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ANA Intercontinental Tokyo (Map; 3505-1111; fax 3505-1155; www.anaintercontinental-tokyo.jp; 1-12-33 Akasaka, Minato-ku; s/d & tw from ¥31,185/40,425; ; Ginza, Namboku lines to Tameike-sannō, exit 13) Midway between Akasaka and Roppongi, the ANA caters to discerning travelling professionals, and gleams with businesslike glam. Suites come standard with LAN internet (¥1575 per day) and humidifiers accompanied with essential oils. Club rooms also have exclusive access to lounges, private concierges and other perks. Parking is ¥1000 per night; use of the outdoor pool is ¥6000. Several exquisite restaurants and bars serve top-notch sushi, steak, champagne or whisky and cigars.

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TWENTY-FIVE STARS

Tokyo’s wealth of luxury hotels makes it impossible to cover them all, but there’s a place for every taste. The following properties are a handful of the city’s best, from small boutique spots to luxury towers.

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo (Map; 3270-8800; www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo; 2-1-1 Nihombashi Muromachi, Chūō-ku; r/ste from ¥39,000/79,000; ; Ginza, Hanzōmon lines to Mitsukoshimae, exit A7) In the heart of Nihombashi, the opulent Mandarin Oriental boasts three restaurants that each earned a Michelin star. Room designs make use of nature-inspired motifs and hi-tech comforts.

Four Seasons Chinzan-sō (Map; 3943-2222; fax 3943-2300; www.fourseasons.com/tokyo; 2-10-8 Sekiguchi, Bunkyō-ku; r/ste from ¥43,000/69,000; ; Yūrakuchō line to Edogawabashi, exit 1a) The mood here is grand and flowery, with no urban sleekness in its sumptuous decor – which explains its popularity as a wedding locale. Spacious rooms surround its famous Japanese garden that dates back to the Meiji period.

Hotel Seiyo Ginza (Map; 3535-1111; fax 3535-1110; www.seiyo-ginza.com; 1-11-2 Ginza, Chūō-ku; r/ste from ¥55,300/69,400; ; Ginza, Yūrakuchō lines to Ginza-itchōme, exit 7) With only 77 rooms, this classic boutique property is the only hotel in Tokyo providing 24-hour personal butler service for each guest. It’s discreetly placed with Ginza but only steps away.

Peninsula Tokyo (Map; 6270-2888; fax 6270-2000; www.peninsula.com; 1-8-1 Yūrakuchō, Chiyoda-ku; r/ste from ¥69,000/115,000; ; Chiyoda, Hibiya, Yūrakuchō, Toei Mita lines to Yūrakuchō & Hibiya, exits A6 & A7) Adding to this chain’s stellar reputation with its new Tokyo outpost, the Peninsula offers elegant rooms and atmosphere throughout. With easy access to Ginza, the Imperial Palace and the entire city, it provides a relaxing haven when you return.

Ritz-Carlton Tokyo (Map; 3423-8000; fax 3423-8001; www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Tokyo/Default.htm; Tokyo Midtown Tower, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku; r/ste from ¥77,000/126,500; ; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exits 4a & 8) The Ritz boasts sweeping, unobstructed views and a spectacular pool and spa. Home to a Michelin-rated Japanese restaurant, it also has the excellent dining and high-end shops of Tokyo Midtown just below.

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Grand Hyatt Tokyo (Map; 4333-1234; fax 4333-8123; www.tokyo.grand.hyatt.com; 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku; s/d from ¥50,400/55,650; ; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exits 1c & 3) Set in uber-desirable Roppongi Hills, the Grand Hyatt gleams with polished refinement. Though the look is decidedly urban, the interior makes liberal use of natural materials, lending an earthy and comfortable feel to this modern hotel with details like rain-shower fixtures and mahogany walls. Hi-tech luxuries include DVD players and flat-screen TVs in the bathrooms, while in-house hotel facilities encompass a spa with wet and dry saunas, large indoor pool and gym, some of Tokyo’s best dining and a number of bars. Book the west side for views of Mt Fuji (if the weather cooperates). Parking is ¥3000 per day.

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EATING

No city in Asia can match Tokyo for the sheer variety and quality of its restaurants, and in 2008, the Michelin guides sent the culinary world into a tizzy when it