Starwood Preferred Guest - westin miyako kyoto question

Two part question:
Part 1:
While researching the Westin Miyako Hotel, I came across the hotel chain of MIYAKO HOTELS & RESORTS, which lists the Westin Miyako Hotel and The "NEW MIYAKO HOTEL KYOTO" (non westin/starwood) on its reservation system.

http://www.miyakohotels.ne.jp/newmiyako/english/reservation/reserv01.html (click on GO TO HOTEL LIST)

I know that the other hotels including the "NEW MIYAKO" are not starwood properties, but just curious why the Westin Miyako is listed on another hotel chain's website? Does Westin/Starwood jointly own the Westin Miyako with the Miyako Hotel & Resorts company or any other reason why the Miyako Hotel company still lists the Westin Miyako? (I would assume the Westin Miyako used to be part of the Miyako Hotel company?)

Second part of my question is that, does any one know what the current status of the Westin Miyako is? How many rooms have been renovated so far (it is my understanding renovations began back in 2002), and how much more renovation is left to be done if any?

Thanks.

My guess is that 1/2 of the rooms are now renovated. We saw unrenovated rooms in two wings, and renovated rooms in one wing, which is seemingly longer hall-wise.

See the other posts about different folks' comments on this hotel by using the search function... I found it most useful, and as of 3 weeks ago, all the info is still accurate and relevant. Have a great trip: we did.

Thanks, I've researched the other threads already, I plan to use 1500points pernight if needed to upgrade from an unrenovated room. My search on spg's website only brings up renovated rooms for late october, thus my curiousity about how much of the hotel has been renovated and how much more is left to be done, which should take a while considering the hotels age.

I know this sounds like heresy-- but how about rethinking your benefits and give yourselves a unique experience by staying at the Ryokan Tawaraya in Kyoto. You will never forget it.

If you've never stayed at a Ryokan, I definitely agree with the suggestion! ^

There appeared to be no construction work of any sort taking place when I was in Kyoto in March. This led me to think that they had decided to leave the hotel as half renovated and half unrenovated, on the basis that there wasn't enough business to fill all the rooms every night at the premium prices charged for the new rooms.

Because of the way the hotel is designed, you won't actually have a clue that there are any old rooms - they must be in separate wings or separate floors.

I know this sounds like heresy-- but how about rethinking your benefits and give yourselves a unique experience by staying at the Ryokan Tawaraya in Kyoto. You will never forget it.


My wife and I had a similar experience as Obscure2K when we stayed at the Hiiragiya, a ryokan in the center of downtown Kyoto. It was fantastic and very very expensive, but worth every bit of what we paid. I remember reading that the Hiiragiya is one of the 3 best ryokans in Japan.

Yes, this is heresy on this board, but it is a once in a lifetime experience!