For my second visit to Tokyo I had just over 24 hours on the ground, as I was arriving in the afternoon from London, and departing the following afternoon to Seattle. I was flying into Haneda and out of Narita, so I decided to book a hotel in the city.

In this case I booked a hotel I have heard a ton of good things about (Nick even reviewed it on the blog a few years back), but hadn’t stayed at myself… did it live up to the hype?

Booking The Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

The Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills is almost universally considered to be the best Andaz property. In general I wouldn’t consider Andaz to be a “true” luxury brand, though the Andaz Tokyo is perhaps the exception, at least based on everything I’ve heard.

I redeemed for a free night here, though let’s briefly talk about the best way to redeem points and book cash stays here.

Redeeming Points At The Andaz Tokyo

The Andaz Tokyo is a Category 7 World of Hyatt property, meaning that a free night redemption costs 30,000 points.

In my case, I booked the stay using a Category 1-7 free night certificate I had that was expiring soon, which I earned for requalifying for Globalist status.

Even if you’re not a Hyatt loyalist, earning points with them can be pretty easy. In addition to being able to earn World of Hyatt points with The World of Hyatt Credit Card (review), you can also transfer over points from Ultimate Rewards.

Earn Hyatt points
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide
Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card
Earn 80,000 bonus points
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
Earn up to 50,000 Bonus Points
Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Earn 50,000 bonus points
Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card
Earn $500 bonus cash back
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Earn a $150 Bonus
Chase Freedom®
Earn a $150 Bonus

See this post for everything you need to know about earning Hyatt points with credit cards.

Book Andaz Tokyo Through Hyatt Privé

If you’re booking a cash stay at the Andaz Tokyo, you absolutely should book through a Hyatt Privé agent.

For booking through Privé you receive the following perks:

  • Daily full breakfast for two in the hotel’s restaurant
  • A $100 property credit per room per stay
  • A one category room upgrade confirmed within 24 hours of booking (room-to-room or suite-to-suite) — based on availability at the time of booking
  • Early check-in (as early as 9AM) and late check-out (as late as 4PM), subject to availability
  • A welcome gift and letter

The rate when booking through Privé should be the same as the best available rate, though you’ll have to go through an agent. Ford would be happy to help and can be reached at fordb@travelsociety.com.

Andaz Tokyo Review

Unfortunately I only had one night at the Andaz, so I didn’t really have enough time to enjoy everything. However, I did what I could to check out as much of this awesome hotel as I could.

Below I’ll talk about my arrival experience and the lobby, my room, the pool, gym, and spa, and then the major food & beverage outlets at the Andaz.

Andaz Tokyo Arrival, Check-In, And Lobby

I took the Friendly Airport Limousine from Haneda Airport to the Andaz, because the timing worked out perfectly. There are otherwise plenty of public transportation options, but you can’t beat a bus door-to-door in 45 minutes.

The Andaz Tokyo is located in the Toranomon Hills building, as it takes up the top floors of the building (the 47th through 51st floors), plus the spa is located on the 37th floor. The Andaz Tokyo has a total of 164 guest rooms, so while I wouldn’t call it boutique, it’s not a mega-hotel either.

In addition to being able to enter through the driveway, the hotel also has an entrance along the sidewalk.

Andaz Tokyo entrance

The ground floor of the Toranomon Hills building has some art and mirrors, and then it’s pretty easy to find the entrance to the Andaz from there.


Andaz Tokyo ground floor entrance

Door to Andaz Tokyo

The Andaz’s lobby is located on the 51st floor, which is also the top floor of the hotel. The lobby is gorgeous. There are three sets of elevators — one between the lobby and ground floor, one between the lobby, guest rooms, and spa, and one between the lobby and the rooftop bar (which is one floor up).

Upon exiting the elevator was one of the two main parts of the lobby.

Andaz Tokyo lobby


Andaz Tokyo lobby

Then there was the main room of the lobby, which I thought was the most beautiful part of the hotel, with a couple of large communal tables.


Andaz Tokyo lobby


Andaz Tokyo lobby

When I arrived at the hotel I headed straight to the reception desk, though one of the “hosts” told me I could have a seat at one of the tables and they’d come to check me in.

Andaz Tokyo reception desk

Andaz does take an untraditional approach to the check-in experience, as they check you in face-to-face, rather than at a desk. At least that’s how it usually works.

A host asked if she could get me something to drink. I said I was okay, and then she disappeared for several minutes with my passport. I thought it was an odd check-in experience, since it defeats the whole point of the face-to-face check-in experience, and she also didn’t let me know how long she’d be gone.

While waiting I walked around the lobby a bit. Andaz offers all-day complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, water, and snacks. There was an espresso machine, which was a nice touch, since it made it easy to get a coffee when I woke up at 3AM.

Andaz Tokyo complimentary coffee

There were also some basic snacks, which rotated throughout the day.


Andaz Tokyo complimentary drinks & snacks


Andaz Tokyo complimentary drinks & snacks


Andaz Tokyo complimentary drinks & snacks


Andaz Tokyo complimentary drinks & snacks

Eventually the host taking care of me returned, and she proceeded to escort me to my room on the 48th floor.

I was also presented with a handy and cute little pamphlet explaining the features of the Andaz.

Andaz Tokyo guide

Andaz Tokyo King Bed Tower View Room

I was brought to the set of elevators going between floors of the hotel, which was behind the elevator leading to the ground floor.


Andaz Tokyo elevators

Guest rooms were on the 47th through 50th floors. I thought the hotel’s hallway design was almost mesmerizing.

Andaz Tokyo hallway


Andaz Tokyo hallway

I was assigned room 4822, which was a king tower view room. Note that this is one of the few Hyatts where you can’t redeem Globalist suite upgrades, and the reason is because the hotel only has a very limited number of suites.

The major difference between rooms at the Andaz is the view — the “park” view is the less premium view, while the “bay” and “tower” views are considered to be premium (they’re priced the same, so I guess it comes down to preference).


Andaz Tokyo floorplan

Standard rooms at the Andaz Tokyo are 50 square meters, or about 540 square feet, which is downright massive, especially for a city like Tokyo. While the lack of suite upgrades isn’t ideal as a Globalist member, in many ways that’s made up for by the large standard rooms.

The room featured a large entryway with the closet and bathroom to the right, and the rest of the room straight ahead.


Andaz Tokyo king room entryway


Andaz Tokyo king room entryway

When I entered the main part of the room my jaw kind of dropped. Okay, the crane view (or whatever that is) maybe wasn’t that awesome, but the sunset was jaw-dropping, and in general I thought the room’s design was nice.


Andaz Tokyo tower view king room

The room had a king size bed. It was a bit firmer than I prefer, but that’s to be expected in Japan.


Andaz Tokyo tower view king room

Across from the bed was the huge sitting area. There was a couch along the window that could seat four, and then two further tables — one had a chair, and one had a stool of sorts.


Andaz Tokyo tower view king room sitting area


Andaz Tokyo tower view king room sitting area

Waiting on one of the tables was a welcome amenity consisting of some eclairs.

Andaz Tokyo welcome amenity

The room was pretty high tech, and virtually all the functions (including blackout shades) could be controlled from a retro-looking controller to the side of the bed.

Andaz Tokyo room controls

Back towards the entrance was the minibar. As is the norm at Andaz, all non-alcoholic beverages were complimentary.

Andaz Tokyo in-room minibar

There was also a complimentary Nespresso machine, a kettle, and some free snacks (which included chocolate, another sweet treat, and two types of snack mix).


Andaz Tokyo in-room Nespresso machine


Andaz Tokyo in-room kettle & snacks

The bathroom had a sink, and then a separate “compound” with a shower and a large bathtub.


Andaz Tokyo tower view king room bathroom


Andaz Tokyo tower view king room shower


Andaz Tokyo tower view king room bathtub

The water pressure in the shower was excellent, and I liked the toiletries, though I’m not sure what brand they’re from?


Andaz Tokyo toiletries

Then there was a fancy Japanese toilet, as well as a closet.


Andaz Tokyo tower view king room toilet


Andaz Tokyo tower view king room closet

There were also a variety of amenities that you might otherwise request from the front desk, so that was nice.

Andaz Tokyo bathroom amenities

The Andaz also offers a free phone during your stay, which you can use to make calls, to use data, or to tether. Back in the day this would have been a game-changer for me, but with international data so reasonably priced nowadays, it’s not something I value much anymore.


Andaz Tokyo complimentary handy

As mentioned above, I was in a Tokyo Tower view room. Even though the view was somewhat obstructed, I still loved it. Tokyo’s skyline is never-ending.


Andaz Tokyo tower view

While I was generally a big fan of the design aesthetic of the hotel, personally I found the room design to be a bit quirky, which seems to put me in the minority (since everyone else seems to rave about it).

Don’t get me wrong, I totally think the design is nice, and I also get how it’s largely Japanese (blending indoors and outdoors with the design), but there was something about the green carpet and the color of the smooth tile that I found to be an odd combination with the rest of the design.

It’s very Japanese in a way, so I “get” it, it’s just not personally my favorite.

But still, overall I thought the room was awesome.

Andaz Tokyo Spa, Pool, And Gym

The Andaz’s top notch spa, pool, and gym, are located on the 37th floor. The spa reception area is gorgeous, as is the rest of the facility.

Andaz Tokyo spa

The Andaz Tokyo 20 meter pool is open daily from 5AM until 10PM.


Andaz Tokyo pool


Andaz Tokyo pool

Next to the pool are three smaller whirlpools, which are also impressive.


Andaz Tokyo whirlpools


Andaz Tokyo whirlpools

There are plenty of loungers around the pool, should you just want to relax in the area.


Andaz Tokyo pool seating

The gym is right next to the pool, and is open 24/7. I thought the quantity and variety of equipment was excellent.

Andaz Tokyo gym


Andaz Tokyo gym

Andaz Tokyo gym

The locker rooms were also quite nice, and inside each one was another whirlpool, sauna, and steam room.

Andaz Tokyo locker room


Andaz Tokyo sauna


Andaz Tokyo hot tub

The locker room even had some massage chairs, which was cute. Hah.


Andaz Tokyo locker room massage chair

I didn’t have a chance to get any spa treatments, but you can find the spa treatment menu here.

Andaz Tokyo Tavern Grill & Lounge

The Andaz’s all day restaurant and bar is the Tavern Grill & Lounge. It’s on the 51st floor, right next to the lobby.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the lounge area serves all-day drinks and afternoon tea.

Here are some pictures of the lounge area…


Andaz Tokyo Tavern Lounge


Andaz Tokyo Tavern Lounge


Andaz Tokyo Tavern Lounge

And here are some pictures of the restaurant…

Andaz Tokyo Tavern Grill


Andaz Tokyo Tavern Grill


Andaz Tokyo Tavern Grill

As you’d expect, this entire space had incredible views.


Andaz Tokyo Tavern Grill view

Andaz Tokyo Breakfast

As a World of Hyatt Globalist member I received complimentary restaurant breakfast (you’d also receive this if booking through Hyatt Privé).

The breakfast was a feast, with guests having access to a great buffet, and on top of that you could order either the Japanese box, or up to two hot dishes.

The breakfast menu read as follows:

I was offered something to drink shortly after being seated, and I had an americano.

Andaz Tokyo coffee

The buffet was top notch as well, especially when you consider that in general North Asian breakfast buffets aren’t quite as extravagant as the ones you’ll find in Southeast Asia, for example. There was a huge variety of Western and Asian dishes, and I’ll let the pictures speak mostly for themselves.


Andaz Tokyo breakfast buffet


Andaz Tokyo breakfast buffet


Andaz Tokyo breakfast buffet


Andaz Tokyo breakfast buffet


Andaz Tokyo breakfast buffet


Andaz Tokyo breakfast buffet


Andaz Tokyo breakfast buffet


Andaz Tokyo breakfast buffet


Andaz Tokyo breakfast buffet


Andaz Tokyo breakfast buffet


Andaz Tokyo breakfast buffet

In addition to the buffet I ordered the Japanese box, which I enjoyed.


Andaz Tokyo Japanese breakfast

Andaz Tokyo Rooftop Bar

The Andaz has the popular Rooftop Bar, located on the 52nd floor (one floor above the lobby, and it’s accessible by yet another elevator). The bar is open daily from 5PM until 1AM, and again, it’s such a cool space. I was alone and tired so didn’t actually have a drink here, but I did check it out right when it opened at 5PM.

I’d love to come back here when I’m next in Tokyo with Ford.

Andaz Tokyo rooftop bar


Andaz Tokyo rooftop bar


Andaz Tokyo rooftop bar


Andaz Tokyo rooftop bar view

Andaz Tokyo Nightly Happy Hour

All Andaz properties offer a nightly happy hour, and the Andaz Tokyo offers that from 6PM until 8PM. This is available to all guests. Not only do they offer complimentary wine, but they also offer a rather substantial selection of canapés. Think something along the lines of a club lounge in the US, which is more than you’d usually find at an Andaz, but by no means a dinner substitute.

I checked this out though left after a couple of minutes, and wasn’t really able to get a good picture. To be honest, people were kind of like vultures with the food, and it disappeared in no time.

Andaz Tokyo Service

I don’t have a whole lot to say about service at the hotel. My check-in experience was strange, but other than that I thought the service was about what I’d expect in Japan. Japan has very good service across the board, and I’d say this stay was in line with that, though there wasn’t anything that “wowed” me.

Then again, I was only there for one night, so I didn’t interact with that many people.

Andaz Tokyo Bottom Line

After my stay I totally understand why so many people love the Andaz Tokyo. The hotel has large and well appointed guest rooms (especially by Tokyo standards), breathtaking views, an amazing pool & gym, generally beautiful public facilities, and a sumptuous breakfast.

In particular this is a great use of points, given how expensive hotels in Tokyo can otherwise be (especially after you factor in the 26.5% tax and service charge when you pay cash for a room).

I’d absolutely recommend the Andaz Tokyo, and would return in a heartbeat.

If you’ve stayed at the Andaz Tokyo, what was your experience like?

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