Grand Hyatt
Tokyo

This property is one of Japan's unreservedly sophisticated and luxurious hotel, occupying 21 floors of the ambitious Roppongi Hills complex. Completed in 2003, this iconic building is full of modern comforts and entertainment options, including an array of high-end global designer shops, making it a welcoming spot for international visitors. This district is also a particularly cosmopolitan area in Tokyo, so tends to be buzzing with expats and young locals seeking a lively party scene among the multiple Western-style establishments, which line the exhilarating neon streets.

The Grand Hyatt is located in an ideal spot, right at the heart of the Roppongi Art Triangle, with Mori tower gallery, the National art museum and the Suntory gallery nearby. The hotel pays homage to them with diverse and arresting artworks throughout the lobby, lounges and rooms.

Rooms are spacious and uncluttered with clean-cut interior design and hi-tech features, including complimentary speedy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speakers. Dazzling skyline views can be seen from most rooms, with some overlooking the striking Tokyo Tower, while others face towards the majestic Mount Fuji. Polished marble en suite bathrooms offer idyllic spots for one to relax privately, either by soaking within the deep bath or using the refreshing rain shower. The fitness centre also includes a 25m basement pool, giant jacuzzi and gym – all of which are first rate and provide great spaces in which to relax or reinvigorate oneself after a packed day of sightseeing.

Ten in-house restaurants offer a wealth of dining options and attract the fashionable Tokyo set as well as the hotel's own guests. Join them at the French Kitchen and Gaucho-style Oak Door, both of which have proved especially popular to the point that they have arguably become destinations in their own right. Al fresco dining is also offered here, as is live music, which we believe is best enjoyed in the chic jazz lounge with a cocktail in hand.

The service provided here is particularly suited to Western visitors who make up a significant proportion of the guests. For those staying in the club rooms and suites, a huge plus is the exclusive access to the Grand Club Lounge, which comes with complimentary evening canapés and cocktails. It may not quite be the Park Hyatt in Shinjuku, and the Roppongi area is more raucous after dark, but the Grand Hyatt is nonetheless one of the city's most impressive hotels.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson