The global hospitality chain Aman may be synonymous with laid-back five-star luxury resorts, but the group’s latest foray into city hotels is a success for executive travellers.
Aman Tokyo is situated on the top six floors of the impressive Otemachi tower in the heart of the Japanese capital. Otemachi is a stone’s throw from Tokyo Station.
The hotel is a calm oasis away from the busy streets below – a large impressive stone-clad foyer with a ceiling six storeys high is lined in traditional Japanese washi paper. The foyer also houses an Italian fine dining restaurant, complete with private dining rooms for more intimate business meetings.
There is also a long bar that serves all-day afternoon teas with views out to Mount Fuji (on a clear day) and the Imperial Palace Gardens.
The hotel also has two business venues for hire – a boardroom that comfortably accommodates 18 with all the technological connectivity you would expect and a smaller functional meeting room that can accommodate up to six.
There is no business centre, but there are computers in the library and faxing or copying requests can be handled by reception.
The 84 ultra-modern rooms and suites have panoramic views of the city. They draw inspiration from the Japanese aesthetic, such as a large furo (a deep soaking tub and a core part of the Japanese ritual of bathing) in the bathroom.
The entry level rooms are spacious, at 71 square metres, and the suites range between 141 and 157 square metres. All rooms are equipped with a writing desk, free and fast Wi-Fi and international plug sockets and connections between computer and TV.
One downside though – it’s a five to 10-minute walk to the vibrant Nihonbashi district, where many of the shops and restaurants are located.
But while it’s primarily a business hotel, there are still hints of the Aman signature resort service here such as being welcomed with a cold towel and drink during check-in.
q&a luxury at luxurious price
How much for a night?
It’s on the pricey side – a deluxe room will set you back ¥142,580 (Dh4,933) including taxes and fees, while the most basic suite will cost ¥203,600 per night.
How far is the hotel from the airport?
Aman Tokyo is 20 kilometres from Tokyo’s central Haneda Airport, and 60km from Narita International Airport. Both offer excellent public transport links to the nearby Tokyo Station. Aman Tokyo also has a house limousine that is available on request.
How much for room service?
A club sandwich will set you back ¥2,600, while a Japanese burger costs ¥2,900. A fresh orange and grapefruit juice costs ¥1,200.
What other in-room services are there?
There are tea and coffee-making facilities in the room along with Aman-branded toiletries and toothbrushes. A laundry service is available, and while there is no in-room trouser press you can request this service along with ironing and shoe shining.
Is the gym any good? The hotel gym is part of the spa and well equipped with fantastic views of the city. It features state-of-the-art cardio and weight training machines as well as a yoga and Pilates studios. The spa can be found on the floor above the hotel's main lobby and there is also a pool with impressive views.
So, what’s the story behind Aman?
Aman resorts was founded in 1988, and has hotels in 20 countries including the US and a large presence in Asia Pacific. In multiple languages Aman means “peace”.
business@thenational.ae
The writer was a guest of the Aman Tokyo
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