Imagine this: You’re in a stunning hotel, so amazing you never want to leave. But what happens when you literally can’t? That was my reality during a recent trip to Tokyo.
A race against time began when I booked my flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo. Super Typhoon Phanfone, a ferocious tropical storm, was hot on my heels. Japan experiences about 30 typhoons annually, some so destructive they leave a trail of devastation. Luckily, my flight arrived just in time.
The Andaz Tokyo, a towering masterpiece, awaited. Nestled within the Toranomon Hills neighborhood, this new hotel, opened last summer, promises to be a bustling hub when the Olympic Village and Tokyo’s answer to Paris’ Champs-Élysées open in time for the 2020 Summer Games. While I’m a fan of the Andaz brand, I never expected to get so intimately acquainted with it. The typhoon, however, had other plans.
The hotel’s impressive location, high above the city, is no coincidence. The Andaz Tokyo occupies the top six floors of a 52-story building, a testament to Tokyo’s captivating skyline. Its floor-to-ceiling windows usually frame breathtaking panoramas, but on this stormy evening, all I saw was a vortex of gray skies. The rain lashed down upon Harajuku, Ginza, Shibuya, Shinjuku—all of Tokyo was in the storm’s grip, with wind speeds reaching a staggering 132 mph.
An Unexpected Escape: Finding Sanctuary in the Storm
A typhoon’s wrath transforms a city into a soggy, windswept wasteland. Streets are deserted, restaurants shuttered, and the vibrant energy of the city is dampened. I knew this was no time for sightseeing. Instead, I retreated to the Andaz, a haven in the midst of chaos.
The Andaz Tokyo isn’t your typical five-star hotel. It embraces a modern, lifestyle sensibility, a refreshing departure from the traditional luxury hotels that have dominated the scene for decades. The hotel’s welcoming “living room” replaces a formal check-in desk, and contemporary art graces the walls. Free wine in the evenings encourages guests to mingle and connect.
My spacious guest room, a rarity in a country known for its compact spaces, offered a modern take on Japanese aesthetics. Sliding partitions, low tables, and paper lanterns combined seamlessly with modern amenities, including a Bose Bluetooth speaker, superfast Wi-Fi, and complimentary snacks and beverages. Even the bathroom, often a mundane space, surprised me with its sleek wooden walls, rain shower, deep soaking tub, and high-end electronic toilet, transforming it into a mini-spa.
A Culinary Journey: Finding Comfort in the Storm
Despite the enticing amenities, the typhoon’s howling winds kept me indoors. I headed to Andaz Tavern, the hotel’s restaurant, where I found an unexpected haven of European provincial cuisine. The elegant menu boasted tantalizing dishes like foie gras, truffle lobster salad, and a decadent Miyazaki beef Chateaubriand. While I craved traditional Japanese fare like sashimi or ramen, the clay-pot-baked Yamanashi herb chicken proved to be a comforting choice.
As the storm raged on, I learned from my waitress that the typhoon was relentless, with non-stop torrential rain and strong winds. Thankfully, the situation wasn’t as severe as feared.
A Sanctuary of Tranquility: Finding Solace in the Spa
The following morning, the storm was in full force. Lightning flashed, rain poured, but the hotel staff remained calm, unfazed by the tempestuous weather.
The Andaz’s spa, located on the 37th floor, offered a serene escape from the tumultuous world outside. A unique concept replaced a traditional reception desk with iPad-toting staff members who emerged from behind a central beauty bar. Fresh fruit, herbs from the hotel’s garden, and natural minerals awaited, ready to be transformed into invigorating body scrubs. I chose a blend of Japanese mint, pear, lavender, coconut, and pink salts, a symphony of scents and textures that left me refreshed and renewed. This was farm-to-table luxury at its finest.
The spa’s indulgent amenities included a sauna, whirlpool, and electric massage chairs, leaving me utterly relaxed. But no spa visit is complete without a dip in the pool. The Andaz’s 65-foot-long pool, with breathtaking views of the city, offered a resort-like experience.
Finding Delight in the Unexpected: Embracing the Moment
The storm may have grounded me, but it also led to unexpected discoveries. After my spa experience, I found myself craving a comforting meal. BeBu restaurant, with its casual atmosphere, satisfied my craving for burgers and fries. The adjacent pastry shop tempted me with delectable treats, a welcome indulgence for my sweet tooth.
Exploring the hotel’s interconnected spaces, I stumbled upon a fascinating collection of modern art, a treasure I might have missed had the weather been clear.
A Night Under the Stars: Witnessing a City Transformed
As evening descended, the storm finally began to subside. The clouds parted, revealing a breathtaking vista of Tokyo. I headed to the rooftop bar on the 52nd floor, a gathering spot for other hotel guests who had also been confined indoors. The atmosphere was electric, a mix of languages and cultures, a shared experience of resilience and appreciation.
The bar’s open-air terrace, with its angular glass ceilings, felt like a sky-high diamond. On a clear night, the views are renowned as some of the best in Tokyo. The city’s sprawling landscape stretched out before me, unobstructed and awe-inspiring. The typhoon had passed, leaving behind a city transformed, ready to be explored.
The Andaz Tokyo, a sanctuary in the storm, proved to be more than just a hotel. It became an unexpected escape, a haven of comfort, and a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary journeys unfold in the face of adversity.
