This is a first for 5 Heart Rating. I have never actually stayed at a Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Almost did. Thank you very much Novel Cornonavirus Covid-19!
A year ago I started planning a group trip to Japan which would have taken place in May of this year (2020). Unfortunately, after hundreds of hours planning, including reservations, accommodations, ground and air transportation involving 5 different parts of the beautiful country of Japan, due to the virus, we didn’t get to go. Or experience the incredible itinerary I had planned with stays at some of Japan’s best accommodations including a centuries-old ryokan and the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo.
The Mandarin Oriental group is Hong Kong based with hotels all over the world, all of which are highly rated and unique. With 33 properties worldwide, located in cities such as Bangkok, Washington, D.C., Singapore, and New York, it is the organization itself I am impressed with.
From the day I started researching Mandarin Oriental Tokyo I knew our stay would be a highlight of our trip. Set in the historic Nihonbashi neighborhood, this luxe high-rise hotel occupies the top 9 floors of the 34-story Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower with sweeping views and worldclass restaurants and bars. It’s 2 km from the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
I am certain our stay would have been memorable to say the least, but it’s the ease with which I was able to cancel our fully-paid reservation and the follow-up from the Mandarin Oriental Fan Club program that is most impressive. I’ve received free links to fitness programs, videos with top chefs and their recipes, Qigong exercise videos, and information about staycations during this time when travel is quite difficult.
I don’t get bombarded by the fan club. This is a class act. As a matter of fact I wouldn’t even mind if I heard from them more often. That’s how good the content is! I hope this hotel investment and management group can survive this challenging time. I hope all the hotels that are continuing to struggle but at the same time, are still putting their guests first, come out of this pandemic with a renewed sense of strength and a flood of visitors that can help in their journey back to the vibrancy they once exuded.
If you’re like me, you might want to just take a look at some of the Mandarin Oriental properties in your favorite city. I call this “vicarious travel”. Hey, it’s something! Better than no travel at all.
I’ll share with you the Qigong video they shared with me.
And to everyone out there in the travel industry, I wish you the very best and a recovery beyond any expectations. You deserve it! And don’t forget to breathe. Especially now!
