Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo sits high on the upper floors of Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, in the historic merchant district that was once the starting point of Japan's great highways. The hotel opened in 2005, and its height gives rooms and restaurants wide views over the city, towards Tokyo Skytree in one direction and, on clear days, Mount Fuji in the other. Its interiors draw on the themes of wood and water, with natural textures and Japanese craft woven through the design.

Rooms and suites are large for Tokyo and look out through floor-to-ceiling windows, and the bathrooms often share the view. The setting in Nihonbashi puts historic department stores such as Mitsukoshi, long-established food shops and the Coredo Muromachi shopping complex within a few minutes' walk, and it is a quieter, more traditional neighbourhood than Ginza or Shinjuku.

Dining is a major reason to stay or visit. The hotel lists French fine dining at Signature, Cantonese cooking at Sense, the counter of Sushi Shin by Miyakawa, Italian dining at K'shiki, and The Pizza Bar on 38th, a tiny counter serving Neapolitan-style pizza. The Oriental Lounge is a popular spot for afternoon tea and cocktails, Ventaglio serves international buffets and the Mandarin Bar offers cocktails with views at night. The Mandarin Oriental Gourmet Shop sells cakes and pastries. The Spa offers treatments in rooms with city views, and there are fitness facilities for guests.

It suits couples, food lovers and business travellers, and families appreciate the larger room categories. Rates are at the luxury end of the market, but the range of restaurants within the building means there is little need to go out for dinner. Reservations can be made through the official website or by email to the reservations team, and restaurant tables are best booked well ahead.

Mitsukoshimae Station on the Ginza and Hanzomon lines connects to the building, and JR Shin-Nihombashi Station is close by, giving direct trains towards Narita Airport. Tokyo Station is a short taxi or train ride away for shinkansen departures. The Nihonbashi bridge, the Bank of Japan and the Mitsui Memorial Museum are all within a few minutes' walk.