To call this a lobby though, is an understatement; a soaring living room would be more accurate. Featured here under one roof are the reception and concierge desks in a welcoming niche, the “C.H.A.T.S”(Communications Hub at the Strings) which is open 24 hours a day, and can be accessed with your room card key and the nearby fitness and steam room, all free of charge. For ambience, there is a large waterfall feature enhanced by real olive trees, the comforting gurgle of the water soothing frazzled souls any time of the day.

To reach what might be called the “socializing island”, a guest must cross over the water which flows through much of the lobby, on a 26-meter glass bridge. Beneath the water lies a bed of black pebbles, highlighting the mix of modern and traditional elements in the hotel’s design. Once there, a guest can enjoy a drink at the free-standing bar, or visit with friends or business acquaintances in a casually elegant lounge area.

Also located on this “island” is the delightful “The Dining” conceived by Chef-Consultant Stephane Raimbault, Owner-Chef of L’Oasis (2 Michelin stars) located in Southern France, and featuring fine French-fusion cuisine. Part of the enjoyment comes from watching your meal being prepared in the open kitchen, easily visible through a glass wall. In the morning, you must start your day off right at the hotel’s amazing buffet breakfast, which features a wide and delicious variety of both American and Japanese breakfast treats. It was so good, in fact, that this writer found herself eating both, justifying the calories by calling them necessary “research”.