEvan

Tapas Bar Molecular is awful. Avoid at all costs. Major Michelin star baited tourist trap.

mike_la_jolla

We don't like dress codes either ...

MikeFromTokyo

At least in that regard the Japanese hotels are not bad. In future, just have dinner in any of the restaurants instead of the bar and I assure you smoke will not be a problem.

I am still laughing about your recounter of the ridiculous dress code "enforcement" at the Savoy. And it's not as though it's even a good enough hotel to justify that kind of pretense.

United747

While I liked my stay at the MO, I would try something next time. But I enjoyed Mandarin Bar, but was surprised at the smoke smell when walking into the hotel the first time.

Didn't notice anything re dress code either.

MattEvan

Conrad lobby also reeks of cigarette smoke, at almost all hours.

lost_in_translation

I just had my second stay there at the weekend, was good the first time, this time even better with some of the small issues I experienced previously ironed out. The hotel is physically stunning, possibly the most beautiful in Tokyo.