Mesm Tokyo

Mesm Tokyo, an Autograph Collection hotel, is a Michelin Key Selected property offering a unique and luxurious experience in Tokyo, Japan. It's praised for its blend of modern design, artistic touches, and exceptional hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Mesm Tokyo generally receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many guests describing it as "immaculate" and the "best hotel they've ever stayed in." It holds an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over a thousand reviews. The sentiment is largely one of delight and inspiration, with guests appreciating the fresh, modern, and clean atmosphere.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects that make Mesm Tokyo stand out:

• Stunning City and Bay Views: The hotel offers breathtaking views of the harbor, Tokyo Tower, and Hamarikyu Gardens, particularly from its higher floors and lobby. Balconies in many rooms enhance this experience.
• Unique Design & Artistic Concept: The hotel's "Art, Music, Mode & Cool" concept is evident throughout, from corridors inspired by the Takeshiba night view to "TOKYO WAVES" in midnight blue. The bar, Whisk, features art-inspired cocktails and live music performances.
• Exceptional Service (Star Service): The "Star Service" team provides seamless, one-stop hospitality, with staff wearing uniforms designed in collaboration with Yoji Yamamoto's Y's BANG ON!.
• Impeccable Breakfast: The breakfast at Chef's Theatre is frequently lauded as world-class, with a wide selection of Western and Japanese dishes, including a snow crab omelette and Japanese musk melon.
• In-Room Amenities: Rooms feature thoughtful touches like a digital piano, complimentary mini-bar, pour-over coffee, and matcha kits.

3. Room Quality

Mesm Tokyo's rooms are consistently praised for their spaciousness, modern design, and comfort.

• Size and Design: Rooms are considered large for Tokyo, with even base "Chapter 1" rooms being around 40 square meters. The design is clean, contemporary, and often incorporates unique artistic elements.
• Comfort: Guests report extremely comfortable king-sized beds with high thread count sheets and padded headboards. Blackout drapes and premium bedding contribute to a good night's sleep, along with a pillow menu for personalized comfort.
• Amenities: Each room includes a Casio "Privia" digital piano that doubles as a Bluetooth speaker, offering a unique entertainment option. The complimentary mini-bar includes local craft beer, matcha, and pour-over coffee. Bathrooms are marbled, often with a large bathtub, rainfall shower, and creative amenity setups that include unique bath salts and "The Blend" bath amenities with a sweet, fruity scent. The toilet is typically separate from the main bathroom. Rooms also feature kimono-style robes and iPads for controlling room features and ordering room service.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Mesm Tokyo is a significant highlight for many guests.

• Chef's Theatre (Breakfast): Located on the 16th floor, Chef's Theatre offers an "impeccable" French-style buffet breakfast with stunning views. Highlights include a snow crab omelette made with Echire butter and cage-free eggs, all-you-can-eat Japanese musk melon, a variety of hot and cold Western and Japanese dishes, and an omelette station. Vegan menus are also available.
• Whisk (Bar & Lounge): This artist's atelier-themed bar and lounge serves original mixology cocktails inspired by works of art and features live entertainment, such as violin performances, against the backdrop of the city skyline.
• Ginza Miyachiku (Teppanyaki): The hotel also houses Ginza Miyachiku, a teppanyaki restaurant specializing in Miyazaki beef. While breakfast receives widespread acclaim, some guests have found the teppanyaki at Ginza Miyachiku to be "just OK" or "disappointing" for the price.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Mesm Tokyo is consistently described as excellent and hospitable.

• "Star Service" Team: The hotel's unique "Star Service" model aims to provide flexible, unparalleled service by uniting accommodation and food & beverage departments.
• Friendliness and Professionalism: Staff are generally very friendly and professional, often addressing guests by name.
• Areas for Improvement: Some guests have noted occasional issues with the efficiency and accuracy of check-in/out service. A recurring criticism is a language barrier with some staff, particularly at the concierge desk, which can make getting detailed information about local attractions or transport challenging for English speakers.

6. Location & Accessibility

Mesm Tokyo is situated by the waterfront in the WATERS Takeshiba complex in Minato City.

• Neighborhood: It's located in a business district, offering a quieter atmosphere compared to more bustling tourist areas. The area is known for its waterfront views and is next to the Hamarikyu Gardens.
• Attractions: While not in the immediate heart of major tourist hotspots, it offers good access to sights like Tokyo Tower (a 30-minute walk or short transport ride), Ginza (a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment district nearby), and areas like Ryogoku, Asakusa, and Odaiba via the waterfront line.
• Transport: The hotel is a short walk from Takeshiba Station (minutes away), Daimon subway station (about 12 minutes), and Hamamatsucho JR line (6-12 minutes). Hamamatsucho Station is also a convenient starting point for the rail shuttle to Haneda International Airport. Airport Limousine Bus service is also available directly from the hotel driveway.

7. Value & Pricing

Mesm Tokyo is considered a luxury property, and its pricing reflects that.

• Price Range: Cash rates can range from approximately ¥48,000 to ¥100,000 (around $480–$1,000 CAD) per night. Some reviewers note prices up to $700/night.
• Value: Despite the high cost, many guests feel they receive good value, especially when redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points (typically 52,000–75,000 points per night). Guests emphasize that the unique experience, modern design, spacious rooms, and stellar breakfast justify the price. The complimentary mini-bar also adds to the perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring criticisms and issues have been noted:

• Location for Sightseeing: The location, while offering great views, is sometimes considered "a bit out of the way" for easy access to Tokyo's most popular tourist sights, requiring transfers or longer walks to main subway lines.
• Lack of Certain Facilities: The hotel does not have a swimming pool or a dedicated spa, which some guests expect from a luxury property. There is a gym, but it is described as fairly small.
• Club Lounge Access: The "Club Mesm" private lounge is now primarily for Ambassador Elite members, which has disappointed some Marriott Bonvoy Platinum and Titanium members who previously had access.
• Concierge Service (Language Barrier): Some English-speaking guests found the concierge to be unhelpful or "clueless" when asked for information regarding local transport like the water bus, indicating a language barrier.
• Bathroom Lighting: A minor complaint from some female guests is that the bathroom lighting can be a bit dim for makeup application.
• Work Desk: The absence of a proper work desk in some rooms, with a couch and coffee table serving as the closest alternative, might not be ideal for business travelers.

Sources

1. luxurylifestylemag.co.uk
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5. milelion.com
6. sealthedealtravels.com
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10. marriott.com