Starwood Preferred Guest - Tokyo Discussion Thread (Where should I stay? Which hotel is better? etc.)

Hello,

I am thinking about staying at either the Westin Tokyo or the Park Hyatt Tokyo, and wanted to hear some experiences with the Westin Tokyo. What are upgrades like as a SPG Platinum? I'll be staying on a cheap rate, so what's the cheap rooms like if i don't get the upgrade? Other than a possible upgrade, what else does SPG Plat get you here?

Thanks

Hello,

I am thinking about staying at either the Westin Tokyo or the Park Hyatt Tokyo, and wanted to hear some experiences with the Westin Tokyo. What are upgrades like as a SPG Platinum? I'll be staying on a cheap rate, so what's the cheap rooms like if i don't get the upgrade? Other than a possible upgrade, what else does SPG Plat get you here?

Thanks

You are better at the Grand Hyatt if you are on holiday. I stayed at both the GH and Westin in March on vacation, three nights at Hyatt and 2 at the Westin. There is nothing wrong with the Westin at all, except that the GH is brand new, architecturally amazing and is built in the middle of a huge shopping / restaurant complex. The PH is a business hotel in a business area. Both the PH and Westin are a 10 minute walk from a metro station.

If you do an advanced search under my handle and the keyword Tokyo in this thread and the Hyatt one, you should find my observations.

I used to stay at the Westin Tokyo 2 or three times a year (back 8 years ago or so), but the last couple of years, my visits to Japan have been limited.

I used to think the Westin was one of the best hotels I had stayed in, but my last 2 or three visits there have been disappointing. Maybe my expectations have increased, but the level of service has also declined.

I have had cases where my room has been cancelled without me ever doing the cancellation, and on each of the last 4 visits, my guaranteed king size bed has disappeared at check in !!! Never got an upgrade, and it is really expensive there too (then again I guess that is Tokyo for you !!!).

sorry, I havent stayed in the Hyatt

PH has the best view, amenities and rooms among 5 star hotels in Tokyo.
In fact, even though the location is not so convenient for tourlists, most Japanese think that PH is the best hotel in Japan.
Westin is still good but hasnt reached the same stage.
As a plt, you will normally get an executive room which comes with continental breakfast, evening cooktail and health club access.
It didnt have a club lounge, so guest usually had a breakfast in the restaurant and a cooktail in the bar. However, they are now renovating the executive floor rooms adding the executive lounge. I dont know what they would give you. If I were you with Hyatt diamond, I would take PH. They will give you their amazing spa access which normally cost guests about $35 a day and continental breakfast in your room. If you will spend most of time in the hotel, PH is better choice. :)

This is my 1st post on FlyerTalk. I think I will start by going through the review of some of my experience. Please note that I am only a Gold Preferred Guest with Starwood so maybe Platium Members will get better treatment than I did. I am Canadian so the money '$' means Canadian dollars while "yen" means Japanese Yen.


Westin Tokyo
Price: Price range is 25000 - 35000 Yen ($250 - 350) per night depending on the season. I have stayed in this hotel around 5 times since January. It one of the most expensive Starwood Properties I have stayed in. It is definately more expensive than Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo Hotel (see next review)

Location: The property is located in Ebisu, one of the upper scale areas in Tokyo. It is about 15 min walking distance from the closest JR Ebisu Train Station. It is also close to the famous Shibuya shopping district and Ropponji (the area where there is a higher population of western visitors). The location is better than Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo Hotel. There are shuttle buses that goes to and from the airport and the hotel.

Rooms: This is where your money went. The room I got (which is the standard room/non-executive room on a high 'perfered floor') is similar to the ones above average sized room in North America but considered big in Japan. The hotel is equiped with the Westin's Heavenly Bed. There are the latest issues of current affair magazines (such as TIME and Newsweek) free for you to take in your room. There is a 28 inch LCD TV in each room and connecting sound systems into the bathroom so you can listen to, say, CNN while you're brushing your teeth. The bathroom is big with an oversized bathtub and a seperate shower. However, the awesome North America double shower head that I love most is missing. You get a weak shower. To their credit, the toilet has a heated toilet pad (perfered rooms only) that could keep your ... warm when you use the toilet. The heated toilet seat also provides functions of cleansing your ... with warm water. I have not seen such heated toilet pads in North America.

Lobby & Hotel Food: The lobby is big and pretty relaxing which is what I like. There are some resturants in the hotel but they are not cheap. There is a decent buffet in the resturant in the lobby. They serve North American breakfast and western dinner that is above average in North America standard but not great (I define "excellent" as like the Bellagio Buffet in Vegas). Their Caesar Salad is a salad with an egg in it. This is one of the rare areas that I could eat a North American Caesar Salad in Japan.

Gold Memeber Upgrade Chances: none. On my last visit, the receiption told me that they don't upgrade golds. I find that blunt statement discouraging. I feel that I am not valued as a customer although I stayed 5 times in 2 months in the same hotel. I got downgraded once by given a non-prefered floor in the lower levels which doesn't have a heated toliet pad nor the complement magazines.

Conclusion: Although the rooms are well-equipped, I still don't find this hotel a good value. The honest and blunt comment from the staff shows their policy does not try to appreciate Gold members. The staff however are very friendly and helpful. Unless there is decrease in price in this hotel, I am unlikely going to stay in it again next time I visit Tokyo.


Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo
Price: 16000 - 23000 Yen ($160 - $230) per night. The price of this hotel is about $100 cheaper per night than Westin Tokyo. It is an average price that I pay for stays in North America.

Location: It is in front of Shinagawa Train Station. So it is about 5 minutes walk from hotel to the train station. This is both good and bad. It is convient in a sense that you can get onto the train easily, but the hotel location is further away to areas like Shibuya and Ropponji than Westin Tokyo is. So the total time needed to get to Shibuya and Ropponji would be similar wether you stay in Westin Tokyo or Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo. The bad part is also because it is in front of the train station. Whenever you leave your hotel, there are lots of people. It is like the images you see on TV of Tokyo, you will feel it here. Airport shuttle bus avilable.

Rooms: I booked the standard double bed room. This is also where you find why this hotel is on average $100/night cheaper than Westin Tokyo. The room is considered below standard (but not small) in North American Standard and average in Japan standard. There is no LCD TV, just a standard non-flat screen TV. The bathtub and shower is combined. The bathroom is small. The beds are a single sized bed that fits one. Westin gives you two double sized beds. Also the beds are no heavely beds. In fact, it was not very comfortable. I can clearly feel the springs in the matress. I got an average sleep. I think the beds are one level below the Best Western Beds you get in North America.

Lobby & Food: There is a TGI Friday in the hotel. To me, this is the best feature. It is hard to eat a proper North American steak or ribs in Japan. I am glad to report they stay true to the unlimited refills of pop and the North American sized ribs and the proper Caesar Salad. There Nachos, however, are not the North American ones. You only get 6 chips covered with strange stuff. As for the lobby, you would think returning to your hotel would shield you from the crowded sidewalks outside. However, lobby itself is a zoo during day time. Lots of people and noisy. The lobby is not a place where you can relax easliy.

Gold Memeber Upgrade Chances: so far none. I have stayed only once. Upgrade means giving you a higher floor and face the train station. No free bottle water in the room nor anything that suggests special treatment.

Conclusion: I seem to lean towards this hotel over Westin Tokyo due to the value if I am in transit. I am willing to sacrifice a little sleep and use the $100 saved for other things. However, if I am on vacation, then Westin Tokyo seems a better choice.

Update (August, 06): I stayed in Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo twice this month. I had some disappointments to report. The hotel did not upgrade me in both occasions. Furthermore, Starpoints were not awarded for the food charges in the Hotel's TGI Friday's in both occasions. In the past, they didn't do so and I thought they forgot. I was eventually credited after submitting the hotel receipts to SPG last time. When I wrote to the hotel manager about no starpoints for hotel resturants and lack of Gold recongition, I got a written reply saying the staff are still training to join the SPG culture and may not know the benifits of Gold and Plat members. Also, he insisted that food charges from TGI Friday's is not eligable for Starpoints. I have submitted the receipts to SPG and would follow-up with (and maybe 'educate') the manager once those points are granted.

Update (October, 06): I stayed in this hotel twice this month so far. The 1st time was a Gold member and the front desk gave me a very crummy single bed 'prefered room' (to their credit, it was on a more upper floor - 19th floor). There are over 25 floors in this hotel. I used my points to upgrade to better rooms, the 1000 point upgrade gave me a still crummy room ( a double bed instead of a single bed) with a better view. I stormed down to the front desk to demand better treatment and they took 500 points extra from my account (total of 1500 starpoints taken) and gave me a bigger room with 2 double beds. I used to get this kind of room when I first came to this hotel. It seems the more I stay, the worse I get treated. (and they have my record too and I am sure they know how many times I have stayed). The points were NOT posted for a week.
The 2nd stay was exactly 7 days after my previous stay, and now I am a newly minted Platinum. The front desk reconized me since I was the trouble maker 7 days ago. I questioned why my points were not posted yet and now they saw me as a Plat member. They quickly went into the back room and get it posted right away. I had low expectations on how they would treat me since 7 days ago, I was given a single bed crummy room and that was suppose to be the 'prefered' room. I thought maybe the best room I get is the one I had before with 2 double beds and a nice view. The 'hotel special' welcome kit was 2 stuffed puppy dogs. (I should have chosen the points) To my surprise, I was assigned to a suite. The suite is twice the size of a regular room and I was very impressed. I was also given breakfast coupons for the hotel buffet. When I checked out, the points were credited 2 days later - the fastest I have seen for this hotel (normally is 5 days when I was Gold). I was completely shocked about the difference of treatment between Gold and Platinum members. If these upgrades happen often wherever I stay with Starwood, I think I am going to put effort in remaining in Platinum level for good.

Westin Osaka
Price: 17000 - 20000 Yen ($170 - $200)/ night. This is the average price and fair price I pay for Westin in North America. I stayed during the Golden Week holiday in Japan. It seems the price don't change even during the peak season.

Location: It is located about 15 minutes walk to the JR Osaka train station. The hotel provides a free shuttle bus to and from the train station. It is a semi-convient location towards major areas. Osaka is more spread out than Tokyo so you will be spending more travel time and cost on train rides. There are not a lot of people around the hotel and the atmosphere is quite relaxing in that area.

Rooms: The room I got was an normal 2 bed room on the executive floor. The room size is similar to the one of Westin Tokyo -above average sized room in North America but considered big in Japan. The hotel is equiped with the Westin's Heavenly Bed. The TV is a 28 inch Flat Screen (no LCD TV). There are connecting sound systems into the bathroom so you can listen to sports while you're in the bathroom. The bathroom is big with an oversized bathtub and a seperate shower. However, the awesome North America double shower head that I love most is again missing. You get a weaker shower. You do get the heated toilet pad.

Lobby & Hotel Food:
The lobby is relaxing. Not a lot of people walking around and there is no crowding feeling. Staff are friendly and says high to you when they see you. Bow at you when they meet you at the elevator and holds the elevator door open and wait until you exit before they exit. As for food...
1) Executive Lounge. Ate there once. Breakfast was a free buffet. More of a European breakfast. You can of course stuff yourself. Normal drinks (tea, pop etc) are free all day in the lounge. You get one free alcoholic drink per day but then you may need to pay. I don't know if they use the honorary system or someone will record how much you drink. I was out touring the city during the 'happy hours'.
2) Japanese Resturant. Ate at the hotel's Japanese resturant for breakfast once. It is 4000 yen ($40) for non-executive room members. $20 for executive room members. Expensive is the proper word to use. As a torusit, I need to have enough energy to walk/ train around the city for about 10 -14 hours. The Japanese breakfast put much effort on the display of the food but not on the amount of food. You get some rice, some fish some ginger, some soup and some tofu, some raw fish eggs and raw fish. Though light and healthy but it doesn't really fill you up. I am Chinese-Canadian so the food tastes familiar to homemade Chinese food (excluding the raw fish and fish eggs). I would not eat there again since I didn't feel full after breakfast.
3) Lobby's Buffet
Ate there once. Free for the executive-room. An standard North American breakfast but grand in Japanese standard. Pop, however, is not free and there are more people walking around to get food than in the executive lounge. The variety is only slightly better than the executive lounge. I perfer the executive lounge due to the relaxing surroundings, the great view of the city and free pop and bottled water.

Gold Memeber Upgrade Chances: unknown. I called spg to use my points to get the upgrade to executive floor. Others can comment on the success. Also, the starwood points are credited incorrectly and the printed reciept, unlike all other Westin hotels I have been to, has no indication of how many points I earned. I have to send in my Hotel Filo/ printed receipt to spg and hope I get the correct credits.

Conclusion: Good value. Recommended. Good experience. Would come again.



Sharaton Sapporo Hotel
Price: 8000 Yen ($80) per night. The cheapest and the best value Starwood property that I have ever stayed in.

Location: It is located about 5 minutes walk to the JR Shin Sapporo train station. It is a one train station from downtown Sapporo - a very convient location towards major areas. There are not a lot of people around the hotel and the atmosphere is very relaxing in that area. There is a average size shoping mall at the train staion.

Rooms: The room I booked was the one double bed room. I got upgraded to a 2 double bed room. To my surprise, there was a personalized card written by the manager on the desk. This is by far the best thing ever happened to me in Starwood stays in Japan. Among all my stays with Starwood, this is the 2nd time I recieved such welcome and I want to thank General Manager Hiro Yamamoto for such attention to detail. The room size is considred an average sized room in North America but considered above average in Japan. The hotel is equiped with the Sheraton's Heavenly Bed. The TV is a 24 inch Flat Screen (no LCD TV). The bathroom is standard with an combined bathtub and shower. You do get the heated toilet pad.

Lobby & Food: There is a hotel bakery that makes French style break. It tasted decent and fresh (important to me). I did not try any hotel resturants during my stay. The lobby is big and relaxing. There is a business center where I used to write emails. Overall a pleasent lobby.

Gold Memeber Upgrade Chances: Often. Apparently, the manager did give me the best empty room (not suite) in the hotel. It was chosen specificlly and the special card was placed in my room in the morning on the day I was suppose to arrive. I booked the 1 bed room and was given a 2 double bed room on the highest floor.

Others: I always fill out the hotel review form and give the hotel comments. Among all my stays with starwood, I only experienced 2 replied. The 1st one was from Sharaton on Niagra Falls and it was a standard apology for their screw up. The 2nd experience is from this hotel. The review I gave was a excellent one and I commented on the nice card. Within a week, I got a persoanlize reply by Secretary Momoe Nakaya and General Manager Hiro Yamamoto thanking me for the response. It was personalized because the letter shows that they have read my comment on the card and further elaberated that they have just changed the features of the card. Furthermore, they offered me their email and phone and they would personally make my reservations if I want to visit next time.

Conclusion: The best value in Japan. The managers attention to detail is amazing. The staff are one of the best I have encountered. The most important I think is the extra effort the manager gave to make me feel I am a valued Starwood Preffered Guest. The Welcome card and the response of my hotel review sheet makes me feel valued and welcome. This stay would definately be one of the best ones I have experienced.

Pretty good first post! Have you just been lurking for a year? Just a question on the Westin Tokyo...I am traveling with Mrs Golfteam and 2 teenage daughters to Tokyo and the only 2 hotels I found that could sleep 4 ( double/double) are the Westin Tokyo and the Sheraton Grand Tokyo Bay. I would rather pay more for a nice hotel, but none I know have the 2 large beds. Are the Westin Tokyo beds in fact the same double/double that I would find in US? Thanks.

As a platinum member I was upgraded to a suite at the Hotel Pacific Tokyo (Im actually currently there as I type this msg).

Just to add my two yen.

Westin Osaka - I liked it alot. Got a good rate (about $140) off season, and found the service to be excellent. Upgraded to a 21st floor suite with a great view, too. I was only there for a night on business, but it was really easy and pleasant.

Westin Miyako Kyoto - Rooms are variable and run down. There are a bunch of threads on this, but it's true. Kind of a weird hotel. Pretty good location, though, for wandering around Gion and various temples. Not a bad value if you can get it for cheap, but don't expect a great hotel.

Pretty good first post! Have you just been lurking for a year? Just a question on the Westin Tokyo...I am traveling with Mrs Golfteam and 2 teenage daughters to Tokyo and the only 2 hotels I found that could sleep 4 ( double/double) are the Westin Tokyo and the Sheraton Grand Tokyo Bay. I would rather pay more for a nice hotel, but none I know have the 2 large beds. Are the Westin Tokyo beds in fact the same double/double that I would find in US? Thanks.

I have been reading posts for a year but didn't really contribute. After getting some benifits off of FlyerTalk, I feel I should give some back. Therefore, I opened this thread.

As for the Hotels you try to compare, I have this to say. Sheraton Grand Tokyo Bay Hotel is not in Tokyo. It is located in the next state (they call state "prefecture" in Japan) named "Chiba". It is in fact inside Tokyo Disneyland which is NOT in Tokyo. Tokyo Disneyland is in the next prefecture called Chiba.

If you're going to be touring around Tokyo, then Westin would be the safe bet. There is also Le Meridien GRAND Pacific Tokyo Hotel (which is different from Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo of my review) you can consider. I have not tried that hotel yet so I am unsure of quality. It would be nice if someone review that hotel.

Finally, the bed size in Westin Tokyo is similar to the bed sizes in North America double heavenly bed. It will definately fit two children on 1 bed. I am 130 pounds and 175cm. The Westin double bed can fit two people my size in 1 bed no problem. Also, Westin Tokyo is now (after 1st week of May) off season so the price is amoung the cheaper ones of the year currently standing at 25000 yen per night.

Westin Miyako Kyoto - Rooms are variable and run down. There are a bunch of threads on this, but it's true. Kind of a weird hotel. Pretty good location, though, for wandering around Gion and various temples. Not a bad value if you can get it for cheap, but don't expect a great hotel.

What you need at this property is a "deluxe" room. Even on cash & points, they will give it to you for an extra 1,000 points. Well worth it, of course. They may also be willing to then give you executive lounge privileges for another 500 points (definitely worth that!).

If you are paying for the room, I'm not sure how much more the deluxe rooms cost, or whether a gold card would get you upgraded.

i have stayed in all tokyo SPG Properties and i am not satisfied with the hotels.

the meridiens are OK if you are a Platinum, you will get the upgrade to a suite. the westin tends to not upgrade to a suite, and the rooms looking old and cheap.
the grand meridien is stinky with upgrades, they are not giving PLATINUM suite upgrades even if the suites are free. etc.
the meridien pacific is upgrading to a suite every time if avaiable.

for all the japanese SPG properties i can give you the following advice, use a SPG50 and book a junior suite. the price will go down to 30000 yen or less with a SPG50. this is the best for a family.

dp

Westin Miyako Kyoto - Rooms are variable and run down. There are a bunch of threads on this, but it's true. Kind of a weird hotel. Pretty good location, though, for wandering around Gion and various temples. Not a bad value if you can get it for cheap, but don't expect a great hotel.

Not necessarily true for all rooms. Stayed there last week in a nice, new room on the 7th floor with a great bathroom. I'm a plat, but it was Golden Week and I was using points.

So...some of the rooms have been upgraded.

Not necessarily true for all rooms. Stayed there last week in a nice, new room on the 7th floor with a great bathroom. I'm a plat, but it was Golden Week and I was using points.

So...some of the rooms have been upgraded.

Yes, the room type has to say "deluxe" to be nice. There are apparently some bad rooms at the hotel. If you're in a deluxe room, you'll never notice this problem.

[QUOTE=derpelikan]i have stayed in all tokyo SPG Properties and i am not satisfied with the hotels.]

END QUOTE

The Westin Tokyo is an excellent hotel

I recently stayed in The Westin Tokyo and found it to be one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in.

I had a suite with a fantastic view, the Japanese breakfast was amazing and the hotel has BMW bicycles which I hired to cycle around town.

The service from the concierge and club lounge staff was excellent.

I will be back!

[QUOTE=derpelikan]i have stayed in all tokyo SPG Properties and i am not satisfied with the hotels.]

END QUOTE

The Westin Tokyo is an excellent hotel

I recently stayed in The Westin Tokyo and found it to be one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in.

I had a suite with a fantastic view, the Japanese breakfast was amazing and the hotel has BMW bicycles which I hired to cycle around town.

The service from the concierge and club lounge staff was excellent.

I will be back!

very nice that you liked the hotel.
i got a super nice suite (big suite) too last time, and i got a extra room addet so we could stay with 4 persons.

but i did not like the old rooms.

the service is ok, but the lounge and other things did not satisfy me.

but glad to hear you liked this hotel.

but if you liked this hotel, there are some hotels which are 10 x better in tokyo. may be you want to try one of these next time.

dp

I made my first trip to Japan recently and was very impressed with the Japanese Starwood Hotels I visited. As a North American Based member it is almost shocking to see the service levels you experience while in asia.

Westin Toyko

didn't get upgraded to a suite on my award stay but did get a club level room, with amenities mentioned in this thread. This hotel is definitely very ornate and the high room rates and Cat. 5 rating seem justified. The service is also excellent, from the concierge who called my home in the U.S. to arrange tickets to the Ghibli museum, to the super efficient restaurant staff (when my jacket fell off my chair they swooped in like superman to get it off the floor).

Westin Kyoto

I think this hotel get a bad rap on this forum, but I do see why people complain. Its a pretty big place and I'm guessing there is a big variance in the types/condition of rooms. No suite upgrade here as well on an award, but I found the club to be quite nice and made use of it quite a bit more than the one in tokyo. Perhaps becuase at least when I went it was a little less crowded than the one in tokyo. MY friend and I spent a lot of time outside the hotel so didn't have much time to see the grounds, but it is not a bad choice for kyoto.

Sheraton Kobe Bay

This was my favorite hotel in Japan. This might seem strange, but then again I did get a junior suite upgrade even with the extremely low rate I paid (9,900 yen). I guess the value for money and greatly exceeding my expectations is what did it for this hotel. I may have had a very skewed exeprience and my stay here was short less than 10 hours due to a delayed flight. But this is definitely the best 9,900 Yen I spent in japan.

I need a room for 4.... Myself, Mrs. Golfteam and two teenage daughters. I booked a room for end of July at the Westin Tokyo (double/double) as it was the only hotel I could find with the two larger beds in one room. I got the email reservation and it said executive room, not CLUB executive room, so I called back to reservations to fix. No problem, but in the course of the conversation the agent said ALL rooms were limited to no more than 3 persons. You could reserve a 1 King room for 3 or a double/double for 3. It made no sense to me so I left the reservation intact while I ask the Flyertalk community what they think I should do. Tokyo rooms are not cheap and double/double is sufficient for MY needs. I would rather not buy two rooms. Suggestions?

I think you will be fine. The hotel is very accomodating. Did you tell the reservation that you are actually 2 adults and 2 kids?


I need a room for 4.... Myself, Mrs. Golfteam and two teenage daughters. I booked a room for end of July at the Westin Tokyo (double/double) as it was the only hotel I could find with the two larger beds in one room. I got the email reservation and it said executive room, not CLUB executive room, so I called back to reservations to fix. No problem, but in the course of the conversation the agent said ALL rooms were limited to no more than 3 persons. You could reserve a 1 King room for 3 or a double/double for 3. It made no sense to me so I left the reservation intact while I ask the Flyertalk community what they think I should do. Tokyo rooms are not cheap and double/double is sufficient for MY needs. I would rather not buy two rooms. Suggestions?

[QUOTE=golfteam]I need a room for 4.... Myself, Mrs. Golfteam and two teenage daughters. I booked a room for end of July at the Westin Tokyo (double/double) as it was the only hotel I could find with the two larger beds in one room. I got the email reservation and it said executive room, not CLUB executive room, so I called back to reservations to fix. No problem, but in the course of the conversation the agent said ALL rooms were limited to no more than 3 persons. QUOTE]

When booking award rooms I don't think you are automatically guaranteed a Club room - just a standard room.

One thing with the SPG award booking site is that even though the website shows hotels with double rooms that can accomodate 4 (i.e. Westin Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka), the confirmation will only list 2 adults. Further, when you call SPG their online systems show these Japanese hotels to accomodate a max of 3 people. I got a good CSR who actually called the hotels in Japan and confirmed that I would be ok with 4 in a room (2 adults 2 kids) and also noted it in my record. For peace of mind, I also got the printouts of the booking that showed maximum occupancy to be 4 just in case there are issues. I agree with you that most of the Japanese hotels are expensive on points and I would like to minimize having to get 2 rooms if I don't have to. We will be in Japan in early June and will get 2 rooms at the Westin Kyoto and also at the Hyatt in Fukouka.

My reservation is actually a paid stay, not an award stay, although I am using a SPG50.

Westin Nagoya Castle
I have stayed here about 3 times. No upgrade other than to the club floor rooms, even as a Platinum. The hotel is quite pleasant but certainly nothing special. The lounge food is very limited. Staff are pleasant and helpful. Good courtesy bus to downtown area and return from the same location...very efficinet and needless to say runs like clockwork. Is one of the pick-up points for the Airport Limousine Bus as well. One thing that did irritate me...unable to get a booking in the coffee shop/basic restaurant on 2 stays...shunted off to the more formal Chinese Restaurant in the basement without so much as an apology. As an in-house guest this is the only SPG property in which I have been unable to get a table in the coffee shop...and to be treated as something of an annoyance into the bargain. On the plus side, when the ATM in the lobby was out of order, the staff went to great trouble to help me find another. Try to get a castle view room...quite spectacular

If you're going to be touring around Tokyo, then Westin would be the safe bet. There is also Le Meridien GRAND Pacific Tokyo Hotel (which is different from Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo of my review) you can consider. I have not tried that hotel yet so I am unsure of quality. It would be nice if someone review that hotel.

I am staying at the Meridien Pacific at the moment. No upgrade as Plat but free breakfast coupons and certificates to use the wellness facilities at the Grand for free.
There is an hourly shuttle running between the two properties. From what I have seen the Grand is the way nicer property. Fitness facilities are great for asian hotel standards. Highlight is a 20m indoor pool. Colleague of mine who is staying there at the moment was upgraded to clubroom and commented very favourably about the room. It is not very convenient located for my business needs, that is why I stay in the Pacific. But I am considering moving for the weekends. For tourists I would probably recomment the Grand from my experiences so far.

That's interesting. Having stayed at the Le Meridien Pacific in Shinagawa twice, both times, I got upgraded to suites without breakfast coupons.

I am staying at the Meridien Pacific at the moment. No upgrade as Plat but free breakfast coupons and certificates to use the wellness facilities at the Grand for free.
There is an hourly shuttle running between the two properties. From what I have seen the Grand is the way nicer property. Fitness facilities are great for asian hotel standards. Highlight is a 20m indoor pool. Colleague of mine who is staying there at the moment was upgraded to clubroom and commented very favourably about the room. It is not very convenient located for my business needs, that is why I stay in the Pacific. But I am considering moving for the weekends. For tourists I would probably recomment the Grand from my experiences so far.

Le Meridien Grand Pacific
I will be staying there from Friday of this coming week, for a few days. I will post some comments after that. I made the booking there after calling to see how close it is to where I need to be and they were very helpful, so that's encouraging. Seemed like a pretty cheap rate as well.

Last week I was at the Westin Tokyo. I love the neighborhood. I don't know how long I'll keep this link around, but if you need directions to a coin op laundry, I took some pictures to lead you to it. Even though I had a map, it was an adventure to find it: directions to laundromat (http://web.mac.com/arekd/iWeb/Arek%27s%20pictures/Finding%20the%20laundromat.html)

I'm currently gold status. I don't know if I got upgraded or not, but I did get a non-smoking room at my original rate (31000yen?), even after spg.com reservations page showed a non-smoking room was much more expensive.

Someone I know (maybe it was me) was on his way back home to Chicago, on the limo bus from the Westin Tokyo to Narita Airport when he realized that he forgot his passport, which his friend locked in the room safe. He got off when the limo bus stopped at the Radisson. He expected to take a taxi back to the Westin, retrieve his passport, of course miss his flight, and have to fly home the next day. However, the Radisson people called the Westin people, and the assistant manager of the Westin delivered his passport to him at the Radisson. He caught the next limo bus and made it to Narita in plenty of time to made his originally scheduled flight. Again, what an embarrassing story, but it illustrates the amazing service from both hotels.

[QUOTE=golfteam]I agree with you that most of the Japanese hotels are expensive on points and I would like to minimize having to get 2 rooms if I don't have to. We will be in Japan in early June and will get 2 rooms at the Westin Kyoto and also at the Hyatt in Fukouka.

As I've noted before the Westin Miyako Kyoto will upgrade you to a very large "deluxe family room" for 1000 points if you contact them directly. It's a great deal for anyone travelling there with family. Getting two rooms in Japan is a nasty expense.

[QUOTE=acnev]

As I've noted before the Westin Miyako Kyoto will upgrade you to a very large "deluxe family room" for 1000 points if you contact them directly. It's a great deal for anyone travelling there with family. Getting two rooms in Japan is a nasty expense.

Thanks for this great tip. I just called the hotel directly and the guy converted my cash and points regular room to a family room and even cancelled the 2nd room. I'm crossing my fingers that all works out well as I am about to leave for SIN and MNL before getting to Japan. If this works out it will definitely save people lots of points.

(edited for spelling)

Duplicate post

[QUOTE=iahphx]


Thanks for this great trip. I just called the hotel directly and the guy converted my cash and points regular room to a family room and even cancelled the 2nd room. I'm crossing my fingers that all works out well as I am about to leave for SIN and MNL before getting to Japan. If this works out it will definitely save people lots of points.

Not sure if you'll get this in time, but my other tip for this hotel is to then ask for executive lounge privileges. They did it for me at the hotel for an extra 500 points/night. Free drinks and snacks, and buffet breakfast for an entire family. Best deal in Japan!

Not sure if it's official policy there, or they were being nice to me. At the Sheraton Miyazaki, I desperately tried to upgrade to the "executive level" on an award stay because NOTHING was included in the regular rate (like the swimming pool), and everything was included in the "executive" level. One conceirge said I couldn't do it for points, but I could for about $25/night. "Great" I said. Five minutes later, she called me and said she made a mistake. It was like $250/night to upgrade!

I just finished a trip to Yokohama, Japan so I think I should review the Yokohama Bay Sharaton where I stayed. Please note that I am only a Gold Preferred Guest with Starwood so maybe Platium Members will get better treatment than I did. I am Canadian so the money '$' means Canadian dollars while "yen" means Japanese Yen.


Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel and Towers
Price: Price range is 18000 - 25000 Yen ($180 - 250) per night depending on the season. I paid 22000 Yen for a room with 2 beds in early June. I do know they have rooms with 1 bed that goes for 18000 Yen for those who travel alone. The price is a little higher than average. The rooms on the top 2 floors called 'Towers' are much more expensive and reached a price of 50000 Yen ($500) per night. I read from other flyertalk members that the best approch (if you're coming with a family or group) to use a SPG 50% off Coupon and book a suite on the Tower (ie the top 2 floors). If you are a platinum member, book a cheap room and use your points for an upgrade to the Tower rooms and you would get into the Tower lounges that are available excusively to Tower guests (I read from other posts that plat members couldn't get into those lounges if you only booked regular rooms).

Location: The property is located literally in front of JR Yokohama Station. It is about 2 min walking distance from the JR Station to the hotel. A private bridge and a underground tunnel links the hotel with the train station. Around the hotel is a great shopping district. It is one of only places that I have been in Japan that shops/stores are still open after 10:30pm. I bought my dinner at a supermarket at 11:00pm.
As for other famous sites, the hotel is about 6 minutes subway ride or train ride from the famous Yokohama Chinatown. But if you factor the time used in walking up and down the tunnels and waiting for the train/subway, it takes about 20 minutes to get there. It is also 15 minutes train/subway ride to the financial district and the Yokohama Bay itself.

Rooms: I had a room with 2 beds. The room size are similar to the ones in North America but is considered above average in Japan. My room was as big as the ones I had in Westin Tokyo and Westin Osaka (also a room with 2 beds). The washrooms have marble floors and there is a seperate shower and bathtub. Also the mirror is heated so it won't fog when you take a shower. Unfortunately, there isn't the double head shower I always wanted. It seems I am unlikley to see those shower heads in Japan, neither in Westins or in Sharatons. To their credit, the shower has a pretty accurate water temperature guide that allows you to adjust to the water temperature in degrees celsious.

Beds: This is what I am very concerned of. As a tourist, I need to do sightseeing and walk 12 hours a day, I really want a good night sleep. However, Sheraton Yokohama has one of the worst beds I have ever slept in with Starwood. This hotel is NOT equipped with the Heavenly Bed. The beds are like beds you get in motels. There is a little 'hole feel' in the middle of the bed so the bed feels like a bowl. I think this is due to the number of people who had slept on it. I know my sleep wasn't as good when I tossed and turned during the night though the bed wasn't so uncomfortable that I woke up.

Others: This hotel also gives me one of the worst TVs that I ever seen in all Starwood properties so far. It is a 16 inch non-flat screen regular color TV. It seems it hasn't been change for over 10 years. Westin Tokyo gave me a LCD TV. Westin Osaka gave me a 24 inch flat screen high definition TV. It is unbelievable that Yokohama Sharaton will be unable to give me a decent TV.

Lobby & Hotel Food: I think this is where they put the money. The lobby is big and seems luxurious. Marble flooring everywhere with Chandeliers hanging around. There were multiple weddings on the weekend I stayed but there seem to be enough room that the lobby doesn't feel crowded at all. There are some resturants in the hotel but they are not cheap. I didn't eat there.

Hotel Services: The service I recieve meet expectations but did not exceed them like they did in Sharaton Sapporo. Also, I originally booked a room through spg.com for 2 people. It was a non-refundable booking. However, my co-worker had an emergency and couldn't make the trip. Since it was non-refundable, if I cancel, I still have to pay for the room. Therefore, I went alone. When I arrived, I wanted to change to a room with 1 bed because it was cheaper. Of course, they are in no obligation to do so and they refused which is understandable. However, had they went out of their way to fix the problem have exceeded my expectation. Only hotels that perform excellent would I ever strongly recommend to friends and sometimes go out of my way to stay in those hotels when I am near the area. However, they lost their chance of impressing me.

Gold Memeber Upgrade Chances: none. There aren't even Starwood Prefered Floors. The Receiption told me that they gave me a room on a high floor as a 'upgrade'.

Conclusion: Acceptable. Tolerable since there is no other Starwood properties in Yokohama. The hotel looks great but lack of substance. It is in a great location, with fancy private bridge and tunnels that goes from the hotel directly to train station. The lobby looks like a luxury hotel with massive use of marble, crystal lights, Chandeliers and high ceilings. The rooms are full of bells and whistles like marble flooring and a heated mirror. However, when it comes to essentials, it fails the test. It doesn't have the all important Heavenly Bed, nor the double head shower. It didn't even have a proper TV so I can see some normal CNN. Finally, their customer service was average but not excellent which in my case, is not good enough. The most important thing to me was the bed.

Correction and Update: As a flyertalk member noted, the Sharaton uses the Sweet Sleeper beds, not the Heavenly beds used in Westin. Both beds felt similar. Normally, when a hotel is equiped with one of those fancy beds, they make sure you know about it by putting a paper sign on the bed. This hotel didn't have the sweet sleeper bed.

I have to disagree as this is one of my favorite hotels to stay at when I'm in the area.

Service from the hotel staff have gone beyond my expections for any Sheraton hotel (heck even some Westins) i've stayed at before.

I give my thumbs up for the Yokohama Sheraton. ^ ^
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=375170

I have to disagree as this is one of my favorite hotels to stay at when I'm in the area.

Service from the hotel staff have gone beyond my expections for any Sheraton hotel (heck even some Westins) i've stayed at before.

I give my thumbs up for the Yokohama Sheraton. ^ ^
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=375170


I read your post about your Yokohama Sheraton experience. You did use the SPG 50 % off certificate but I didn't know about using that until it was too late. I should have used it for a Club room.

I guess we agree of the facts such as the hotel's great location, bathroom design, big rooms..etc. However, I want to stress the hotel did not fail my expectations of a Sharaton. It just didn't exceed them. When I pay to stay in a Sharaton, I expected the same good customer service for any Sharaton I go. In short, I have high expectations. Sharaton Yohohama was up against my Sharaton expereince in Hokkaidou, Vancouver, Seattle and Calgary. It was also up against the services of all the Westin I experienced and W Seattle. It seems almost all the ones I stayed in had a good reputation in Flyertalk. Against all the great Starwood hotels I have, this hotel meet the expectations in customer service but didn't perform better than the average Sharaton I experienced. In other words, they have good customer service but you should expect such level of service when you pay to stay in a Sharaton.

I care about a good night sleep and I want those Heavenly Beds. To put the hotel bed in perspective, I compared the bed of Yokohama Sharaton agaist the ones in Westin Osaka, Westin Tokyo, and Sharaton Sapporo. This hotel has the worst bed of all 3. The hotel in Sapporo charges $80 a night and still be able to equip those Heavenly Beds and why can't Yokohama Sharaton get those beds? However, the bed in Sharaton Yokohama was still better than Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo and better than the ANA hotel I tried in Hokkaido.

I hope this clears things up a bit.


Correction and Update: The Sharaton uses the Sweet Sleeper beds, not the Heavenly beds used for Westin. Both beds felt similar. Normally, when a hotel is equiped with one of those fancy beds, they make sure you know about it by putting a paper sign on the bed. This hotel didn't have the sweet sleeper bed.

We just have different opinions on Sheraton hotels, where I come from the just words Sheraton Hotel is a joke, mainly because of the shere amount of mediocure Sheraton hotels out there. With BAD service.

I was a convention once (it was a while ago I can't recall which Sheraton hotel it was), but the elevator's kept making this strange noise and someone in the elevator said "Well, its a Sheraton what did you expect", and everyone had a good laugh.

So to me, this Sheraton meets and exceeds all my expections of a Sheraton Hotel, and most other hotels I've stayed at. I think its a fantastic hotel.

btw, Heavenly beds are a product of Westin Hotels, Sheraton hotels product is the Sweet Sleeper bed. ;)

quick question...how many people fit in this "deluxe family" room?

[QUOTE=iahphx]


Thanks for this great trip. I just called the hotel directly and the guy converted my cash and points regular room to a family room and even cancelled the 2nd room. I'm crossing my fingers that all works out well as I am about to leave for SIN and MNL before getting to Japan. If this works out it will definitely save people lots of points.

That's interesting. Having stayed at the Le Meridien Pacific in Shinagawa twice, both times, I got upgraded to suites without breakfast coupons.

Ok, I just checked out from the pacific after having stayed in a very nice suite. They also told me that I will get the same room for my next stay.
So I stand corrected, chances for upgrades are good at this property

Stayed for 5 nights around 3 weeks ago. This property is in Daiba, the relatively recently developed area on the bay. Easy access from Narita on the Limousine bus ( 2,700 Y) but the last bus leaves some time around 7.00pm, and with luggage a train transfer would be a bit complicated. Buses also go from the hotel to both Narita and Haneda ( but a limited schedule for the latter),
Platinum upgrade was to a deluxe room, very large by Tokyo standards with a great view over the bay including the rainbow bridge. 500 points offered. No breakfast. Lounge access offered but I could only use it briefly because I was out most of the time( no breakfat in the lounge, only drinks, snacks during the day and I think a cocktail hour....can't remember).
There is a shuttle bus to the other Meridien ...around 25 minutes..which is next to Shinagawa station. But there is easy train access to daiba..daiba staiton is 50 metres form the hotel.
I thought this hotel offered a good experience and I would certainly stay there again. Most of the guests were either Japanese or French.
cheers

I am going to Tokyo in August and was wondering where I should stay? The Le Meridian Tokyo Harbor or the Westin. I am going for sightseeing. Nothing else. Any advice?

I have the same question about the various Meridiens. They are less points to redeem a free night. I have stayed at the Westin and its very nice and in a central location.

Westin all the way.

The front office manager Mr Manabu Iwasaki is very helpful and so are his team. Send them an email in advance on the generic email address on the hotel spg page.

JR and the metro are a 3 minutes walk (moving walkway) from the hotel, all under cover.

Tons on great restaurants in the area, within 2 mins walk the must be at least 30 in the Ebisu complex.

10 mins on the train from anywhere you will want to be in Tokyo.

we stayed at the Westin - it is nice, but the world's fastest man couldn't reach the subway or JR line in 3 minutes, and you walk outside before you get to the moving sidewalk - I'd say it's a good 10 minutes to the subway.

JR and the metro are a 3 minutes walk (moving walkway) from the hotel, all under cover.


The Westin in Tokyo? :confused: I've not sure that I can even run this in 3 minutes. Minimum 10 minute walk.

If you don't mind the walk, this is a great hotel to stay at.

I agree, its definately not 3 minutes away, if my map is drawn to scale its roughly 600 meters away from Ebisu station.

... and you walk outside before you get to the moving sidewalk...

I don't think you do - you can go down the elevators from the hotel into the mall, which then connects to the underground walkway which then connects to the travelator walkway to the station - hotel staff were kind enough to shows us that when we were departing on a rainy day.

I don't think you do - you can go down the elevators from the hotel into the mall, which then connects to the underground walkway which then connects to the travelator walkway to the station - hotel staff were kind enough to shows us that when we were departing on a rainy day.

I used to work at Yebisu Garden Place (next to the Westin) a few years ago, and can confirm that you can get from the JR Ebisu station to the Westin all covered as alect wrote above. It will definately take you more than 3 minutes to get to the station. Depending on which station you are going to (JR or Hibiya line) and the amount of traffic (human and/or traffic light if you go above ground) budget around 10 minutes.

JR and the metro are a 3 minutes walk (moving walkway) from the hotel, all under cover.

Here is the Westin's opinion on distance to train:
http://www.westin-tokyo.co.jp/en/access/index.html


10 mins on the train from anywhere you will want to be in Tokyo.

As long as "anywhere you will want to be" is a station that is 10 minutes or less from Ebisu on the Yamanote, Saikyo or Hibiya Line.

I am going to Tokyo in August and was wondering where I should stay? The Le Meridian Tokyo Harbor or the Westin. I am going for sightseeing. Nothing else. Any advice?

Went for sightseeing as well and loved the Westin.

Great restaurant and bar near the top of the hotel.

Hotel is new, very well done and the staff is top of the line.

The area around this hotel is nice as well with great shops and food.

Subway, 10 minutes for sure but an easy 10, is on a major line and takes you wherever you want to go.

Definitely don't miss getting up early and going to the Tsukiji Fish Market. We got there around 4:30AM (took a cab from the Westin) and the show began. It is a great place to walk around and enjoy the smells, sounds, and action. Watch from start to finish as a tuna is bought, carted, and quartered. All in, about 1 and 1/2 hours but worth it all. Then finish with Sushi in the stalls just to the south of the market. Look for the one with the long line. Order your sushi fast and know what you want because they move em there.

T

800m in 3 minutes, that's easy enough... uh oh, there's a "Beer Station" along the Skywalk between the hotel and Ebisu Station. Maybe 3 hours is more realistic. :)

quick question...how many people fit in this "deluxe family" room?

[QUOTE=acnev]

Thanks to iahphx's for his tip on family rooms at the Westin Kyoto. I called the hotel the day before I left and was able to cancel the 2nd room that I had booked and to confirm a family room - this was on a Cash and points stay. When we got to the hotel I was told we had a jnr suite (platinum status). What we got was a very large room with 4 single beds as well as a desk and a coffee table with 4 chairs. I was amazed since I had always heard that most Japanese hotel rooms were small. I'd like to add that this was definitely not a cramped room even for 4 people. The Bathroom was also of a good size.

As a platinum we were given lounge access without asking. And also given 500 pts as a platinum amenity. All for $60 and 4000 pts - this was definitely a great deal.

Thanks again iahphx. In future I will make this part of my routine to see if the hotels have family rooms or not.

I finally spent a weekend at he final Starwood branded hotel in Tokyo that I haven't stayed in. Again, I am only a Gold Preferred Guest with Starwood so maybe Platium Members will get better treatment than I did. I am Canadian so the money '$' means Canadian dollars while "yen" means Japanese Yen.

Note: This is also my last hotel stay before hitting Platinum for the 1st time in 2 years since I joined Starwood. I will update some of my expereince as a Plat on my next stay.

Le Meridien Grand Pacific Tokyo
Price: Price range is 17000 - 23000 Yen ($250 - 350) per night depending on the season. The price is higher than the Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo Hotel (with out the word 'GRAND') but lower than Westin Tokyo. So I came with a preception that the quality of this hotel would also be between the fancy Westin Tokyo and the average Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo.

Location: The property is located in Tokyo Bay area. Don't get tricked by the name 'Tokyo Bay' and think it in the city. The hotel is located outside the Tokyo city. It is the furthest from any point of major Tokyo tourist attractions and entertainment districts than Westin Tokyo or the Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo Hotel. A train ride from Roppongi (a popular westerner hangout place), for example, is a 45 minute ride and require transit of trains of different company. Imagine the cost of taking a taxi after a night out...
Around the hotel, there are man-made tourist attractions (for example a replica of the Statue of Liberty, a 3 floor Sega Joypolis Arcade Center, a Toyota Car Museum, and a movieplex that opens until 3:00am) - a sign that this place is indeed deperate for tourists. These attractions are fun to go to, but not really unique as you can see them in many other places. There are no 'bar/dance club' area close to the hotel as far as I know.

The hotel is right in front of a private sky-train station. The train there are take you directly to Ginza, an area similar to New York's firth avenue. There is also a free hotel shuttle bus that takes you to the other Le Meridien hotel.


About Points upgrade: Since I was gold, there were no upgrades for me. A prefered upper floor was offered. I decided to see how well this hotel has integrated to Starwood by asking them to use my points for an instant room upgrade. (I have about 50000 points and I got to use them sometime) They were definately not prepared. It was embaressing actually, it took them over 30 minutes to get the paper work done. What happened behind the scene is that the reception didn't know what to do so she asked the manager. The manager didn't know what to do so he called the Starwood line in Japan. Then they found out they need to fill in a form, verify if I had enough points,...etc. I got my upgraded room at the end. They want to cover themselves before granting me a room upgrade while I am waiting. This fails my test as a good customer service. I had a similar experience in Bangkok, Thailand where I asked for an Instant Award at check in (and this was at the well-reviewed Westin Bangkok). The one in Thailand asked me to fill a form but didn't call SPG in my presence to see if I had the points. In short, the Bangkok Westin BELEIVED in me when I say I have lots of points and want to use them for an upgrade. I am sure they checked with SPG, but didn't do so in front of me nor did they require me to wait.


Room: I recieved a room on the top floors. I think it is equivalanet to the Club level in Sharaton. My room has a great view of Tokyo Bay. The size of the room is similar to the ones above average sized room in North America but considered big in Japan. The beds are definately better quality than the non-club floor beds at the other Le Meridien Hotel (Le Meridien Grand Pacific). However, these beds are not as good as the Westin Heavenly ones. There is a 28 inch LCD TV in each room and connecting sound systems into the bathroom so you can listen to, say, CNN while you're brushing your teeth. The bathroom is big with an oversized bathtub and a seperate shower. There is a toilet has a heated toilet pad. I think that heated toilet bad is a bad idea when it is still turned on in the summer. The heated toilet seat also provides functions of cleansing your ... with warm water. I have not seen such heated toilet pads in North America.

Lobby & Hotel Food: The lobby is big and pretty relaxing which is what I like. It is as spacious as Westin Tokyo and does look 'Grand' as the hotel name suggests. There are some resturants in the hotel but they are not cheap. There is also a 24 hour Conveninet Store in the hotel. I like this feature as I don't need to eat the over-priced snacks in my hotel room. There is a decent buffet in the resturant in the lobby and also on the top floor. I had a Buffet in the lobby which servesa North American breakfast with a French Twist. The food was standard but not great. Their pastries are not in good quality (like dried bread, soft Croissant).

Gold Memeber Upgrade Chances: none. They will give you a higher non-club floor only.

Other problems:
I stayed in the Club level so it includes access to their lounge. Since I am a Gold member, the envelope that holds my hotel key is gold in color. When I first entered the Club lounge, I was refused at first. I was told 'lounge access is for Platinum guests, not gold ones'. I shot back and said, I am on the 27 floor. The reception didn't get it and repeated her statement. I had to rephrase my sentece. 'I am staying on the CLUB FLOOR!'. Why do they have to assume customers are trying to screw them over? Had I not have the Gold hotel key envelope, they might actually have to understand what 27th floor mean (ie CLUB LEVEL) Even as a Gold, they are suppose to be a more 'valued' customer than a normal one. I feel I am being treated less than a non-Gold member. After things settled, I asked for a can of diet coke... no such luck. No diet drinks exsists! I must be really the minority here... I ended up asking a coke to go.

The 2nd time I drop by is when they are having their 5:00pm happy hours where they serve some light snacks and drinks. I was refused again. (yes I forgot to hide my Gold hotel key envelope) I was told 'lounge access is for Platinum guests, not gold ones'. I got smarter this time, I used the phrase 'I am staying on the CLUB FLOOR! the CLUB Floor! This floor!' with fingers pointing to the ground. Then I was told that there are clothes restrictions during this time and no shorts are allowed. It's summer and 30 degrees outside, who will wear long pants? This hotel's policy really needs to get updated. I looked inside and fair enough, people are in casual business clothes. I asked for a bottle of water to go and grabbed a sandwitch.

The 3rd time I dropped by is before I checked out around 3:00pm in the afternoon. This time I got smarter and placed that gold envelope in my pocket along with my key. Sure enough, the reception asked what room I stayed and I told her the 27th floor. She then asked what room again (and I forgot). So my hands went into my pocket and pulled that Gold envelop out and.... oppps. I was told again 'lounge access is for Platinum guests, not gold ones'. This time, I have my hands on my forehead and my head shaking. 'Do I need to explain this again? I am on the club floor, and I have access. Check with your computer room 27xx.' She did the check and then apologized. I told her casually I got asked all 3 times when I enter the lounge. I told her Gold guests are a valued customer and there will be times that they will book a more expensive room than the basic one. She was embaressed.

Conclusion: Although the rooms are well-equipped, I still don't find this hotel a good value. The major problem is the hotel is far away from major cultural attractions of Tokyo. The surrounding area is nice but could not make up for the bad location. There is a lot of work needed for the customer training. The Starwood integration is half baked. I hope I am not the only one using Instant Awards at check in. They need more practice at the front desk on these Award procedures. The lounge staff on the upper floor needs to learn to be more dynamic. They definately memorized a hotel manual or something. All 3 times I was told 'lounge access is for Platinum guests, not gold ones'. The wording is so similar it is scary. Unless there is a flood load of Gold members trying to sneak into the lounge (unlikely), I don't know why they have a preception that Gold members will only book the cheapest rooms! Maybe the hotel manual has bad wording or something.

If you have a choice between Le Meridien GRAND Pacific Tokyo OR Westin Tokyo, my choice would be hands down Westin Tokyo. In other words, you either go cheap with Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo or go with the priceier Westin Tokyo.

I would disagree that its far from the cultural attractions of Tokyo, if you were to compare it to the Westin Tokyo.

Location: The property is located in Tokyo Bay area. Don't get tricked by the name 'Tokyo Bay' and think it in the city. The hotel is located outside the Tokyo city.

Techicaly speaking, it is in Tokyo. The Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay is the tricky one as its really in Chiba, though good enough for visiting Disneyland.

Depending on where in Tokyo a traveler wants to visit (not everyone likes Roppongi) the LeMeridian Grand Pacific is little if no futhur travel time than the Westin Tokyo if you plan to visit, the Imperial palace, Ginza, Asakusa, Akihabara, Ueno. In those cases, the difference is more in the price of travel vs the travel time.

My brother is stopping over in Japan on his way home from Shanghai in December (PVG-NRT-JFK) and I was going to give him a give of two nights in a hotel for his birthday.

His flight lands at around 5pm on Friday, he has all day Saturday and then flys from NRT at 11AM on Sunday.

I've been to Tokyo twice but stayed at the Hilton ($3). I could give him a room at the HIlton, but I'd prefer to use *points.

Any advice? He's 24 and lives in China, has been to Japan, but not Tokyo. Grand Pacific or Westin, or should I go for something else???

Thanks

Considering his arrival time (he should be out of customs and immigration about 1800), and the time it takes to get to downtown Tokyo, you may wish to book a PRE-PAID room at the Hilton Narita which in early December sells for 8000 yen (or about $70).

He will be in his room about 1830 and he can move to his downtown hotel the following day.

Just one option.

I would move your brother from the Narita area to downtown as his stay in Tokyo is a bit short. There really arent much to do near airport.

If your brother is interested in night life, Roppongi is a popular hang out for foreign visitors and residents as well as locals hang out thruout the night. Westin is only a short taxi ride to Roppongi. Westin also is located in a shopping complex and offers variety of dining choice on site outside the hotel. ^

Grand Pacific LM is located in the Diaba area, a bit inconvenient to access other parts of Tokyo unless one decides to stay on this island. GPLM stands next to a large shoppoing complex and cinema, so there are plenty of things to do though limited siteseeing opportunity. If he gets a room of the Tokyo bay view, it really is nice. Also transportation called Yurikamome, serving to the island offers a spectacular view of the bay. :(

If he is willing to spend a day alone in Tokyo Disney Resort, Sheraton Grande stands right next to the park. It also is closest to the airport. I am sure it is a lot of fun, though this is a difficult call. :confused:

Pacific LM, the lowest category amongst SPG Tokyo, actually offers conveninet access to major parts of Tokyo including Roppongi, Ginza and possibly to Asakusa, a temple and its surroundings attracts locals and foreign visitors. As it is considered a lowest category, indeed it is an old hotel. I have never stayed at their regular room, but looks a bit cozy. If you are plat and giveway redemption allows suite upgrade, it is nice, but still very old. ^

If your brother is looking for a luxury stay like Mandarin Oriental, none of the SPG property is close by any means. If he is ok with a nice room and a bed, then SPG is a good choice. Then again, it also depends on how much you want to spend on points. LM Pacific the lowest category, does offer a great access to the city, while Westin also provides good access PLUS a nicer room. If not much of time is going to be spent in the room, low category may be ok.

Please accept my apologies for lengthy reply, but being a local, I wanted your brother to have a good time utilizing most of his time when he comes to Tokyo. Good luck.

I written several lengthy reviews about the Starwood hotels in Tokyo on my thread at flyer talk. Link is below
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=558056

Since it's your brother's birthday, you should get him the Westin Tokyo. It is the most convienent and the best looking Starwood hotel in Tokyo.

There is a direct Airport Limousine bus that goes directly to the hotel from Narita. Costs $30 per person and takes you to the door. It takes about 2 hours to 3 hours depending on traffic.

Roppongi is the place for Japanese girls to find white guys. Speaking from a Chinese-Canadian perspective, the hunt is more difficult because of the of the Chinese ethnicity. My white friends were able to fair better than I do and I was warned by expats about this problem. That being said, Roppongi has good night life and just drinking and dancing will still get yourself a good time.

For Japanese men (or Asians that look close to Japanese), the northern part of Shinjuku called 'Kabukicho' is the red light district is the place to go. Assuming you're brother is Chinese (and his skin color is yellow), he may get lucky and enter places where it is denied to non-Japanese.

Finally, may I suggest a visit to Yasukuni Jinja. That is the famous place where they worship the 2.5 million Japanese people who died of war. It also have the convicted WWII war-criminals in there. Every year, Chinese people protests when the former Japanese Prime Minister Kozumi visits. There is a war museum where it details the sucessful battles fought against the Chinese during WWII - something lacking in my Chinese history text books. Of course, as much as the Chinese skip the embaressing part, the Japanese war museum did the same. I remembered they said the soilders entered Nanjing and restored peace and the citizens lived happliy there after. There was no mention of the Nanjing Massacare. You got to see to believe how deep rooted this problem is.

That's my take.

Good evening,

I'm overwhelming with a forum/search. Need some advise here.

We are planning a 3 nights visit to Tokyo in December. We plan to shop around Ginza and Shinjuku (pardon my spelling, I think I got it right)

1.Which is the most convenient hotel to stay?
2.Do they have a direct shuttle to the hotel from NRT?
3. From hotel to the shopping area, do you recommend train,bus,taxi?

Many Thanks........

Good evening,

I'm overwhelming with a forum/search. Need some advise here.

We are planning a 3 nights visit to Tokyo in December. We plan to shop around Ginza and Shinjuku (pardon my spelling, I think I got it right)

1.Which is the most convenient hotel to stay?
2.Do they have a direct shuttle to the hotel from NRT?
3. From hotel to the shopping area, do you recommend train,bus,taxi?

Many Thanks........

I just stayed at the Le Meridien Pacific Hotel Tokyo last weekend. There is a Limo Bus that goes to/from NRT for 3000Y per person and runs frequently. It takes about 1 1/2 hours (depending upon traffic) but if you have a few bags this is the way to go, drops you off right in front of the hotel. The hotel is right across the street from one of the main stations, the shinagawa. From here it takes about 15 min to get to the ginza. i am plat so was upgraded to a nice suite and comp'd breakfast. i am at the sheraton yokohama right now, also a nice property but about 30 mins further away,,, good luck

The bus is a very very bad option. You can take the train/subway and it takes no longer than an hour. The only problem is the lack of english signs. You have to make sure you map out where you are going and when to make the switches. I have had the bus take almost two hours during rush hour traffic time.

The bus is a very very bad option. You can take the train/subway and it takes no longer than an hour. ... I have had the bus take almost two hours during rush hour traffic time.

I took the bus about ten times now, never had more than 1.5 hours time. Hotel Pacific is usually the first stop. I like the convenience of being dropped off directly at the hotel.

For shopping in Ginza I also think the Le Meridien Pacific is good option (only a few stops with Yamonote Line) Also prices are lower than in the other *wood properties.

Platinum recognition is also allright - about 60 % suite upgrades and allways free breakfast

I would recommend the train (JR-lines) to go to shopping areas; a lot faster than taxi

if you want to be in tokyo, i would recommend the following.
first take the nex from narita to shinagawa.
you can just walk to the hotel.

the other option if you arrive late, than take the bus, its very convinient and you will see a bit of tokyo when driving.
but in the rush 16-18pm dont take the bus.

the meridien is your best bet . its a cheap hotel compared to the westin etc.

the rooms are not the best, but if you only want to sleep no probem. free internet, free breakfast , free pool for platinums.
there is a tgi fridays in the hotel too.

use the FREE shuttle bus which departs every 15mins from meridien shinagawa to the meridien odaiba.

i think the odaiba hotel is a much better hotel, i am a frequent guest there, so if you need an upgrade or help there let me know. i can arrange that for you.

so first stay at the shinagawa meridien, and you might want to spent 1-2 days at the meridien in odaiba, there are a lot attracation. and there is a kuaina hawaian burger restaurant in 1min working distance. well , thats for me a reason to stay in odaiba


the other option is to stay at the westin using a spg50, that will bring down your rate to 20000 yen if you are lucky .

the westin is in ebisu, which is a nice place to stay too, direclty connected to the yamanote line of jr.

dp

Le Meridien Pacific (Shinegawa):

I made this hotel my regular place during the week. I pretty much always get an upgrade to a Suite and they also give out breakfast coupons for platinums.
Locationis great when doing business in downtown Tokio. Prices are also reasonable (usually 15-17,000 Yen)


Yokohoma Sheraton:

2 stays so far both time upgrade to club but no suite. I like the location if most of my business is in Kawasaki.

Le Meridien Grand Pacific (Odaiba)

One out of seven for suite upgrades so far.:td: The only Platinum benefit with any value to me is the free access to pool and fitness. The club only serves drinks and closes at 7.30
Terrible front desk personal. Once I wanted to change a reservation I made on the internet (fully changeable rate) and front desk told me they could not do it. Had to change on spg.com myself. Lots of other small issues like this.

You wonder why I keep going there? First I really like to get away from downtown Tokio when staying over the weekends and I like the location to chill. Second the fitness and pool area is great and helps to relax as well.

I also had just completed a stay at LM Grand Pacific Tokyo. As SPG Gold, I was given nada...(not that I expect much as SPG Gold) only a room on a higher floor. Fortunately, the "delux" room I booked was big and nice enough for one day's accomodation. I was really hoping that the hotel can comp pool access, but they also denied me of such benefit. This was my first SPG stay in Japan, all in all, Tokyo and I can describe the level of service as "go-by-the-book" type.

Having seen the photos of rooms in other comparable (price-wise) hotels in Tokyo, LM GP seems quite nice. It is very conveniently located for airport access and one can get to the downtown Tokyo via train (Tokyo subway system) or via LM transfer bus that operates between LM GP and LM Pacific. I took advantage of the LM transfer bus and was in the Shinagawa area in about 30 minutes. The LM transfer bus operates every hour.

Despite the lack of "upgrades" or perks as SPG gold elite, I would probably choose this hotel over other SPG hotels in Tokyo because of its decent room, rates, and access to NRT.

To further comment on Japanese "hospitality" and service, even on NH First class ride to ORD today, all the FA seemed to go by the book and operation manual... which made the service rather robotic. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it much better than UA F rides for sure.

I think this Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo was pretty nice. I used my points for a 7 day stay and to upgrade to a suite and it was decent. Being Gold really didn't help me much except that I was allowed late checkout. I the best part about the Hotel is that it had a bus from NRT to the front of the Hotel, Internet was free, and the location was great. From the Shinagawa Station you are right on the Yamanote Line and the also have the Keikyu for locations like Yokohama. I would stay there again.

I the best part about the Hotel is that it had a bus from NRT to the front of the Hotel, Internet was free, and the location was great. From the Shinagawa Station ...If the LM is by Shinagawa (?), then I'd personally take the train to/from NRT - it's a one-stop service and there is more room on the train (esp. if you take the green car :)). The airport limo bus is great if you're easily intimidated of the Tokyo rail system, otherwise I'd take the train every time.

If you have a lot of luggage or large luggage its advantage to take the airport limo bus, trains have limited luggage space (though on the NEX there is extra luggage space), plus you dont have to lug all that luggage around the station, Shinagawa is a busy station, escalators, stairs, etc, it can be a pain to drag all the large luggage around.

Whist the limobus will take you to the hotel front door, and the space under the bus has plenty of space.

Otherwise if you have carryons and smaller luggage, taking the NEX or other combination of trains to the hotel is fine.

Location isn't important, which of the Starwood properties is the nicest in Tokyo?

Actually in Tokyo location IS everything but if you are looking for the most "japanese" of them all I'd go with the Sheraton Miyako. If comfort and luxury is your prime motivation I'd chose either the Meridien Grand Pacific or the Westin Tokyo.

Actually in Tokyo location IS everything but if you are looking for the most "japanese" of them all I'd go with the Sheraton Miyako. If comfort and luxury is your prime motivation I'd chose either the Meridien Grand Pacific or the Westin Tokyo.

The "Sheraton Miyako" (I guess the Radisson is now a Sheraton?) is in a terrible location.

Meridien in Shinagawa is quite nice and clean and at convenient transfer location(From airport, to other cities by bullet train, and to Tokyo)

Westin is bit old. Miyako is located near train station, but not so convenient unless you are using Mita-line of tube.

Westin is bit old. .

I really do not know what is "OLD" about the Westin in Ebisu today. I find the rooms to be spotless, the Spa is being renovated as we speak and the public areas are very nice indeed. The Executice Club has a very fine breakfast buffet and a nice evening Happy Hour.

Ebisu itself is becomming a quite "trendy" area to "live and play".

>>AAEXP
I should said different way, Shinagawa bldg. is new
Ebisu Westin is 10+ year old bldg. Indeed bldg. inside is nice and clean.
And both has quite decent parking as well.

The LM in Shinagawa is a very old building actually. That being said It is my property of choince in Tokyo due to price point, consistant Plat suite upgrades, convenience to and from NRT, and access within Tokyo. The LM in Odaiba is the new building.

Scho

>>AAEXP
I should said different way, Shinagawa bldg. is new
Ebisu Westin is 10+ year old bldg. Indeed bldg. inside is nice and clean.
And both has quite decent parking as well.

^ As far as Westin is concerned.

Hard to imagine a better view at a Starwood Hotel in Tokyo when compared with the LM property in Odaiba. Out one window we could view Fuji, and out the others we looked down upon the bay, Rainbow Bridge, and the City. This is a relatively new property (about 6 years old) with a train at the door. Breakfast in the Concierge Lounge is fair, though. ^

I like the Shinagawa location better but the Westin Ebisu is a decent hotel as well. Was upgraded and the room was spacious and quite clean.

It is near a mall area that is about a 10 minute walk to the subway.

I think I've stayed at all the *wood properties in Toyko, and I would say that for the room clean/nice/service/location, I would suggest The westin Ebisu if price is not a concern. The rooms there are very nice, especially the upgraded ones with black marble.

Besides that the Grand and Park Hyatts are also very VERY nice. =).

JB

The LeMeriden Pacific (Shinagawa hotel) is old compared to the Westin Tokyo. Many of its rooms consists of the "classic" or your outofdate fashion Japanese business style rooms (which I have no problem with) but I know other travelers do. However its upper floors/club floors (Pacific Floor is what I think they call it) are nice.

The LeMeriden Grand Pacific (as mentioned) is a newer building, but its on Odaiba. While it does have a station in front, riding the Yurikamome line is expensive (compared to other lines) and a bit slow depending on where you want to visit in Tokyo (though there is a free shuttlebus between the two hotels).

While the LeMeriden Pacific near Shinagawa station is pretty good since you have the Yamanote Line, some Shinkansen and Narita Express, other JR lines and another private train line at that station. If you stay at this hotel, remember the "classic rooms" which are usually the cheaper rooms / award rooms are older decorated rooms, if you're used to Japanese business hotels, its like that just with a little more space to move around.

The Sheraton Miyako (rebranded) again is near a subway mita line, but a subway line that you would probably not be using much (again it location means everything, so it depends on where you plan to visit). Though the hotel does provide a Shuttlebus to the JR Stations. As for the hotel's service I have not stayed here yet since it just turned into a Sheraton from a Radisson, but looking at photos off the net and reading some reviews, it seems to get high marks.

The top of the bunch (in terms of service, rooms, and reviews) would be the Westin Tokyo, about 15 minute walk from Ebisu train station, though there are moving walkways along the way.

There's also the Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay, but thats way out by Disney, wouldn't recommend this hotel if you were planning to visit the city.

Which one of the bunch is most convenient to get to and from NRT? I am trying to figure out which hotel we should book for the last night before we head to the airport. We will be returning from Kyoto that afternoon so we wanted something that would is easy to find as we arrive in Tokyo, and then easily accessible to the airport for the next morning when we leave. Is there a hotel with a shuttle bus, or on a convenient rail line?

That again would be the LeMeridien Pacific Hotel (not the Grand Pacific), its across the street from Shinagawa Station, they offer Airport Limobus Service to NRT and Narita Express trains depart from Shinagawa Station to NRT (not all NEX stop at Shinagawa so check the time table).

If you are coming back from Kyoto, and taking the Shinkansen try getting a Shinkansen that stops at Shinagawa Station, (but not all do).

Hotels themselves don't operate bus service to the Airport, that is done by an independent company, which also operates from most of the other major SPG properties mentioned:

Airport Limousinebus Timetables:
http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/timetable/txt_narita.html

Narita Express train timetables (remember not all NEX stop at Shinagawa Station)
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/index.html

Both cost about the same amount of money, the Airport Limousinebus has more luggage space if you're carrying around a bit of luggage.

That again would be the LeMeridien Pacific Hotel (not the Grand Pacific), its across the street from Shinagawa Station, they offer Airport Limobus Service to NRT and Narita Express trains depart from Shinagawa Station to NRT (not all NEX stop at Shinagawa so check the time table).

If you are coming back from Kyoto, and taking the Shinkansen try getting a Shinkansen that stops at Shinagawa Station, (but not all do).

Hotels themselves don't operate bus service to the Airport, that is done by an independent company, which also operates from most of the other major SPG properties mentioned:

Airport Limousinebus Timetables:
http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/timetable/txt_narita.html

Narita Express train timetables (remember not all NEX stop at Shinagawa Station)
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/index.html

Both cost about the same amount of money, the Airport Limousinebus has more luggage space if you're carrying around a bit of luggage.


Do your choices also apply for getting to the Westin Tokyo from NRT? I will be arriving this Sunday around 3:15PM local and I'm looking for the most efficient way to get to the hotel. I'm told that cabs are horrendously expensive?

Thanks

DF

Do your choices also apply for getting to the Westin Tokyo from NRT? I will be arriving this Sunday around 3:15PM local and I'm looking for the most efficient way to get to the hotel. I'm told that cabs are horrendously expensive?

Almost every possible way to the Westin Tokyo is discussed in this thread here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=582223
I make my recommendation in Post #6

The Sheraton Miyako rocks! You won't go wrong staying there. The restaurants are all awesome, the lounge is a great place to kick it (many people even go there for dates), the beds are the best in Tokyo, and the bidet has a remote control. Yes, it's a bit out of the way, but who hasn't taken the subways someplace.

Hey, if you stayed at the PH (one of the best hotels on the planet), you'd still have to get to Shinjuku Station -- which is a bit of a hike...even when you get off the hotel shuttle. :)

This is all Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo has to say about its surrounding area:

Located in the heart of the Shinagawa district with Ginza nearby, Le Méridien Pacific Tokyo is surrounded by beautiful gardens - an all too rare privilege in Tokyo.

The hotel is conveniently located near Shinagawa railway station, providing easy access to the Ginza shopping area or business district. Taxis are available from the hotel.

Japan is a series of islands lying between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. The four main islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. Much of the land is mountainous and renowned for earthquakes. Tokyo City Centre is seven kilometers northeast of the hotel.

Okay then.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/property/area/index.html?propertyID=1839

I recently visited Japan and stayed at Sheraton Kobe, Westin Osaka, Westin Nagoya, Westin Ebisu, LM Shinagawa and Sheraton Sapporo. At LM Shinagawa I was "upgraded" to a very old shabby room with horribly hard beds. It was the worst hotel I stayed in by a large margin - all the others were excellent with great *wood plat benefits.

the meridien in odaiba is nice if you get a suite , but the standard rooms are crap.

the meridien shinagawa is crappier than the odaibe LM. but if you get a deluxe suite , the suite is nice and acceptable.
but at rates beginning at 14000yen its a nice hotel with a nice location.

westin is a very old hotel. it was ok, but i wont pay the high rates there again. i dont get it why the people on this board always praize this worn old hotel ...

i think the miyako might be the best spg hotel right now.

if are RA i would recoomend the ANA in akasaka or if you are hilton member try the conrad. prices starts at 15.000yen weekdays while weekends starts at 24.000yen.

of course the hyatts are very nice too.

forget the mandarin oriental its a crap hotel.

dp

Planning a weekend(Fri night to Sun) trip to Tokyo as a tourist. Planning to go to Tokyo Dome to watch the Giants, Roppogi Hill, Midtown, Shinjuki, etc. Initially I thought about Westin, but is it too far from the subway station? For a tourist which is the best SPG property? Oh, also planning to fly into HND instead of NRT.

the meridien in odaiba is nice if you get a suite , but the standard rooms are crap.

the meridien shinagawa is crappier than the odaibe LM. but if you get a deluxe suite , the suite is nice and acceptable.
but at rates beginning at 14000yen its a nice hotel with a nice location.

westin is a very old hotel. it was ok, but i wont pay the high rates there again. i dont get it why the people on this board always praize this worn old hotel ...

i think the miyako might be the best spg hotel right now.

if are RA i would recoomend the ANA in akasaka or if you are hilton member try the conrad. prices starts at 15.000yen weekdays while weekends starts at 24.000yen.

of course the hyatts are very nice too.

forget the mandarin oriental its a crap hotel.

dp

What is the estimated cost for a taxi ride from Nishi-Shinjuku to the Sheraton Miyako Hotel? I am guessing it's not very cheap and I'm better off just partying until sunrise.
Which leads me to my second question, when do trains start on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays?

Trains start running around the same time every day of the week 4:30-5am depending on train company.

Planning a weekend(Fri night to Sun) trip to Tokyo as a tourist. Planning to go to Tokyo Dome to watch the Giants, Roppogi Hill, Midtown, Shinjuki, etc. Initially I thought about Westin, but is it too far from the subway station? For a tourist which is the best SPG property? Oh, also planning to fly into HND instead of NRT.

I'm at the Westin now. Its a pleasant walk at good temperatures to Ebisu station. On there, it's 4 stops to Shinagawa where you can connect almost anywhere.

From a purely "central" location, the Le Meridien Pacific (at Shinagawa) may be better.

Since the soccer world cup a few years ago, the train stations are almost all marked in English as well as Japanese, so it's not too difficult to figure out.

I think the first question should be - what part of Tokyo do you want to stay in? Personally, I love Odaiba - two malls, great restaurants and a quiet suburban feeling that lets you unwind from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo proper.

The hotel bus connects the Le Meridian Grand Pacific with NRT, and I found the connections very convenient. The hotel is abit "overdone" in style (it looks like they hired Marie Antoinette as the interior designer), but the rooms are comfortable (if abit small), the service is friendly and the location is excellent (right outside the monorail station that crosses the Rainbow Bridge).

It is a nice hotel, the Grand Pacific, but the problem I have with the Odaiba location for a base to visit the rest of Tokyo for the fact fact that it is on Odaiba island, so transport time and cost of transport is a bit higher to get to other locations in Tokyo.
For example you have to pay the fare for the Yurikamome train (which is often mistaken as a monorail, but it's not), then you have to pay a separate fare to ride the subway or JR trains to your destination each day.
Whist if you stayed at the Westin or LeMeridian Pacific you can get to places like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station, etc without the need for a transfer, saving time. For example, travel time from Ebisu station (Westin Tokyo) to Shinjuku is about 7 minutes (not counting the walk to the station), from Shinagawa Station (LeMerdian Pacific) to Shinjuku is about 20 minutes, but from the LeMerdian Grand Pacific on Odaiba its up to 45+ minutes and transfer.
The Sheraton Miyako is another choice that is getting good reviews, there's shuttlebuses to nearby JR stations and its close to subway lines if you find them useful for your purposes.

But again it depends on what you plan to do and see in Tokyo.

Location isn't important, which of the Starwood properties is the nicest in Tokyo?

I have written and posted an extensive review on hotels in Tokyo and Yokohama. You can do a search on it.

For the best confort, I would recommend the Westin Tokyo. The plasma TV, the Heavenly bed, the resturant and located in a relaxing location are all important.

For the best bang for the buck, I would recommend the Le Meradian Pacific Tokyo at Shinagawa station. It is cheap, it is more convienent (in front of a station). With Plat status, you get free breakfast (in an acceptable buffet but no good as Westin Tokyo), and a suite upgrade.

The Grand Pacific Tokyo is far from the City at Odaiba. Imagine taking a cab from a dance club in Ropongii and returning - sets you back a lot.

Which one of the bunch is most convenient to get to and from NRT? I am trying to figure out which hotel we should book for the last night before we head to the airport. We will be returning from Kyoto that afternoon so we wanted something that would is easy to find as we arrive in Tokyo, and then easily accessible to the airport for the next morning when we leave. Is there a hotel with a shuttle bus, or on a convenient rail line?

There is a shuttle bus that goes from Le Meradian Pacific, or Westin Tokyo to the airport. I recall it was $30 per person. It takes 2.5 hr.

If you want to save money and take a train, then the Le Meradian Pacific is the way to go because it is right infront of a train station. You can make a transfer to Tokyo station and then board a non-stop train to the Narita airport.

I really do not know what is "OLD" about the Westin in Ebisu today. I find the rooms to be spotless, the Spa is being renovated as we speak and the public areas are very nice indeed. The Executice Club has a very fine breakfast buffet and a nice evening Happy Hour.

Ebisu itself is becomming a quite "trendy" area to "live and play".

I remember the Westin Tokyo as a pretty decent hotel. They had black marble flooring, the resturant was pretty good. I never been to the spa. Grand looking wise, the Le Meradian Grand Pacific Tokyo is better looking. However, Westin Tokyo has located in a very relaxing enviroment. The price a little high though.

Do your choices also apply for getting to the Westin Tokyo from NRT? I will be arriving this Sunday around 3:15PM local and I'm looking for the most efficient way to get to the hotel. I'm told that cabs are horrendously expensive?

Thanks

DF

The airport bus applies to Westin Tokyo. In fact, the bus starts at Westin Tokyo and picks up people from a few hotels including the Le Meradian Pacific before heading to the airport.

The trains also applies to Westin Tokyo but the hotel is further away from the train station than the trains is to Le Meradian Pacific.

Note: The Le Meradian GRAND Pacific Tokyo does NOT have a bus going from their hotel to the airport. You would need to 1) get on their free shuttle bus to first get to the Le Meradian Pacific Tokyo hotel and then 2) get on the Airport bus from there

I recently visited Japan and stayed at Sheraton Kobe, Westin Osaka, Westin Nagoya, Westin Ebisu, LM Shinagawa and Sheraton Sapporo. At LM Shinagawa I was "upgraded" to a very old shabby room with horribly hard beds. It was the worst hotel I stayed in by a large margin - all the others were excellent with great *wood plat benefits.

I agree. The beds are NOT as good as the Westin Osaka, Westin Tokyo and Sharaton Sapporo. But in Tokyo, for $120 - $150 a night, the Le Meradian Pacific had the best bang for the buck.

...Note: The Le Meradian GRAND Pacific Tokyo does NOT have a bus going from their hotel to the airport. You would need to 1) get on their free shuttle bus to first get to the Le Meradian Pacific Tokyo hotel and then 2) get on the Airport bus from there

Is this change recent? I remember taking the airport bus to/from the hotel, which stopped at all the other major hotels on Daiba.

This is all Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo has to say about its surrounding area:



Okay then.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/property/area/index.html?propertyID=1839

Honestly, Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo's surrounding area is NOT relaxing. If relaxing you are looking for then it would be Westin Tokyo. If artifical and touristy feel, then Le Meridien Grand Pacific. On budget, Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo. The Shinagawa station is a major transit station, especially for those who got off the plane from Handa (?) airport and took the train. Shinagawa is the station to transit to JR lines.

Is this change recent? I remember taking the airport bus to/from the hotel, which stopped at all the other major hotels on Daiba.

Maybe it changed. The last time I stayed was in January 2007 in the Le Meredian Grand Pacific. I remember I have to take the free bus to Le Meradian Pacific and had the Airport Limo (ie the airport bus) pick me up at the Le Meradian Pacific.

Planning a weekend(Fri night to Sun) trip to Tokyo as a tourist. Planning to go to Tokyo Dome to watch the Giants, Roppogi Hill, Midtown, Shinjuki, etc. Initially I thought about Westin, but is it too far from the subway station? For a tourist which is the best SPG property? Oh, also planning to fly into HND instead of NRT.

If convenience to train & subway is important for you, then I would recommend the Le Meredien Pacific Tokyo in Shinagawa, especially if you are flying into HND. Shinagawa is a main transit station the JR Company train and the "other" company (forgot the name). If you are taking the train from HND, you would be using the "other" company train. Both JR train station and the "other company" train station is right in front of the hotel.

Originally Posted by yeunganson View Post
...Note: The Le Meradian GRAND Pacific Tokyo does NOT have a bus going from their hotel to the airport. You would need to 1) get on their free shuttle bus to first get to the Le Meradian Pacific Tokyo hotel and then 2) get on the Airport bus from there

The grand pacific DOES have a bus that runs from Narita Airport:
Here is the schedule for it:
http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/timetable/narita/takeshiba_rinkaihukutoshin_h.html
Its been operating for a long while now, but the schedules to Odaiba hotels (not many of them) are limited.

Airport buses in Tokyo are not operated by the hotels but rather by an independent company servicing all major hotels in the area.

The Pacific Hotel near Shinagawa Station does have some really nice rooms, on their comfort and pacific floors, however you have to pay for it if you want those rooms, they give everyone else on low rates "classic rooms", awards and upgrades the old style business hotel rooms. You can get directly to Narita airport from Shinagawa station, on certain narita express trains as well, without the need to transit through Tokyo Station.

The "Other company" is Keikyu they run trains to Haneda Airport as well, you can also get to Nartia Airport if you take some direct through service trains, and do a connection. JR also runs trains to Narita Airport, via its Narita Express and Rapid train from Shinagawa Station, you also have the airport limobus that can take you to both NRT and HND.

I have changed companies and will be going to a new (to me) Tokyo office in the Aoyama part of Tokyo - it is near Gaienmae station. Would the Westin still be a reasonable place to stay or is there a closer starwood hotel? How long of a taxi ride would it be (obviously allowing for traffic variations)?

Thanks in advance

I will be attending an event at the Royal Park Shiodome Tower, but would like to stay at a SPG property, and ideally take the metro or a train to commute. Could anybody advise which property would be most convenient ? thks

I will be attending an event at the Royal Park Shiodome Tower, but would like to stay at a SPG property, and ideally take the metro or a train to commute. Could anybody advise which property would be most convenient ? thks

Either the Sheraton Miyako or the Westin Tokyo would be reasonably easy to commute from to Shiodome. From the Sheraton it is a 5 minute walk to the Shirokane-Takanawa station, take the Mita line one stop to Mita and change to the Asakusa Line and travel two stops to Shimbashi from where it is a short walk to Royal Park Shiodome Tower. You can take the subway all the way to Shiodome but it requires more changes and is hardly worth it.

From the Westin, take the JR Yamamote Line six stops from Ebisu to Shimbashi station and walk from there.

The Shiodome area is a new development full of new office blocks and some hotels (also quite confusing and easy to get lost in!).The Shimbashi area is full of restaurants and very interesting.

The Westin hotel is clearly the better of the two SPG properties but you will also pay considerably more. The Sheraton, which used to be a Radison Hotel until a few years ago, is showing its age but is perfectly acceptable although it has no lounge (vouchers are issued to Plats for a free drink in the lobby bar and free breakfast in the restaurant)

Either the Sheraton Miyako or the Westin Tokyo would be reasonably easy to commute from to Shiodome. From the Sheraton it is a 5 minute walk to the Shirokane-Takanawa station, take the Mita line one stop to Mita and change to the Asakusa Line and travel two stops to Shimbashi from where it is a short walk to Royal Park Shiodome Tower. You can take the subway all the way to Shiodome but it requires more changes and is hardly worth it.

From the Westin, take the JR Yamamote Line six stops from Ebisu to Shimbashi station and walk from there.

The Shiodome area is a new development full of new office blocks and some hotels (also quite confusing and easy to get lost in!).The Shimbashi area is full of restaurants and very interesting.

The Westin hotel is clearly the better of the two SPG properties but you will also pay considerably more. The Sheraton, which used to be a Radison Hotel until a few years ago, is showing its age but is perfectly acceptable although it has no lounge (vouchers are issued to Plats for a free drink in the lobby bar and free breakfast in the restaurant)

Excellent, many thks. This is what I like FT for...quick, competent advise ^. I am currently holding reservations in both Sheraton and Westin, but as you say Westin is factor 2 for the rate...will check back the Westin if the crisis makes them drop their rates further. thks again

I stayed here in July of 2008. Bar none the best hotel I have ever stayed at regardless of brand. The rooms were spotless, I mean spotless!

Great breakfast buffet (as plat), nice gym w/ a view. Staff is amazingly helpful.

Mrs. & I hope to get back to Tokyo in the next few years & I really look forward to staying at this property again!

WT

I stayed here in July of 2008. Bar none the best hotel I have ever stayed at regardless of brand. The rooms were spotless, I mean spotless!

Great breakfast buffet (as plat), nice gym w/ a view. Staff is amazingly helpful.

Mrs. & I hope to get back to Tokyo in the next few years & I really look forward to staying at this property again!

WT Wingtipflyer1, which hotel are you referring to in Tokyo?

I stayed here in July of 2008. Bar none the best hotel I have ever stayed at regardless of brand. The rooms were spotless, I mean spotless!

Great breakfast buffet (as plat), nice gym w/ a view. Staff is amazingly helpful.

Mrs. & I hope to get back to Tokyo in the next few years & I really look forward to staying at this property again!

WT

I'm guessing you're referring to the Westin but if not, let us know. I'm doing a semi MR in August and the Westin is going for 20700 jpn - I think I'm going to put a rezzy in for it at this point.

I'm only in town for 48 hours and wondering if anyone has an opinion on how much of the language I need to master for that short of a period? I'm only going to hit a few sights and won't have a firm agenda. Wish my stay was longer but maybe next time.

Any advice is appreciated.

I'm guessing you're referring to the Westin but if not, let us know. I'm doing a semi MR in August and the Westin is going for 20700 jpn - I think I'm going to put a rezzy in for it at this point.

I'm only in town for 48 hours and wondering if anyone has an opinion on how much of the language I need to master for that short of a period? I'm only going to hit a few sights and won't have a firm agenda. Wish my stay was longer but maybe next time.

Any advice is appreciated.

the westin is a great hotel, have stayed there many times and every time has been fantastic. if you can get on the club level, do it, free drinks, nice appetizer hour, etc. some people feel it is out-of-the-way, but it is a nice walk from the ebisu station on the yamanote line that will lget you most anywhere you will need to go in a short stay. there is also a limo bus to narita that leaves directly from the hotel, so easy to get back to the airport- or from the airport to the hotel as well.

as for tokyo in a day or two, you won't have to master much. just be polite, say those requisite thank you's (arigatou), excuse me's (sumimasen) and you will be fine. :p

as for tokyo in a day or two, you won't have to master much. just be polite, say those requisite thank you's (arigatou), excuse me's (sumimasen) and you will be fine. :p I agree with elihu1991, you just need arigato, sumimasen and a confused look to get away for 24 hours without any trouble. If you have used the NY subway, Tokyo is going to be far simpler, just don't get overwhelmed with their organized system. It looks fairly complex but once you have used the system, it's a breeze.

I would try to stay in Shibuya/Roppingi area if you are spending the weekend and want to go out at night (for the Tokyo nightlife). YMMV, enjoy your stay at the Westin!

as for tokyo in a day or two, you won't have to master much. just be polite, say those requisite thank you's (arigatou), excuse me's (sumimasen) and you will be fine. :p

Indeed, that's correct.

I sometimes try to experience what people who don't speak Japanese would experience, so I intentionally go without speaking any Japanese (I am a fluent Japanese speaker). Generally, I get by fine without speaking any Japanese except for arigato.

Thanks everyone! I've never used the NYC subways system but Amsterdam, Zurich and DC have all been a piece of cake so I should be ok.

I've heard that the train is the quickest way to get from NRT to town but I like the sounds of door to door service of a limo bus. Anyone care to comment on their experience?

PS - for any locals, if anyone wants to grab a drink or meal during my stay, I'm buying!^

I've heard that the train is the quickest way to get from NRT to town but I like the sounds of door to door service of a limo bus. Anyone care to comment on their experience?

I've used the airport limousine bus to the Westin. It could be a very painful journey if you happened to hit rush hours. In addition, the Westin is the last hotel stop so that adds into the travel time.

You only have 48 hours so why don't you take the train? You can take the Narita Express train to either Shibuya (closer), or Shinagawa, and then take a taxi over to the Westin at Yebisu Garden Place. I've done both and much preferred the train+taxi route.

Here's some information on the train schedule (http://jreast-shinkansen-reservation.eki-net.com/pc/english/common/timetable/e_nex_u/index.html).

If traveling via train, I also strongly recommend the suica+NEX (http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/) combo as you get a train ticket plus a suica card (which is like a pre-paid MTA card in NYC) that allows you to take many of the subway lines in Tokyo.

ditto on the airport bus - feels like a very long journey even outside rush hour

Thanks everyone! I've never used the NYC subways system but Amsterdam, Zurich and DC have all been a piece of cake so I should be ok.

I've heard that the train is the quickest way to get from NRT to town but I like the sounds of door to door service of a limo bus. Anyone care to comment on their experience?

PS - for any locals, if anyone wants to grab a drink or meal during my stay, I'm buying!^

rush hour is to be avoided, but last time i took the limo from the westin to narita, it was under two hours door-to-door, better than the narita express. ymmv of course, but it's great especially if you have heavy luggage to cart around.

however, if you are footloose and fancy free ie light luggage and a sense of adventure, take narita express. right now they are offering a great deal- a combination narita express ticket and a 2000 yen Suica card (the prepaid Super Urban Intelligent CArd ;) that you can use on subway and JR lines in the city) for a total of 3500 yen. that is like getting the suica card almost for free. :D of course you would ahve to pay full price for a return. here are the details:

http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/


so, if you really want to do it like a semi-local (ie, no taxis)- and don't have a lot of luggage- take the narita express to shinjuku and then the yamanote line a couple stops to ebisu (using your new suica card ^). then, it's a nice 10-15 minute walk to the westin- just follow the signs and the moving sidewalks.

have fun! :)

PS - for any locals, if anyone wants to grab a drink or meal during my stay, I'm buying!^

You may find this thread of interest:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/908034-2009-mabo-schedule.html

Rush hour on Limousine Bus is definitely to be avoided, but if you are the type who can sleep anywhere, go ahead - it's not too uncomfortable, and it's really door to door.

Train is faster but it's only once half an hour, so if you have just missed one, by the time you get into Shinagawa or Shibuya and then catch a taxi, if the road is quiet, there may not be that much time gain by catching a train compared to Limousine bus.

I also think there is not much time difference between Limousine and train.
If you take train, you have to go to train station at Narita airport, buy ticket, get on board, then get off at either Shinagawa or Shibuya, walk to taxi station, then another 10 minutes to Westin.
If you have luggage with you, you might not like crowded Shinagawa or Shibuya station.

Maybe, you might save 10-20 minutes at most, but a lot of walk and cost more if you take taxi.

I did not know such a ticket(nex and Suica).
This is a good deal if you use train.

Also, Limousine has some special.
If you pay 200 Yen more, you can have 1 day Toei Subway ticket.
If you are the expert user of Subway in Japan, this is also a good deal.

By the way, this is not for Westin User, but the Keisei railway runs new train between Narita and Ueno in 2010. It takes only 30-35 minutes to get to Ueno from airport.

I did not know such a ticket(nex and Suica).
This is a good deal if you use train.

http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/

You may find this thread of interest:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/908034-2009-mabo-schedule.html

Thanks yosithezet! I'll post there as the trip gets closer.

Thanks also to everyone else for their suggestions.

[QUOTE=Tak;11825244] Also, Limousine has some special.
If you pay 200 Yen more, you can have 1 day Toei Subway ticket.
If you are the expert user of Subway in Japan, this is also a good deal.
QUOTE]

Looks like the limo bus is offering 2x one-way tickets and 2 two-day metro pass for 6,000 Yen. Sounds like a pretty good solution for someone spending 48-hours.

I'll also be staying at the Westin (and then moving to the Park Hyatt), trying to decide between taking the limo bus or the N'EX Train and a subway to the hotels...

I've always found it cumbersome (in any country) to take subway/train from airport to hotel with the amount of luggage i have for an overseas trip. usually doesnt fit anywhere, constantly in the way of people trying to get by, trying to carry it up/down stairs to get to out of the station is a pain, etc.

I just finished a One Night Stay at the Westin Tokyo after spending a night a the Park Hyatt. Got upgraded to the club level as per usual for plat (no suite upgrade, but I requested 2 double beds and that is what I got).

Still I very much enjoyed by free stay using one of the free weekend nights from the summer promo.

I don't know if this is a reflection of the economy or my poor memory, but the Evening Reception in the Club Lounger seem a bit meager compared to what I remember from when I was last there is 2006.

I elected to have breakfast in the restaurant instead of the lounge and can remember enjoying one of the best croissant's I've had in recent memory. It was still warm from the oven and wonderfully flaky. This was a far superior breakfast to what was served at the Park Hyatt although without the nice views from the 39th floor.

My stay was surprisingly french as I also had lunch at the Joel Robuchon restaurant in the tacky chateau right in front of the Westin. The food was good although as you would expect, pricey. (Does any one know if that was always a Joel Robuchon place)

Regarding the LIMO Bus to Narita I took the 2:30PM on a monday afternoon and I believe we made it to Narita relatively quickly (I think I got there a little before 4PM).

Definitely a much better option if you have any luggage.

I do look forward to returning to this westin.

For the Westin, I've done both the Limobus door-door and the train to Shinagawa plus taxi to the Westin.

I'm approx. 6' tall and I find the seat pitch in the Limobus smaller than what I find comfortable; it's OK if you can sit diagonally across two seats (which I've always been able to do). Regardless, I hate sitting in traffic (especially when crammed into a seat) and prefer to take the train/taxi even if it did end up a similar duration.

There are three reasons I'd suggest taking the Limobus;
1 - if it's your first time in Japan (when you're probably tired anyway after a long flight), it's easier/simpler to pay once at the airport and get door-door service

2 - if you have more luggage than you're willing to carry up a few flights of stairs, and through a possibly busy station concourse to the taxi rank

3 - if you've forgotten to write down the hotel address to show the taxi driver at Shinagawa (Japanese translation useful)



So ... a question: Is there a green-car (first class) on the N'EX to Shinagawa? (there is also a good N'EX+SUICA green-car offer at 5000 Yen). I haven't been for a couple of years but every time I asked in the past I was told no.