Tokyo has plenty of first class hotels, but the Shang is in a class of its own. Very high quality furnishings and decor, plush carpets and couches even in the basement taxi lobby, and a scent that always takes me back each time I step into the hotel. The rooms are also fantastic, well equipped with every amenity you could think of (the small shaving cream sprays were a very welcome touch for someone like me with a 5 o clock shadow by 2pm!). The rain shower is a delight, and beds are some of the most comfortable I've slept it. But above all, the service is top notch with friendly staff and courteous greetings on every occasion. They always help explain my destination to taxi drivers, and bags are taken care of.

Areas to be improved: the gym is somewhat small and sparse, although it does come with free weights, which are rather rare in hotels. The pool is a little small but adequate. Really, little to complain about except that sometimes I can't get a room because they always seem fully booked at all times of year! I will be at the Granbell Shibuya hotel next time I'm in Tokyo this month (personal trip), but wishing I were in the Shang.

One of the best rooms I've ever stayed in. The bed, work area and especially the bathroom were perfect. Service is excellent but most hotels in Tokyo have great service. Restaurants and bars are very good. I especially thought the breakfast buffet had an excellent selection.
Gym facilities, despite having a pool, are lacking by five star hotel standards (see Four Seasons Marunouchi) but in line with high end Tokyo hotels where the locals clientele doesn't work out.

Stayed 3 nights last week. Overall, the premium quality of the hotel is evident from the momemnt you are greeted at the door to the details in the finishing of the rooms. Room and toilet were luxuriously fitted out and full range of toiletries provided (comb, toothbrush, moutthwash, sewing kit, Occitane soaps/shampoos). Found the beds too soft for my liking. Hotel kept luggage for 4 days whilst we went to Nagano for skiing without any hassle. Location (next to Tokyo station) was very convenient if you intend to use the JR trains to go to other prefectures. Tokyo station itself has tons of shops and eating places.

This past November I was lucky enough to be able to stay for a week in the Shangri-La Hotel. I've never had service like this at a hotel before. They were more than happy to accept my luggage via delivery service (takkyubin) and hold it for a week for me. Makino-san, with whom I had been corresponding via email regarding the matter, actually recognized me when I was checking in and greeted me by name and told me if there was anything at all I needed to just let them know. They purchased my return train ticket to Narita airport for me, and would have guided me to the proper platform as well, if I had needed the assistance. And every single morning when I walked by and every single evening when I returned from work they greeted me with enthusiasm and asked me how I was and if there was anything they could do to help me. I went out shopping every evening and each time they hurried to help me with my bags and to call the elevator for me and would help me all the way to my room if I needed it.

The room was stunning as well. Tastefully decorated and not to mention enormous. There was plenty of room for everything, a very comfortable desk for me to work at and I must say I loved the heated toilet seat with bidet attached as well. Every little luxury I could think of had been provided for - comfy slippers, a turn down service every nice, fresh bottles of water each day - and if I needed help with anything and called the front desk, they always greeted me by name and helped me immediately. I slept soundly every night and they had obviously also thought about sound-proofing the room somewhat, because I never had problems with noisy neighbors or getting woken up by slamming doors, which I often have with other hotels.

I can't think of a single bad thing to say about either the staff or the hotel. And it's location can't be beat either. It's under a 10 minute walk from Tokyo station - even for someone with short legs like me.

It's not cheap, but then again, what's cheap in Tokyo? But you won't regret staying here - I'm sure of it!