It is important to give context for this review. We have stayed at several Aman properties before and never had cause for complaint. Quite the opposite actually. The Aman Tokyo is very expensive and so the benchmark is a perfect experience. Surprisingly, it failed badly on quality of service and management of the total experience.
First the good. The architecture and layout are beautifully done. The quality of the food and restaurants is top notch. In particular we loved Musashi that was world class. The room was beautiful, comfortable and well designed. No complaints there at all.
Now the bad.
My wife emailed the concierge several weeks before we arrived to organise some activities for our stay. The concierge responded with transport confirmations but then when silent after we requested details on activities. My wife chased them a week later and they offered us a number of activities. My wife proceeded to book the activities but nobody replied for a week. Then my wife had to chase them again but was subsequently told a number of the activities were now not available. Was that due to the slow response time ? Who knows, but either way I would expect better and there was not even an apology forthcoming . At that point there were now very limited options for the restaurant in the hotel and the spa. My wife then wrote to express her disappointment and wanted to speak to a manager. We still have not heard back from any managers.
My wife asked when they recommend we leave the hotel for our flight and they suggested 3.30 pm in the afternoon. My wife assumed that that meant we would have a late checkout to that time. An assumption she says she should have checked and I agree with her BUT, a hotel of this standard should anticipate this issue and either offer us a late checkout or work on some sort of arrangement for us. We had to negotiate a late checkout to 1.30, which they gave very reluctantly after much back and forth.
We were left with two hours to kill so we decided to book a table in the lounge but when my wife went to book in the morning nobody could confirm they would make space available to us. It seemed like nobody had the ability to make that decision. We did however receive a confirmation after checking back later.
Finally, we wanted to buy a yukata (robe) that I wore in the room and called down to the front desk. They suggested we call the spa to check. At every other Aman we have been to they would simply have taken care of the request directly.
In reviewing my own review of this hotel I wanted to make sure I am not being petty. We are privileged to stay in many amazing properties across the world. This is still a beautiful hotel but it is one of the most expensive ones we have ever stayed at and everything has a ridiculously premium price on it (especially the toast !!!!!). I expected to pay premium here but then the quality of the product must match the price and it definitely did not. We receive far better thoughtful service at all the other Aman resorts we have been at and I would say most of the Four Seasons we have been to offer superior service at a significantly lower price.
I would drink in the bar here and eat in the restaurant and enjoy the wonderful view but I would not...
Read moreStaying at Aman Tokyo during my recent business trip was an experience I can only describe as exceptional! Nestled high in the Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo serves as a serene escape from the bustling city life, seamlessly blending the tranquil essence of traditional Japanese design with modern luxury. The ikebana displays and washi paper doors spoke volumes about Japan’s rich heritage, and I felt this profound connection from the moment I walked in.
The first thing that struck me was the expansive lobby, a harmonious symphony of traditional and modern design elements, with engawa platforms effortlessly melding into the contemporary aesthetic. I had the pleasure of staying in one of the Signature Suites, where the spacious rooms offered stunning views of the Tokyo skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows and elegant shoji sliding doors, creating a tranquil ambiance that danced with the vibrancy of the city.
As someone constantly on the move for work, the hotel’s prime location was a real boon. The easy access to Otemachi subway station and Tokyo Station made navigating the city and catching bullet trains across Japan a breeze, saving me time and hassle.
Taking a break from my busy schedule, the Misogi Retreat was a rejuvenating haven. The unique blend of yoga, breathing exercises, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a soul-cleansing Ogoma Ritual at a local temple brought a sense of peace and mental clarity, essential for my demanding work. The immersion into Japanese mindfulness techniques, including Ikebana flower arranging and Shakyo handwriting, added an authentic touch that made the experience all the more special.
Dining at La Pâtisserie by Aman Tokyo was a delightful affair. Every bite, whether it was homemade bread, a traditional French pastry, or one of their layered creations, was a flavor explosion – a testament to the culinary expertise at the hotel.
Aman Spa introduced me to their new Essential Skin range, a line of products developed and produced in Japan that showcased Aman’s dedication to wellness and luxury.
But what really made my stay unforgettable were the exclusive cultural experiences Aman Tokyo had on offer. Engaging with local artisans and communities gave me a deeper insight into Japan’s vibrant culture and heritage.
Aman Tokyo was more than just a hotel; it was a journey through the essence of Japan, offering a tranquil sanctuary amidst the urban hustle of Tokyo. Every detail, the unparalleled hospitality, and the diverse offerings turned my business trip into an enriching cultural experience. If you’re a traveler or a business professional looking for luxury and tranquility in Tokyo, Aman Tokyo is a top...
Read moreThis time I stayed in Amman Tokyo for 2 nights with my daughter. I personally experienced the 2-night stay. In addition to the premium price of the Amman brand and the relatively large rooms, the hotel lobby is grand and beautiful, the swimming pool view is good, and the entire hotel hardware facilities are relatively good. To be honest, Amman Tokyo The service is very disappointing. Except for the hardware, other services are not worth 20,000 a night.Our 2-night stay included breakfast. We ordered a Western-style breakfast and a Japanese-style breakfast. First of all, the Western-style breakfast had very few varieties and tasted very average. The Japanese-style breakfast was even better than the Japanese-style breakfast we found at random restaurants on the street. Not as good as that. The miso soup was very salty and the white rice was relatively hard. It didn’t have the soft and glutinous aroma of Japanese rice at all. The Japanese side dishes served with rice for breakfast were all so salty that we couldn’t eat them. We complained to the restaurant waiters, including the restaurant manager. When I raised my opinion, no one sincerely solved the problem. A man who looked like a restaurant manager actually said that in order to bring pickles, I could get white porridge. I was really drunk. Is it because your Japanese breakfast side dishes are too salty? I have to pay for it. Can I replace it with white porridge to go with the pickles I sent you? Is this the service you provide for the room rate of 20,000 per night? Also, the facilities in the room, including pens, paper, envelopes, and staplers, were insufficient. We had to call the switchboard to get a little paper, but no envelopes were delivered. We only received ballpoint pens when we asked for pens. There are also not enough USB charging cable ports in the room. There is only one USB port on the table. We need to call the waiter to bring a plug before we can connect the USB charging. This is known as the number one luxury hotel in Tokyo that charges over 20,000 yuan per night. The hotel doesn’t even have stationery supplies, and guests have to call to get them. The problem is that they only bring a little bit, and if they ask for pens, they only bring ballpoint pens. The whole Amman Tokyo gives people a family atmosphere, and the hotel hardware It looks quite classy, but the service doesn't match the hardware at all, and it's not worth the room rate of more than 20,000...
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