April 18, 2007

Asia | Japan | Tokyo

Showdown in Tokyo

By Nicole Cotroneo

An historic hotel fends off the competition by going straight for the Western stomach.

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The Ritz-Carlton has just opened its second hotel in Japan, crowning Tokyo’s tallest skyscraper and laying another blow to native hoteliers who have struggled to keep guests spoiled. But the 117-year-old Imperial Hotel is fighting back. Coupled with a $145-million face lift, the legendary lodging is going straight for the western stomach with its new Parkside Diner, a refined twist on the American dining institution. Designed in a contemporary palette of red, white, mocha and silver, Parkside offers fast-paced, all-day service and a familiar menu of old-fashioned diner staples — burgers, sandwiches, pie and, of course, chocolate-drizzled ice cream sundaes. The Ritz Carlton, however, has kept to its trusted arsenal of “most expensive” items, including a $20,000 per-night presidential suite — the priciest in Japan. Located on the 52nd floor — and commanding 360-degree vistas of the city skyline, Tokyo Bay and Mt. Fuji — this is one place where you might as well enjoy the house special: a $16,000 Diamonds-Are-Forever Martini garnished with a one-carat Bulgari sparkler.