The Grand Hyatt Tokyo is part of the largest urban re-development project in Japan, “Roppongi Hills”. The project covers 28.7 acres, and cost $4 BILLION; it took developer Mori Building Company over twenty years to assemble the land. Consisting of a 54-story office tower with the newly-opened world class Mori Arts Center, the Virgin Cinema Complex, four exclusive residential complexes and 200 prestigious shops and restaurants (Escada, Christian LaCroix, Issey Miyake, Baccarat and more), it’s no wonder that Roppongi Hills has captured the imagination of the Tokyo fashionistas and the luxury-minded tourist as well.

This guest arrived at the Grand Hyatt via a subdued underground parking area, a very unprepossessing entrance, or so it seemed at first. That idea quickly faded however as a door opens, and a soaring lobby of elegant design came into view. Behind a long, black desk several receptionists awaited my arrival; handing me my key-card as I marvelled at the lobby. The first thing that hit me is the grand scale, next the stone waterfall sculpture by Chinese artist Cai Guo-Quiang at the entrance.

On the right, as I headed to the elevator, I noticed the modern Italian café “Fiorentina” with its outside terrace on fashionable “Keyakizaka Street”, and the Fiorentina Pastry Boutique next door, filled with tempting sweet treats. As I got closer to the elevators, I could’t help but be impressed by the 8 foot black and white ceramic “Untitled Heads” created by Japanese artist Jun Kaneko that guard the entry way.