Starwood Preferred Guest - Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers - Yokohama, Japan [Master Thread]

Let me tell you first that I was pleased to meet one of our Japan experts today. Yasuki it was a pleasure to meet you.

I arrived into NRT. To the NRT Express to Yokohama Station. By the timetable Yasuki sent me this runs only about every hour. So make sure and check the timetable carefully. You need the NRT Express that yes goes to Tokyo Station but then proceeds onto Yokohama Station. Travel time was about 1 1/2 hours. When you down from the NRT Express platform look for the West exit sign. Head towards that. When you exit the Station the Hotel will be smack in front of you. Now getting to the Hotel. Over, under or cross walk. You make the decision. I went over. Bear left and then take the life up one to the skybridge. After crossing the bridge bear left slightly for the entrance. It is now necessary for you to go down one flight to the lobby check-in.

I presented my P card and was promptly escorted to the 26th floor. The 26th and 27th floors are Club floors. The Lounge is on 26. The floors are fully occupied so given a room on the 25th. The room is EXCELLENT. Two twin beds, non-smoke, sofa, table, chairs, full bathroom with separate shower and tub, separate toilet room, changing area with another separate sink. One of the best rooms ever IMHO for Japan. Very nice. Your amenity choices are points, believe 600 yen mini bar credit, something else and for me the choice- high speed internet access. The cost of the later would usually be 1500 yen. A attendent will bring a router to your room for this service. The Lounge is a ok size. Not large but certainly not small. Continental breakfast in the morning and drinks in the evening. A bargain in Japan.

Below the Hotel is a huge shopping and eating complex. Yasuki and I went the conservative route eating local on level B1. I can see my wife wanting to stay here. Based on the rate, room and service a exceptional buy. I am not going to have lots of time to tour around since I need to be in Kyoto tomorrow afternoon. Someone please post tour ideas if you have them.

Rate. I originally booked a single room at the cheapest rate. The room was confirmed as a low floor. I then thought about using a SPG 50 cert which got me a room for less. The room also came back confirmed for a high floor. The later rate included tax and service. I am not sure if the first rate included both. FYI

Thanks, RTWSTARALLIANCE! I was also pleased to see you very much from the same floor at Yokohama Bay Sheraton! Sorry that you are not staying at a room which is on Yokohama Bay View side. Today, the rooms have been fully booked, so the hotel could not prepare a nice view room for you. Maybe, the hotel would prepare the room which was on the same floor with me. Anyway, take care and I will welcome a next stay at Yokohama Bay Sheraton which I love the best in Japan. ^

Yasuki.

Is it worthwhile spending 1 day @ Yokohama?

I have being there before (only to shop in the Sogo Department Store for 2 hrs) Haven't visited Chinatown or the Biggest Dept store in the world?

What attractions are there?

Please advise on biggest department store in the world if it is here in Yokohama. I thought it was somewhere in Russia. Thanks

The room is EXCELLENT. Two twin beds, non-smoke, sofa, table, chairs, full bathroom with separate shower and tub, separate toilet room, changing area with another separate sink. One of the best rooms ever IMHO for Japan. Very nice.

While I agree the rooms are of a good standard, you must have gotten a Deluxe Twin, which is considerably more spacious than a single, and appears to have a more elaborate bathroom arrangement than standard twins. Non-plats should not expect such upgrades.

I'll add that all the staff I have dealt with at this hotel has been very prompt, courteous, and efficient. Special mention for the bell staff: once my father upon checking out informed the bell captain his NEX was leaving in 5 minutes, and asked for alternatives; his answer was to order two nearby bell boys, 'RUN', which they did carrying one heavy bag on their back each, and not stopping until luggage and guest were settled in the train. For information someone familiar with Yokohama station would budget ~10 minutes for this trip. Tip was of course refused, bow was appreciated and returned. Only in Japan!

Also, stay clear of the gym unless free: it is basically a small health club for retired Japanese, equipped with impressive relaxation pods and an equally unimpressive set of tiny weights, plus a machine or two.

Note that the single rooms are advertized as suitable for a couple on the hotel's Japanese web page.

What attractions are there?

Some pointers in this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=319417&highlight=Yokohama).

Please be advised the entrance fronting Yokohama Station is under renovation. So it will have to be either up or down to the basement to enter the Hotel. You can enter on street level but only after travelling around the building.

Continental breakfast in the Lounge. Assortment of juices, pastry, cereals, toast, cold meats with cheeses and salad. Not a bad spread if you are used to a light starter in the morning.

I agree this must be a deluxe twin. In looking at the floor map it looks to have "extra" wedge space which makes the bathroom.

Off to Kyoto. Which will be the subway from Yokohama Station to Shin Yokohama. A 230 yen ticket. About a 10 minute tops walk. Could be difficult if you have big luggage. Yasuki helped me map out the route yesterday evening. Regards from the Sheraton Yokohama.

I think it is worthwhile spending 1 or 2 days at Yokohama. There are many shopping departments such as Takashimaya, Sogo, Joinus, Mitsukoshi(it will be closed in the next year) nearby Yokohama station. As RTWSTARALLIANCE says, also my wife who loves shopping is willing to stay at Yokohama (Bay Sheraton) as much as Shinjuku, but she prefers Yokohama to Shinjuku because we need some walks (maybe 5 - 10 mins) from one department to another in Shinjuku area. We can go to China town by train(Minato Mirai line, 10mins from Yokohama) and walk round beautiful Yokohama Bay(Yama****a-Park). Also we can enjoy at Minato Mirai where Yokohama Land Mark Tower, Pacifico Yokohama and Yokohama Cosmo World are there. You can come to Yokohama directly from NRT by NRT EX(90mins), HND by Keikyu(30mins) and go to Shibuya, Shinjuku and Tokyo Station within 30mins. That's why I love Yokohama (Bay Sheraton). ;)


Yasuki.

Is it worthwhile spending 1 day @ Yokohama?

I have being there before (only to shop in the Sogo Department Store for 2 hrs) Haven't visited Chinatown or the Biggest Dept store in the world?

What attractions are there?

FUN and FOOD below.

Preface: We booked a award using AA points to HKG from SFO. Our first leg was SFO to LAX to HKG on Cathay in F. Our second leg which is allowed with the ticket is a stop in Japan. The leg was HKG to NRT on CX in F. Hence the stop at the Hotel. Central to the choice of the Sheraton was the location for shopping. A Takashimiya, Mitsukoshi and Sogo are nearby as are hundreds of small stores. My thanks again to yasuki for the additional information. I have a trip report posted for my prior stay so this will be a fun as I am about to explore. I am writing this before venturing out because my mind is full of information and I do not want to forget a bit for you. FYI. We received EXCELLENT information from the concierge located on the Lobby level. He was very very helpful. I will try and get his name for this report.

Rate: I used a SPG50 again to get a great rate which includes tax and service.

Transportation: We bought a piece of large luggage in HKG for stuff my wife purchased. Therefore the Narita Express was kinda out. Also that thing only runs about every hour. We opted for the Airport Limousine bus from NRT to the Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT). The rate was 3500 yen each. From YCAT we took a cab to the Hotel. The total rate for the cab was 980 yen. It is possible according to yasuki to walk from the east end of Yokohama Station (where YCAT is located) to the west end which is by the Sheraton but not advised with lots of luggage. I am glad we took the cab looking now at the walking route. We intend to take the bus back to NRT. The scheduled travel time is 90 minutes. Yesterday was 70 minutes.

Check-in: Escorted to Lounge floor on 26 based upon P status. Given exact same room as last visit which is great. Selected internet as amenity. This was very interesting if you do not have status and want the Lounge. You can use 1000 SPG points for a upgrade. They actually have a form you can sign which will deduct the points and they can of course see you balance.

Perks: As noted above. Last call for drinks in Lounge 8:45 PM FYI.

Room: See prior report.

Communications: See prior report.

Location: As noted above. FUN! Today I am on a adventure to Kamakura and the Island of Enoshima. At Yokohama Station purchase a ticket called Toku Toku ticket Kamakura/Enoshima for 1130 yen from Yokohama. This ticket will cover all of todays transportation needs. Buy the ticket at the "green" ticket booth located in the Station. From Yokohama Station board at platform 9 on the Yokosuka Line towards Kamakura. The trip takes 25 minutes and 6 stops. Our first stop at Kamakura will be to exit the east exit towards Tsurugaoka hachimangu shrine. This is a famous shrine. We will take Wakamiya-oji Street to the shrine and come back to the Station on Komachi-dori Street. The later street contains many nice shops. We will then board the local train using the west exit at Kamakura Station. The line is called Enoden. We are taking the line three stops (5 minutes) to Hase Station to visit the large outdoor Buddha (Daibutsu) at Kamakura. The walk is about 10 minutes up a hill. From Hase Station we will take the same line down to Enoshima. About 19 minutes. From the Station at Enoshima you can walk on the Island. The Island has large tall viewing tower and full of interesting placed to see. Of note is Enoshima Iwaya cave. From Enoshima Station we are now going to take a monorail. The Station we need is the Shonan-Enoshima Station. The Shonan-Monorail will take use to Ofuna. I may get off here if time permits to walk around. From Ofuna you can catch either the Tokaido or Yokosuka line back to Yokohama Station. Remember you can not take the Tokaido line outbound to Kamakura. Well that will be the trip. I will report on actually doing it later. Adventure. Intrigued yet- SanDiego1k.

Last night we dined at a sushi restaurant on the 6th floor of the Cial building located atop Yokohama Station. This is one of those revolving jobs where the sushi is placed on a belt. You make your own green tea with bags and a hot water tap at your seat location. It was fun! Try the grilled salmon with mayo. Our total bill for two was 2833 yen. Fresh and clean. We are going back tonight.

Closing: I am looking forward to the day. Will advise later. Regards

Reading these reports is killing me. I miss Japan so much and can't wait to return. Unfortunately I won't be going back until April, unless work dictates otherwise.

Seems like SPG treats plats pretty darn well from your experiences and mine.

Have fun RTWSTARALLIANCE.

<<Unfortunately I won't be going back until April, unless work dictates otherwise.>>

For the last 2 - 5 years, the season of cherry blossam has been getting earlier in Japan because of weather pattern has been changed.
When I lived in Japan, we always see the cherry blossam on the first-second week of April around Tokyo, but now it moves to the 4th week of March.

It is big plus if you can see Sakura during your visit.
As you might know it lasts only for 1 week and it is pure beautiful.

Also, I really miss Kamakura where we still have a condominium there.

RTWSTARALLIANCE:
I am very glad to hear that you are enjoying your stay at Yokohama Bay Sheraton. :) And I must say sorry again that I could not see you on this time. I have never been to Kamakura and Enoshima, so on next time You must take us there. :D

yasuki. Consider it done.

The one day trip was well worth it. From Yokohama Station take the line on platform 9 towards Zushi. Not Sushi. Get off at Kamakura. Also get yourself a seat because you do not want to be standing. Take the east exit and literally follow the crowds. When you return to Kamakura station you will see a tunnel bearing to the right which goes under the tracks. Take it and a hard left after you exit the tunnel. You will find the Enoden line entrance a minute down. Just flash your ticket. BTW when you buy your ticket you will get two. One will get you onto platform 9 and be taken by the machine when you exit at Kamakura. Keep the second. You will keep flashing this thing and it will be taken when you exit back again at Yokohama. Next stop. You are getting off at Hase which is the third stop. Follow the crowds again to the outdoor Buddha. Entrance is 200 yen and 20 yen to enter the Buddha. Also. About half way back down towards the line you will see a temple/shrine on your right. Take the path to see a beautiful shrine. Two for one at the Hase stop.

You are next taking the same line down towards Enoshima. Sit on the right side of the train facing forward. This will give you a beautiful view of the coastline as it approaches. When you arrive in Enoshima you are going to make a hard left when you exit. Follow the crowds again to the Island. Now this was interesting because most of the tourists just stopped at Hase. I would say the number of western tourists heading towards the Island was less than 10%. Listen closely now. Next line. You will walk back towards the line. Pass the station and keep going towards the stop light. Stay on the right side of the street. Pass thru the light and watch closely for the Shonan-Enoshima station. It is right after the convenience store and almost looks like you are taking steps up to a restaurant. You are going to ride a monorail. Not just any monorail. Very interesting. The western tourists are now down to 2. Me and another guy with a camera. You will take this line to Ofuna. From Ofuna I took the JR Tokaido line back to Yokohama Station. This is the line towards Tokyo. This was a excellent one day trip and I again highly recommend it. The total cost was a little more than 1500 yen and lots of foot power. You will enjoy all three of these sits. Treasures. Read more about Kamakura and the fact it was the seat of government for Japan's first shogun. A great stay. Regards from Japan

RTWSTARALLIANCE: Always love your posts as they are so full of details. We just concluded a 3 night stay at the same property in Yokohama on the 24th and noted much of what you said and are doing. We ventured off to Kamakura as well, taking the train from track 9. When we went, it was Thanksgiving in Japan and the site was flooded with thousands of Japanese. We were sent to the same sushi restaurant by Hiroko, one of the ladies in the Concierge lounge who works evenings. She will remember our reaction when we returned as we bubbled with enthusiasm after dinner and congratulated her for recommending this place. It may have been our comments to her that resulted in your referral to a great dinner. We always find these types of sushi resturaunts as fun, and had lunch here as well just before we took the YCAT bus to NRT.
We traveled from NRT to Yokohama to the hotel exactly the same way and for the same reasons as you. Even though the hotel was a block away from the YCAT terminal, we had so much stuff from Hanoi and Saigon that we were forced to take the cab.
I was looking forward to hearing your descriptions of the breakfasts at the concierge lounge, as one of the Canadians with whom we had breakfast every morning told us he suggested that the cold cuts and lettuce salads be changed to something that people would eat. This was his fourth stay at the hotel and noted that no one ate the cold cuts although they looked beautiful.
My wife just walked in and knows your detailed posts of Saigon and the Sheraton well as we read them here, as well as at the hotel. She asks what you thought of the carpets at the Sheraton Yokohama.
We thought we would go to the Art Museum in the Sogo Department store, but upon arriving found that admission was $35/person. Hence we passed. We both enjoyed the Ramen museum and enjoyed a bowl of noodles and a beer in the setting of a 1920s Ramen shop. The Maritime museum is worth a few hours as well. Have fun!

Thanks for the compliment and those additional suggestions at the end for my next trip. Ramen Museum. That works.

We ate the next evening at the same restaurant. The cost for three adults was a little more than 3300 yen. We got efficiency somewhere. It was packed. I love that stuff also.

The continental breakfast at the Lounge was so so. We just came in from the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong so the spread at the Sheraton looked pathetic. The spread contains four juices, mile, teas, coffee, cereals, yogurt with strawberry sauce, pastries, salad with dressing, toasts and yes cold cuts. They do not look that good. In particular there is a piece that looks like a piece of carpet square. I asked my wife what it was and she commented ham. I told her there was already ham and then so got the puzzled look.

We were on 25. The carpet was nothing special as I remember. Did you have something unusual?

Another note. If you want to see a interesting Japanese store which has all the latest fashion trends in Japan check our- Vivre which is a short five minute walk from the Hotel. Floor 4 has it all.

Also. If you are visiting this Hotel try and use a SPG50. I found these very useful there. You always seem to get a rate which has a high floor. With Yokohama Station nearby I would think this would be important. The rates I have been getting also include tax and service. This is a great help with a falling US $.

If you like sweets and cookies in particular go to the bottom floor of Takashimiya and look for a cookie in the shape of a bird. My wife says this is a Kamakura treat. We went back for more after I ate one. They are nice treats and packed individual at around 84 yen each.

We are back home. Regards from the office.

Thanks for the compliment and those additional suggestions at the end for my next trip. Ramen Museum. That works.

We ate the next evening at the same restaurant. The cost for three adults was a little more than 3300 yen. We got efficiency somewhere. It was packed. I love that stuff also.

The continental breakfast at the Lounge was so so. We just came in from the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong so the spread at the Sheraton looked pathetic. The spread contains four juices, mile, teas, coffee, cereals, yogurt with strawberry sauce, pastries, salad with dressing, toasts and yes cold cuts. They do not look that good. In particular there is a piece that looks like a piece of carpet square. I asked my wife what it was and she commented ham. I told her there was already ham and then so got the puzzled look.

We were on 25. The carpet was nothing special as I remember. Did you have something unusual?

Another note. If you want to see a interesting Japanese store which has all the latest fashion trends in Japan check our- Vivre which is a short five minute walk from the Hotel. Floor 4 has it all.

Also. If you are visiting this Hotel try and use a SPG50. I found these very useful there. You always seem to get a rate which has a high floor. With Yokohama Station nearby I would think this would be important. The rates I have been getting also include tax and service. This is a great help with a falling US $.

If you like sweets and cookies in particular go to the bottom floor of Takashimiya and look for a cookie in the shape of a bird. My wife says this is a Kamakura treat. We went back for more after I ate one. They are nice treats and packed individual at around 84 yen each.

We are back home. Regards from the office.

RTWSTARALLIANCE: I think my wife and I noticed the same cold cuts that you did-the "Carpet Squares". The Canadian we met in the Concierge lounge said that no one eats these and suggested they be replaced. Our brief survey indicated that he was right.

As for the carpets, I think I'll never forget how dirty they were. The ones on our floor (19) were stained from heavy traffic, as well as what appeared to be many floods. If they were in our house, my wife would have immediately have them pulled up and replaced.

The hotel had an interesting feature that we never had seen before-non-allergic pillows that each weighed 4 kgs. They were so unusual that I had to take them into the bathroom and place them on the bathroom scale. My wife is allergic to a lot of foreign substances, among them, dust. Hence we asked for non-allergic pillows. When they arrived, I considered toughing it out, as these pillows were filled with small plastic material that appeared to be thick plactic drinking straws that were cut into strips about one half inch long. They reminded me of ditalini, the Italian pasta, that resembles thimbles. They were not very soft, but when I put my tired head on 2, I immediately fell asleep, as did my wife. We decided that they insured a restful night.

Hope you are over your jet lag.

We are planning to return to Japan for two weeks of cherry blossoms. We'll let you know if we manage to stay at the Westin in Tokyo.

Thanks for the compliment and those additional suggestions at the end for my next trip. Ramen Museum. That works.

We ate the next evening at the same restaurant. The cost for three adults was a little more than 3300 yen. We got efficiency somewhere. It was packed. I love that stuff also.

The continental breakfast at the Lounge was so so. We just came in from the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong so the spread at the Sheraton looked pathetic. The spread contains four juices, mile, teas, coffee, cereals, yogurt with strawberry sauce, pastries, salad with dressing, toasts and yes cold cuts. They do not look that good. In particular there is a piece that looks like a piece of carpet square. I asked my wife what it was and she commented ham. I told her there was already ham and then so got the puzzled look.

We were on 25. The carpet was nothing special as I remember. Did you have something unusual?

Another note. If you want to see a interesting Japanese store which has all the latest fashion trends in Japan check our- Vivre which is a short five minute walk from the Hotel. Floor 4 has it all.

Also. If you are visiting this Hotel try and use a SPG50. I found these very useful there. You always seem to get a rate which has a high floor. With Yokohama Station nearby I would think this would be important. The rates I have been getting also include tax and service. This is a great help with a falling US $.

If you like sweets and cookies in particular go to the bottom floor of Takashimiya and look for a cookie in the shape of a bird. My wife says this is a Kamakura treat. We went back for more after I ate one. They are nice treats and packed individual at around 84 yen each.

We are back home. Regards from the office.


After reading RTWSTARALLIANCE post I am planning on making this trip in March.

Thank you. We will be back in the "area" in March also. Regards

Hi there, I was researching this hotel when I came across your post. Glad to hear that the SPG50 is accepted at this hotel. Sorta dumb question, does the SPG50 apply to rates per night (2spg50's required for 2nights) or does it apply to the total?

Each SPG50 applies to the total nights applicable on the certificate.

Hi there, I was researching this hotel when I came across your post. Glad to hear that the SPG50 is accepted at this hotel. Sorta dumb question, does the SPG50 apply to rates per night (2spg50's required for 2nights) or does it apply to the total?

Each SPG50% Off certificate is good for up to five nights at 50% off the regular published (RACK) rate. If you are staying longer than five nights, you will need one certificate for every five nights of your stay.

5 nights, or less = 1 certificate
6 - 10 nights = 2 certificates
11 - 15 nights = 3 certificates
etc.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Wow! What a perfect thread!

We MET, literally, at the feet of the great Daibutsu and walked around Enoshima in 1965! (I am originally from Mexico, Lady JDiver from Connecticut USA...) We will be returning there (and to Nikko and Lake Chuzenji-ko) in October (already have the AA SJC - NRT r/t FC award seats.)

We weren't sure whether we should make Kamakura / Enoshima / Enoden a day trip out of Tokyo (maybe an award stay there for a couple of days) or stay in Yokohama (after three weekdays at Nikko / Chuzenji.)

Thanks all for such great contributions, including very explicit directions!

FYI. If you are interested in Japanese history and the Kamakura period in particular please be advised this years NHK drama is based during the Kamakura period. My wife is watching the series in Japanese and says it is great. I have to wait a couple months before the series plays with English subtitles. Now that being said how can you watch it. The series is broadcast via sat. as JTV. I have also viewed the channel in Hawaii. Now I know that is a great big tease but if you have access it is well worth watching. FYI IMHO

Its been a while but I wanted to report on my fantastic stay at the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Yokohama, Japan.

I used my SPG50 which came out to be slightly cheaper than if I were to use their internet special rates.

Hotel Location:
Fantastic, right next to the West Exit of Yokohama Station (about 30minutes by Train from Tokyo, very convienent location).
I used the crosswalk/overpass from Yokohama Station which leads to the 2nd floor of the Hotel, took the escalators downstairs to the main lobby. Large fantastic lobby, with large open spaces, and restaurants.
I came in a little early, was told checkin was at 2pm, so I checked my bags. Came back at 2pm, was promptly checked-in, hotel staffer came over with my bags and escorted me to my room on the 16th floor. Hotel staffer asked if I needed anything, I asked if he could find me a map to a location I needed to go to, he came back a few minutes later with a map and detailed directions, very nice service. And of course it being Japan, no tipping required.

Rooms had heavy solid wooden doors, my room was nothing special in terms of size. When you enter there's a cardkey reader where you place your hotel keycard and it automatically turns on the lights and when you take it out when you leave the lights turn off. The closet had a motion sensor inside that would turn the light on and off when getting or retrieving an item, also located in the closet was a safe. The bathroom area was very nice and plush, marble floor, large shower/bathtub area, and of course one of those high tech japanese toilets. The bed was very nice, bed also had controls for the lights in the room, alarm clock etc.

The hotel does have a club level/louge and 1 or two suites, I did not stay in the upper floors where they are located to comment.

As mentioned, the hotel is right next to Yokohama Station, there are many department stores and restaurants in the area, there is a Citibank ATM right next to the hotel on the 2nd floor concourse, if you need to do your International ATM banking it works just fine.

I was only at the Yokohama Sheraton for one day, however as a base/preferred plus member I found it to be a fantastic property, with wonderful staffers, fantastic location (again right next to yokohama station, with easy access to Tokyo (about 30minutes away) and Narita Airport.) I left a letter for the GM and sent one to SPG as well.

If you're an average traveller on a budget like myself (and have SPG50's to use), I just need a nice bed, too much to do and see when travelling LOL, and can't stay at the Westin Tokyo, the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers gets 5 stars in my book.

I spent 5 nights there about 5 years ago. I had a great stay. Impeccable service! Very expensive food (but it is Japan, after all). The Concierge was invaluable in planning my day trips around Japan.

The only thing that I found very weird was there was no iron/ironing board in my room (stayed on the club level). When I asked for one, they brought me a setup that was not designed to be used on the floor, but rather on a table. Very inconvenient to use.

If anyone is interested here is my IGoUGo journal on that trip:

http://www.igougo.com/planning/journal.asp?JournalID=7889

I had a very pleasant night there in January, at the end of a trip to Japan. It was around 16,000 yen for two people, about half the price of the Westin Tokyo. (Not that the Westin Tokyo isn't worth it -- they're both great choices). The Sheraton location is excellent for transport in the Tokyo metro area, restaurants and stores, and Yokohama has its own character.

With the plat upgrade I got a high floor and quite large room with a nice view of Mt. Fuji. Free drinks and table service in the lounge, together with special checkin desk and generally very helpful club level service. Room itself nice as described above -- not quite as big or lavish as the Westin Tokyo, but definitely nicer than most US Westins, let alone Sheratons.

Nice to hear that the good service is also extended to base members. I have to say, after trips to properties Japan and Switzerland in the past few months it's much harder to appreciate the U.S. Westins.

Only one issue: when I arrived with my wife the lounge staff said the reservation was only for one, and they would have to check how much extra to charge for a second guest. Half an hour later they called and said the rate was the same. However, when I later checked my email confirmation from spg.com it confirmed that the reservation really was for two people all along. I assume this is a systems issue.

Yokohama Bay Sheraton is the most favorite hotel for me. ;) I have not been there for two months, so I am missing it! :cool:

I am a SPG Gold and I am considering staying there in the summer for a few days. How good are they with upgrades to Golds and what would I expect?

I guess that you would be offered a prefered room that is on the upper floor and on the Yokohama Bay view side. And also late-out (4pm) is available.

One thing to remember is that rooms are relatively small about 23sqm -34sqm throughout the hotel, including club level rooms. I don't know what the hotel's record is on upgrading golds, I'm a no frills type of traveller so lol I enjoyed the service provided very much to base/non spg members and as mentioned the service provided was way better than any Sheraton i've stayed back at home.

Great post...I stayed there last weekend on a cash/points ($45 + 2800 points) deal (this seems to be available most of the time) and as a Plat was upgraded to the Club floor.

The square right outside the station (and thus the hotel) is lively and there are usually very talented buskers and interesting crowds of people (I stopped to listen to a woman w/a guitar for about 20 minutes, she was fantastic!) The small restaurants in the attached mall are also excellent, reasonably priced and don't (thankfully) cater to tourists, so you usually have to point out what you want.

Can't wait to visit again!

This could be a bit off-topic, but Westin Tokyo does have reasonable rates. I booked (and am staying right now) through their local web site - tax/service all inclusive of JPY20,000.

Due to my platinum status, I was upgraded to Executive Club floor (Corner Room). The Executive Club Lounge offers breakfast (incl. hot dishes) on 7-10am and complimentary drinks and snack on 5:30-7:30pm. Other benefits include free Tokyo local calls, nearby gym usage, and free Wi-Fi/LAN connection in the lounge.

Has anyone been to the Sheraton Yokohama since this alst posting, I may be going there for a few months and wodered what the latest opinions are.

Yes, and the opinion is still the same. There are also a few other reviews done on the property (search function) that go into a little more detail on the tower rooms/ club etc.

Its a good location if your plans are not specifically Tokyo.

I am going to this hotel directly from Narita. Can anyone comment on whether the bus or the train is the way to go? If I take the train, is it thru service, or do I have to change stations somewhere? If I take the bus, do I need to then take a taxi to the hotel? Is the train closer to the hotel than the bus?

I am going to this hotel directly from Narita. Can anyone comment on whether the bus or the train is the way to go? If I take the train, is it thru service, or do I have to change stations somewhere? If I take the bus, do I need to then take a taxi to the hotel? Is the train closer to the hotel than the bus?


In our view, the bus is the only way to go. Service is more frequent than the train, and it does not make a stop. As posted above by RTWSTARALLIANCE and I, we both took a cab from the YCAT station to the hotel, but if you are not loaded down with luggage, I would recommend walking, as it is much more direct and quicker. If you choose to walk, it should take about 5 minutes with the last 200 feet outside. Head for the Takashimaya department store and the hotel is next door. You will need to cross under the railroad tracks, and then out the other side.

All streets around the station are one-way so that if you take a cab, the route includes many out of the way streets. :p

Have fun.

San Diego 1K: Here is the URL for the YCAT (Yokohama City Air Terminal Narita) bus. The YCAT terminal is located in the Yokohama railroad station and you must walk diagonally through the terminal, crossing under the railroad tracks to reach the Sheraton. Throughout the station are a number of shops and department stores, so it is very safe to walk. There is a post office next to the Sheraton where we used our Cirrus card to obtain yen for our daily activities. We walked this route numerous times to visit the shops and department stores located at the railroad station while we were in Yokohama. I remember paying for the bus using a credit card, and then obtaining whatever cash I needed at the above automated teller.

http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/e/timetable/narita/ycat.html

SanDiego1K, I am here. :cool:

Some of NRT EX (NEX) will take you to Yokohama station directly. See the timetable below.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/nex/timetable/from_narita/yokohama/index.html

As Life_Platinum has noted, the airport-limousine bus would stop at the east side of JR Yokohama station (YCAT) . Yokohama Bay Sheraton is on the west side of JR Yokohama station. I can walk, but I will not walk with the luggage.

You know my name, and you may tell my name to the staffs at tower's lounge if you would have any trouble and problem.

Warm Regards,

yasuki





I am going to this hotel directly from Narita. Can anyone comment on whether the bus or the train is the way to go? If I take the train, is it thru service, or do I have to change stations somewhere? If I take the bus, do I need to then take a taxi to the hotel? Is the train closer to the hotel than the bus?

The thread has life. This was a great trip. Off to Kyoto next month for the Festival. Japan is wonderful. SanDiego1k. Enjoy!

As pointed out by Yasuki some of the Narita Express trains travel direct to Yokohama Station (see timetable). Its a nice ride, comfortable, takes you right to Yokohama station, the Sheraton is at the West exit.

Also not in that timetable is an hourly (usually top of the hour) Rapid train from Narita Airport direct to Yokohama and beyond.
However, this train is a regular commuter train making more stops, so its a longer ride (about 30+ minutes slower), a little less comfortable for the entire for a long of a ride (regular Yokosuka Line E217 trains), however only costs (1890yen), this is the cheapest (direct) option from Narita airport to Yokohama, something other travelers might want to take if they are on a budget.

The bus or the Narita Express are of course more comfortable rides.

As mentioned, the bus will take you to YCAT, YCAT is to the East of Yokohama Station..
Distance wise, it is about 450 meters from YCAT to to the Sheraton walking through various department stores and the JR station.

For banking, there is a Citibank ATM (if i recall it is a 24hr ATM) outside the 2nd floor entrance of the Sheraton (on the building across) right at the end of the bridge, you can't miss it.

Getting to the hotel

Thanks to the helpful posters on this thread, I took the bus to YCAT. I had to wait for the 2nd bus at Narita, as the first bus was sold out. It cost 3500 yen, and the taxi to the hotel cost an additional 1140 yen. I'm very glad I followed the advice given here. The train arrives at Platform 9. There is a very lengthy flight of steps, and then a lengthy walk with poor signage to the hotel. For the same reason, I'm glad I took the taxi from YCAT Air Terminal to the hotel.

Executive Lounge

I am Starwood Gold, and thus not entitled to an upgrade to the Executive Floor. I asked about upgrading with points on arrival. It took some time to communicate, and then it took the desk agent some time to decide if this was do-able. There were only smoking single rooms available, so in the end he decided to leave me in my deluxe twin on the 18th floor. I appreciated his consideration.

It cost me 1000 Star points/night for the upgrade. This gave me free continental breakfast, non alcoholic beverages thru the day, and alcohol from 6pm to 9pm. I was underwhelmed by the lounge. It has 2 attendants, but is quite small with minimal service. I only used it one afternoon, and left right at 6. There were no sign of any appetizers. I had wanted a bottle of water to bring to my room, but was told that I was not allowed to leave with any beverage. I don't regret using the points, as it did give me a continental breakfast - but it was certainly as poor a lounge as I have experienced in Asia.

I'm very appreciative of rtwstaralliance and his superb directions to Yamakura. I would not have even known of this place to visit were it not for his post. Neither of my guidebooks on Japan mention it. However, there is a 2 page article on it in the June issue (not yet on line) of Business Traveler USA.

I have a local friend, and she asked me to get off at the Kitakamakura station, one before Kamakura. She was waiting for me there. There is a very pleasant path along the train track. We walked a very short distance ahead to the Kamakura Old Pottery Museum. This was a small museum in a very pleasant setting with pottery from the 13th century forward.

We then continued down the path. When it opens up to a larger area, turn a hard left and continue up a slight slope. Most people will turn at this point. You are headed to Meigetsu-In, the rhododendron temple. The walk is very pleasant, reminding me of the Philosophers Walk in Kyoto.

Rhododendrons are in season right now, and the temple grounds were spectacular with blue blossoms as far as the eye could see. This was really a nice stop, with a beautiful dry garden as well as a lovely path of weathered Kamakura stones.

If you then want to get back on rtwstaralliance's sighseeing plan, you need to walk back to the train station and take the next train on to Yamakura. Trains are quite frequent.

I have not taken this tour, but think it is worthwhile to mention it. The hotel gave me a brochure, and can book it.

There is a bus tour of Yokohama that leaves from the East Exit of the train station. It is well priced, and takes you to the major attractions. Be aware is only in Japanese.

Morning tour: 3000 yen - leaves at 9:30am, returns at 13:20
- Minato Mirai 21 Area
- Bay Bridge
- Foreign Cemetery, Harbor View Park
- Red Brick Warehouse
- Chinatown (lunch included)

Afternoon tour: 2300 yen, leaves at 2pm, returns at 5:45pm
- Minato Mirai 21 Area
- Red Brick Warehouse
- Foreign Cemetery, Harbor View Park
- Sankeien Garden
- Bay Bridge
- Yama....a Park

Full day tour, 5300 yen, leaves at 9:45am, returns at 4:15pm
- includes all of above, taking out repetitive bits
- Yokohama Daisekai, Kanteibyo
- Ride on sightseeing boat

I had half a day available, and decided to go to Sankeien Garden. Frommers gives it a 3 star (its top rating), and says it is the best reason to visit Yokohama. The hotel concierge gave me a brochure for the garden, as well as a coupon for a 100 yen discount. It was comforting to have the brochure, as I could show it to people should I have any trouble enroute.

Getting to Sankeien Garden
Take the hotel elevator to the floor below the lobby. Walk toward the East Gate/YCAT Terminal/East Gate bus terminal. You want to come up at Platform 2, which is in area A of the bus stands. This is immediately across from the YCAT Terminal, although one is not accessible from the other.

The bus stand has a sign in English "Sankeien Garden" as does the bus. You will be taking bus number 8. It costs 210 yen for the half hour trip. It will be very clear when to get off the bus, as an announcement is made in English.

On exiting the bus, walk back to the intersection with a traffic light. There is a sign here pointing to the garden to the left. It is 300 meters, the equivalent of 3 city blocks. The street ends at the garden.

Sankeien Garden
This was an absolute pleasure. Suddenly you leave the crowded city and are in a serene garden. A lake is straight ahead, and an old row boat is anchored off shore. There are traditional Japanese buildings, built as long ago as the 15th century, which have been moved to this site. Only one is open (Old Yanohara House) but the contrast of the aged wood against the green plants is very pleasureable.

The garden was designed and landscaped by a wealthy merchant, Sankei Hara. He opened the outer garden to the general public in 1906. The inner garden was kept for the family, and was only opened in 1958. Both are well worth seeing; there are plantings that provide color year around, and there are many buildings gracefully dotted around each garden. Today, the photographers were focused on the pond of lotus which were coming into blossom.

Returning to Yokohama Station
Return to the bus stop where you alighted. It is NOT across the street; it is the same stop. There are two signs; one is for busses going further on; the other is for busses returning to Yokohama Station. The bus will say in English Yokohama Station. Ride it to the end.

Lunch
I headed back thru the train station toward the Sheraton, and came out at Cial Department Store just before the West Gate. rtwstaralliance had recommended the revolving belt sushi restaurant on the 6th floor. I have a great fascination for such restaurants, and it certainly is easy to eat when all you have to do is lift your food from the conveyor belt. It made a very satisfying lunch.

Thanks to rtwstaralliance who inspired this stop on my trip. Although I have done business in Japan for many years, I was never brave about venturing out on my own. Thanks to his great Japan hotel/sightseeing threads, I've learned to take Japan in manageable chunks using public transportation to get around very efficiently and affordably.

Your welcome my friend. I am so pleased to hear you had a great time in Yokohama area and met your friend. Safe travels.

"Sankeien Garden
This was an absolute pleasure. Suddenly you leave the crowded city and are in a serene garden. A lake is straight ahead, and an old row boat is anchored off shore. There are traditional Japanese buildings, built as long ago as the 15th century, which have been moved to this site. Only one is open (Old Yanohara House) but the contrast of the aged wood against the green plants is very pleasureable."

SanDiego1K: Your trip to Sankeienen Garden was exactly what we did for an entire day two years ago. Yokohama is a city full of exciting day trips, and like you, we looked to Yasuki and RTWStaralliance for their guidance.

Thank you for the info on the Garden. Something new for me to try also.

Thank you for the info on the Garden. Something new for me to try also.

I can also vouch for a stop at Sankeien Gardens. We were there in April (just after Sakura, unfortunately). Keep an eye out for volunteer guides in the inner garden section. A very kind retired gentleman gave us a wonderful tour of the gardens, pointing out several interesting vistas and details of the gardens. Even on a cloudy day, it was quite spectacular.

At Yokohama Station purchase a ticket called Toku Toku ticket Kamakura/Enoshima for 1130 yen from Yokohama. This ticket will cover all of todays transportation needs.

I'm not sure if that was what the pass was called back in 2004. However, the pass is known as the "Kamakura-Enoshima Free Kippu". It covers roundtrip from Tokyo/Yokohama and allows unlimited rides on the Enoden Train and Shonan Monorail.

To expand on RTWSTARALLIANCE's original post, platform 9 is the Yokosuka Line towards Zushi. You can stop off at Ofuna (switch to Shonan Monorail), Kita-Kamakura or Kamakura Station.

Alternately you can take the Tokaido/ShonanShinjuku or Negishi Line (slowest) to Ofuna and make appropriate transfers.

Anyone been here recently?

Anyone been here recently?

What is it you would like to know exactly? Hotel treatments of PLT, nearby places to go, how to get to Tokyo/NRT/HND, etc.?

Anyone been here recently?

I have been at the location for the most part of the last 1 1/2 years, most recently in ealry June.. Be happy to provide feedback.

What is it you would like to know exactly? Hotel treatments of PLT, nearby places to go, how to get to Tokyo/NRT/HND, etc.?

What the place is like now. Has it imporved? Reports i've read are very varied from "It was terrible " to " I love this place" I guess most of the comments are outdated so i was hoping for some more recent feedback. And also how are PLTs treated.

What the place is like now. Has it imporved? Reports i've read are very varied from "It was terrible " to " I love this place" I guess most of the comments are outdated so i was hoping for some more recent feedback. And also how are PLTs treated.

Just completed a 3 night stay at the property yesterday. I can't comment as PLT but as Gold I did not get upgraded to Exec Floor room with Exec Lounge access, although they did give me a 2 level upgrade to a 2 twin corner room with bay view. The room was great, large by Japanese standard with separate bath and shower and a 32 inch LCD TV. There was no free internet, it's charged at 1050 yen per stay not per night, cable only no wifi.

In general the hotel condition is great and the location is excellent with undercover walkway to Yokohama station with lift/escalator all the way. We took the Narita Express from this hotel to the airport and we found it very convenient.

We were a bit disappointed with the quality of the breakfast for a Sheraton. Buffet breakfast was 2217.5 yen with 20% discount coupon which you must ask at the reception. The variety was simply not there.

I have stayed here 3 or 4 times, most recently in April 08. It is not the most glamorous hotel in the greater Tokyo area, but it represents a fine value. It is only a category 3 hotel, so good value for rewards and the rates are often pretty good here too. As an SPG plat I have always been upgraded to one of the twin corner rooms with separate shower and bath. These rooms are well kept, with a spacious bathroom. Regular rooms are probably a bit small, but I always get upgraded. Lounge access has always been granted to me. The breakfast is fairly limited at the lounge, but the quality of the items provided is high. Great coffee and excellent fruit. Staff are always helpful and courteous. Not the place to stay if you are looking for over the top luxury. However, the fundamentals of this hotel are at the luxury level… clean, well kept, quiet HVAC, good sound insulation.

I have stayed at location about 12 times the past couple of years, as a platnum they do not upgrade to the exec floor, but do give the benefits of staying on the exec floor. These include continental breakfast, and free unlimited drinks in the lounge on the 26th floor. This is also where you check in and out. I have always been given the same type of room discussed before, i larger corner room with a view of the bay, hotel staff is very friendly and location of the hotel is less than a 5 min walk from the train station.

slightly OT, but there will be fireworks near Yamashita Park Sunday July 20th and on Friday, August 1 they will be going off near the InterContinental. I don't recommend going out to either park unless you want to be with about 1M of your closest friends :p but if you're lucky enough to score a bay view room, the latter one should be pretty fabulous. That one will last over an hour IIRC :cool:

Had two recent 1 night stays there as a platinum. Once was upgraded to executive floor and the other stay was not. The non-executive floor room was actually bigger, though. The lounge is fairly disappointing. In the morning I though the breakfast was poor with limited variety of food. The evening snacks are very limited as well just some cookies and drinks. It is nice to be able to use the lounge to check in and out as it bypasses any wait downstairs.

On the same trip I stayed one night at the intercontinental yokohama as the sheraton was sold out and felt this was a much nicer hotel. As a non-status member at the intercontinental I received a nicer room than what I received during either stay as a platinum member at the sheraton. Also the intercontinental view was much better than at the sheraton. I'd recommend the intercontinental unless you need the stay credit for starwood.

For those comparing it with other starwood hotels in the tokyo area I felt the sheraton miyako tokyo was much nicer than the sheraton yokohama.

On the same trip I stayed one night at the intercontinental yokohama as the sheraton was sold out and felt this was a much nicer hotel. As a non-status member at the intercontinental I received a nicer room than what I received during either stay as a platinum member at the sheraton. Also the intercontinental view was much better than at the sheraton. I'd recommend the intercontinental unless you need the stay credit for starwood.

I second greg999's opinion ..... as non-status SPG member, the IC is much better than the Yokohama Bay Sheraton - if only because the room is about twice (three times ?) the size of the single room at the Sheraton .....

This hotel is great value for Tokyo (err, Yokohama). I booked two nights for points (10,000 points a night), and they gave me an upgraded room on the 26th floor with nice views of bay and city. The lounge (I think for 26th/27th floor only) has free continental breakfast, and also free drinks at night.

As a Platinum Amenity, I took the free internet for two nights, which I figure saved me about $20 instead of the 500 points I usually take. If you stayed here a week, the Internet is an even better deal, since it works for your stay.

Very convenient location, right across from the Yokohama Station... four stops from Narita Express Airport.

Trip Report to the Yokohama Bay Sheraton.

Stopped here for 2 nights this week on C&P to check out the city.

Transportation:
From Narita, hopped onto the Narita Express (N'EX) for a 3 stop train service to Yokohama Station. Reliable, fast, clean, and on-time. As a non-japanese citizen, I was able to buy the N'EX & Suica card for only 3500Yen which includes a 1500 train ticket, a 1500 Suica card value, and a 500 refundable suica card when returned. (Normally a ticket to Yokohama from Narita is 4100Yen+)

Upon arrival:
The Yokohama station is big. The station is connected by underground walkways and malls. The Sheraton is located at the West Exit of the station.

Check-In:
Was greeted by the bellman coming up the escalator from the underground walkway. Shown to the front-desk. Showed my passport and was guided to the elevators because check-in for Platinum members are on the 26th floor (Tower Lounge). At check-in all the paperwork was ready when I arrived. Was offered the 500 platinum amentity points.

The room:
The rooms by Western standards are very small. My C&P reservation was for a low floor twin, but the hotel "upgraded" me to the SPG Floor Corner twin. From the floor plan diagrams, these rooms are definitely bigger than the other rooms. The room was simple and furniture looks dated. Twin beds, flat screen TV, mini-bar, work desk. The bathroom had separate showers and tub. The room has "Sheraton Sweet Sleeper" beds but are definitely firmer than the ones in the states. The twin size beds are size of Western full size. Standard amenities include slippers, robes, mini-bar, complimentary water, Aqua Shui Water bathroom amenities.

Lounge:
Nothing to write home about. Small and lack any real amenities. All day beverage services and snacks were available. Upon check-in, was told Breakfast is now served in the Compass restaurant downstairs and was given coupons. There is a computer in the lounge for everyone's use

Fitness Center:
Dubbed the "Sheraton Sports Club" on the 7th floor, there is a fitness room with limited, but sufficient number of machines and free weights. The sports club also has an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, and sauna. The swimming pool was absolutely wonderful, although one might argue that the water temp was hovering around 28-29 degrees Celcius, which is pretty hot for a "warm" swimming pool.

Breakfast:
One of the best "platinum" breakfasts because it was served in the hotel restaurant. The breakfast buffet has a very nice spread including many western dishes, omelette station, and a large traditional Japanese breakfast spread. Service and food quality was excellent. At ~2500yen per person + 10% service charge x 2, it was a heck of a deal for C&P stays and Platinum members.

Other hotel services:
The hotel has many other restaurants and services through Floors B1-8. Didn't check any of these out as there were too many other restaurants and eateries at Yokohama Station.

Location:
Can't be beat. Right outside the Yokohama Station, the hotel is right in the middle of the action. There are many eateries, restaurants, shops to choose from. The Takashimaya Dept. Store was across the street, as well of local department stores, will make your stay enjoyable and exciting.

Overall:
The hotel is excellent. Service is impeccable, all staff members make you feel at home. Did I say the service was excellent?

If you are looking for a place to stay in Yokohama and want convenience (and if you are a Platinum member, even better because of the breakfast buffet because I love food :D), stay at the Yokohama Bay Sheraton.