Starwood Preferred Guest - Sheraton Miyako Tokyo, Japan [Master Thread]

Press Release Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Sheraton Accelerates Its Growth in Asia, Adding Two New Hotels in Japan
Wednesday March 14, 9:00 am ET
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo and Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka Will Welcome Guests to Two of Japan's Most Prominent Cities

SINGAPORE & WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT - News) today announces the openings of two new Sheraton hotels in Japan under a franchise agreement with Kintetsu Hotel Systems, Inc., the hotel operating division of Kintetsu Corporation. The Miyako Tokyo Hotel will be re-flagged as the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo, providing 492 rooms and ample meeting facilities in one of Tokyo's busiest neighborhoods. The Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka, previously known as the Miyako Osaka Hotel, will offer 575 rooms to guests visiting Osaka, Japan's second largest city and one of its most important industrial centers. Both hotels will be re-flagged in April 2007.

The addition of these two new hotels highlights Sheraton hotel's commitment to growing its brand presence in Asia, further accelerating Starwood's ongoing global expansion. Starwood currently operates 14 hotels and resorts in Japan under the Le Meridien, Sheraton and Westin brand portfolios.

Press Release (http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070314/20070314005208.html?.v=1)

I will be spending a few nights at this hotel at the end of the month. I would welcome some feedback on what others have experienced at this hotel. One of the other threads indicated that all of the rooms have complimentary in room internet? Is this still the case? What are upgrades like at this property when staying on points? Any store suggestions in the area?

Thanks in advance!

I will be spending a few nights at this hotel at the end of the month. I would welcome some feedback on what others have experienced at this hotel. One of the other threads indicated that all of the rooms have complimentary in room internet? Is this still the case? What are upgrades like at this property when staying on points? Any store suggestions in the area?

Thanks in advance!
Internet is wired but free.

I would not expect any upgrades as a Plat here except for complimentary breakfast and drinks in the lounge with a card they will give you upon check-in

I was there in the middle of the October for 2 nights. As Plat you'll receive: Upgrade to Premier Room (Slightly larger), drink coupon, breakfast voucher, spa passes. The internet was down for a night when I was there and when I dialed the hotel, they had to transfer my call few times to find someone who can actually understand the English (and the problem). This hotel is a problem if ur taking the JR line, it is a solid 10 mins walk! But for the price that i paid (C&P), I have nothing to complain.

Quick report on a recent trip to Tokyo and stay at this property. I stayed at this property using a 5 night award. Not the most convenient tourist location in Tokyo, but the hotel stay was amazing. 28.000 starpoints for 5 nights is an awesome value at this property, especially if you are a Plat.

As a Plat, received complimentary cooked breakfast each morning for 2 in the hotel restaurant and had access to their lobby lounge for unlimited drinks from 10am-8pm each day of my visit. The drink menu included premium beverages (12 year old scotch is not normally included as a complimentary beverage) as well as well as cocktails. Very nice touch and treatment of a Plat guest to provide this all day benefit. The room was standard size but internet service was no additional charge and there was an in room safe.

The hotel has a shuttle that runs to one of two train stations every day from about 7:30am till 10:00pm every 15 minutes that run like clockwork. (Shinagawa until about 10am and Meguro for the rest of the day until 10pm). Both stations sit on the JR Yamanote line and can get you to all the main tourist locations in Tokyo for under Y250.

Restaurants at the hotel are quite pricey, but we found a great local restaurant around the corner had a set menu for 2 people that cost only Y4500 with so much food you couldn't eat it all in one sitting. There are also two supermarkets about a 5-7 minute walk away which are near to the closest Tokyo Metro station (Shirokanadei). There are also a number of coffee shops and a 100 Yen store in the same area. The "Tokyu" supermarket does 50% off sushi after 9pm.

Great "conveyor belt" sushi restaurant at Meguro (plates are Y120-Y580 depending on what you choose). There is also a noodle palce that cost Y800-Y1200 per person. There is also a Wendys and Mcdonalds in the square in front of the station.

The Airport Limousine bus costs Y3000 from this property and takes about 90 minutes. A one transfer train connection goes JR Yamonote line Meguro to Ueno with a transfer to the Kansei Narita Express and costs a total of Y1250 per person. Travel time is approximately 1hr and 45 minutes.

I would highly recommend this property and will definitely consider for my next visit to Tokyo.

I stayed there twice in the past week. I thought it was ok, but not nearly as great as the OP thought.

Both stays were C&P. First stay was 4 nights. We were supposedly upgraded, but the room was pretty small. The bed was right up against a wall on one side. There was free Internet, but this was the case regardless of status.

Oh, there was an enormous line at check-in (first stay), but no Gold/Plat line.

Daily breakfast was nice, but got very boring after a day or two. You could choose from 4 "sets" in the restaurant. I am not complaining... it just got very boring.

Lack of a lounge is an issue here. They invite Plats for drinks (the restricted menu referenced above) in the Bamboo lounge in the lobby. On two occasions, we were told there would be a wait of 15+ minutes for a table, and we gave up. One of those times, the hostess was kind enough to give me a coke and some of the packaged cookies they serve to bring up to my fiancee, who was feeling ill. The free drinks end at 8pm, which coincides with the introduction of 900 Yen fee for the jazz trio that plays there.

The hotel concierge was very good (one of them in particular, tho I forget her name). They went out of their way to help us with dinner reservations, even calling and emailing us in Kyoto with updates. Don't take their local (Meguro) restaurant recommendations, however. Those restaurants are pretty banal. Better to venture into other areas of Tokyo to appreciate dinner.

The free shuttle to the metro was great, and you could set your clock to the timing. Departed hotel every 15 minutes. You could go to Meguro, but they'd also drop you off at the closer stop, Shirokanadei, which might make more sense based on your destination. Return trip was only from Meguro. Before 10am, the shuttle goes instead to Shinagawa.

On our second stay, we were given a slightly more spacious room, but not a suite upgrade or anything.

The "Friendly Airport Limo" was fast and convenient, and costs 3,000 Yen pp. Our Sunday return to NRT took well under 90 minutes door to door. While the NRT Express might sometimes be a bit faster, it is nice to get on at the hotel and get off at the terminal, and vice versa.

Overall, a good value for C&P, but I didn't consider the Plat treatment to be extraordinary.

I am trying to book an award stay for me and two friends to the Sheraton Miyako Tokyo for December. I called SPG today because the website would only let me select 2 people, not three. He said he couldn't select 3 either.

What would happen if all three of us showed up to stay in the room (its a room with 2 single beds)?

I'm trying to get in before the rate increase goes in effect March 4, I appreciate the help as this is my first ever hotel award booking.

From SPG T&C:

"9.2. Free Nights Awards.

“Free Night Awards” are each valid for one free night, single and/or double standard room only occupancy"

You will have to pay the extra person charge which varies by hotel. I would contact the hotel directly to know if they allow the extra guest and the charge.

I am trying to book an award stay for me and two friends to the Sheraton Miyako Tokyo for December. I called SPG today because the website would only let me select 2 people, not three. He said he couldn't select 3 either.

What would happen if all three of us showed up to stay in the room (its a room with 2 single beds)?

I'm trying to get in before the rate increase goes in effect March 4, I appreciate the help as this is my first ever hotel award booking.

Definitely agree with the prior poster - contact the hotel directly. When we were in Tokyo a year and a half ago, the Westin allowed us to have 4 in a room. Not sure of the Sheraton.

Some hotels do have rooms that accomodate a family but these don't seem to show up on the online award booking pages. Before the new website, the room types would all show up including displaying the max occupancy for each room type. The Westin in Kyoto is one of the hotels where they have rooms that can accomodate 4 but you need to call to request this type of room.

I stayed there with three to a room last December; no problem, as long as you select the double bed option. I kept the two friends away from the front desk while I was checking in, though.

Great hotel, nice location, and one of the best Starpoint values I've had -- so of course it's changing category! Not to take this too far into OMNI, but the Japanese have a very different attitude towards foreigners than we do.

How did you stay 5 nights for 28,000 points? Some nights lower than others? Now it is 7,000 per night?

Quick report on a recent trip to Tokyo and stay at this property. I stayed at this property using a 5 night award. Not the most convenient tourist location in Tokyo, but the hotel stay was amazing. 28.000 starpoints for 5 nights is an awesome value at this property, especially if you are a Plat.

As a Plat, received complimentary cooked breakfast each morning for 2 in the hotel restaurant and had access to their lobby lounge for unlimited drinks from 10am-8pm each day of my visit. The drink menu included premium beverages (12 year old scotch is not normally included as a complimentary beverage) as well as well as cocktails. Very nice touch and treatment of a Plat guest to provide this all day benefit. The room was standard size but internet service was no additional charge and there was an in room safe.

The hotel has a shuttle that runs to one of two train stations every day from about 7:30am till 10:00pm every 15 minutes that run like clockwork. (Shinagawa until about 10am and Meguro for the rest of the day until 10pm). Both stations sit on the JR Yamanote line and can get you to all the main tourist locations in Tokyo for under Y250.

Restaurants at the hotel are quite pricey, but we found a great local restaurant around the corner had a set menu for 2 people that cost only Y4500 with so much food you couldn't eat it all in one sitting. There are also two supermarkets about a 5-7 minute walk away which are near to the closest Tokyo Metro station (Shirokanadei). There are also a number of coffee shops and a 100 Yen store in the same area. The "Tokyu" supermarket does 50% off sushi after 9pm.

Great "conveyor belt" sushi restaurant at Meguro (plates are Y120-Y580 depending on what you choose). There is also a noodle palce that cost Y800-Y1200 per person. There is also a Wendys and Mcdonalds in the square in front of the station.

The Airport Limousine bus costs Y3000 from this property and takes about 90 minutes. A one transfer train connection goes JR Yamonote line Meguro to Ueno with a transfer to the Kansei Narita Express and costs a total of Y1250 per person. Travel time is approximately 1hr and 45 minutes.

I would highly recommend this property and will definitely consider for my next visit to Tokyo.

How did you stay 5 nights for 28,000 points? Some nights lower than others? Now it is 7,000 per night?

stay 4, get 1 free at 7000 x 4 = 28,000

On March 4, 2008, this property will go up to cat 4

10,000 a night.

Andrew and other posters: how to find the good restaurant mentioned for two persons for Y4,500: when you exit the Miyako: to the right, or the left?; around the corner means turning into side street?: name? : how many meters from front door of Miyako?

Quick report on a recent trip to Tokyo and stay at this property. I stayed at this property using a 5 night award. Not the most convenient tourist location in Tokyo, but the hotel stay was amazing. 28.000 starpoints for 5 nights is an awesome value at this property, especially if you are a Plat.

As a Plat, received complimentary cooked breakfast each morning for 2 in the hotel restaurant and had access to their lobby lounge for unlimited drinks from 10am-8pm each day of my visit. The drink menu included premium beverages (12 year old scotch is not normally included as a complimentary beverage) as well as well as cocktails. Very nice touch and treatment of a Plat guest to provide this all day benefit. The room was standard size but internet service was no additional charge and there was an in room safe.

The hotel has a shuttle that runs to one of two train stations every day from about 7:30am till 10:00pm every 15 minutes that run like clockwork. (Shinagawa until about 10am and Meguro for the rest of the day until 10pm). Both stations sit on the JR Yamanote line and can get you to all the main tourist locations in Tokyo for under Y250.

Restaurants at the hotel are quite pricey, but we found a great local restaurant around the corner had a set menu for 2 people that cost only Y4500 with so much food you couldn't eat it all in one sitting. There are also two supermarkets about a 5-7 minute walk away which are near to the closest Tokyo Metro station (Shirokanadei). There are also a number of coffee shops and a 100 Yen store in the same area. The "Tokyu" supermarket does 50% off sushi after 9pm.

Great "conveyor belt" sushi restaurant at Meguro (plates are Y120-Y580 depending on what you choose). There is also a noodle palce that cost Y800-Y1200 per person. There is also a Wendys and Mcdonalds in the square in front of the station.

The Airport Limousine bus costs Y3000 from this property and takes about 90 minutes. A one transfer train connection goes JR Yamonote line Meguro to Ueno with a transfer to the Kansei Narita Express and costs a total of Y1250 per person. Travel time is approximately 1hr and 45 minutes.

I would highly recommend this property and will definitely consider for my next visit to Tokyo.

It looks like my wife and I may be spending 6-7 weeks in Tokyo this summer. Although a serviced apartment might make sense I won't find it easy to earn points or miles that way. :rolleyes: So, how good/bad would it be to stay at this property for some/most of that time? My office is in Shibuya but I like riding the trains. My wife is mostly interested in relaxing with a book and swimming. A property with a lounge would be better of course but the Westin is too far above what a serviced apartment would cost. Any comments are appreciated.

You will have to check out every 30 days to earn points and credits in SPG.

It looks like my wife and I may be spending 6-7 weeks in Tokyo this summer. Although a serviced apartment might make sense I won't find it easy to earn points or miles that way. :rolleyes: So, how good/bad would it be to stay at this property for some/most of that time? My office is in Shibuya but I like riding the trains. My wife is mostly interested in relaxing with a book and swimming. A property with a lounge would be better of course but the Westin is too far above what a serviced apartment would cost. Any comments are appreciated.

My office is in Shibuya but I like riding the trains. My wife is mostly interested in relaxing with a book and swimming.

The Sheraton has a good pool (additional charge, at least on my rate plan) and a lovely, quiet garden with huge trees behind it -- I considered sitting there to read, but a fantastic city was calling my name from outside the hotel. The subway ride from Shibuya involves a transfer (Shibuya > Meguro on JR Yamanote, then Meguro > Shirokanedai on either the Mita or Namboku lines) but is a brief 20? minutes and naturally very efficient.

Shirokanedai is technically the closest subway station, but Shirokane-Takanawa is about one block further; usually a better choice if headed east towards Ginza, etc.

It looks like my wife and I may be spending 6-7 weeks in Tokyo this summer. Although a serviced apartment might make sense I won't find it easy to earn points or miles that way. :rolleyes: So, how good/bad would it be to stay at this property for some/most of that time? My office is in Shibuya but I like riding the trains. My wife is mostly interested in relaxing with a book and swimming. A property with a lounge would be better of course but the Westin is too far above what a serviced apartment would cost. Any comments are appreciated.

I like this property. But there are no 2 room suites AFAIK.
Your benefits will be nice with the excellent Plat recognition.
From that location you are within striking distance by cab to just about anywhere you need to go or get back from.
There is a shuttle bus to/from the train and subway stations. Although both are walkable especially if you're looking for a bit of exercise on a humid Tokyo summer day.
Without this "stay/trip" will you requalify for Platinum?
How many points are you giving up going serviced apts? Something like 30K I'd imagine.

Cheers,

Scho

If I use Sheraton Miyako as a base hotel, how far away is it to Westin Tokyo, Sheraton Tokyo Bay and Sheraton Yokohoma?

Any suggested transport routes to take?

Only good mattress run there is Westin.

Yokohama and Tokyo Bay (a little further) will be roughly an hour by train if you know where you are going.

Cheers,

Scho

Only one close by is Westin Tokyo.
I stayed at both this past weekend, i prefer the westin because i can walk to Ebisu on the JR Yamanote line, and get everywhere superfast.

From the Sheraton Miyako, you have to take one Tokyo Metro subway from Shirokanedai to Meguro (one station) and then from Meguro you take the JR Yamanote to Ebisu (one or two stations). The total travel time from one to another (including walks to and from subway/train stations) should not take you more than 30 mins.

My $ .02

As a Plat, received complimentary cooked breakfast each morning for 2 in the hotel restaurant and had access to their lobby lounge for unlimited drinks from 10am-8pm each day of my visit. The drink menu included premium beverages (12 year old scotch is not normally included as a complimentary beverage) as well as well as cocktails. Very nice touch and treatment of a Plat guest to provide this all day benefit. The room was standard size but internet service was no additional charge and there was an in room safe.

Can any PLTs speak to the upgrade chances and what the rooms look like (really no suites??)? I'm using points for a stay soon and am debating the Sheraton vs. Westin Tokyo. Since there are 3 of us, my concern is I'll be stuck in a small room with 2 twin beds.

And is the location of the Sheraton really worse compared to the Westin? We'll be coming from Nara and then leaving to NRT; while in Tokyo, we'll be doing the usual touristy/ clubby activities (we're 26-28 yo) -- convenient location is important.

Thanks!

1Konsultant

1500 yen to Roppingi by Cab.
Request a King.
Really no 2 room suites.

Can any PLTs speak to the upgrade chances and what the rooms look like (really no suites??)? I'm using points for a stay soon and am debating the Sheraton vs. Westin Tokyo. Since there are 3 of us, my concern is I'll be stuck in a small room with 2 twin beds.

And is the location of the Sheraton really worse compared to the Westin? We'll be coming from Nara and then leaving to NRT; while in Tokyo, we'll be doing the usual touristy/ clubby activities (we're 26-28 yo) -- convenient location is important.

Thanks!

1Konsultant

I've stayed at both the Westin and Miyoko recently as PLAT. The Miyako upgrade I got last was to a "deluxe" corner room with a king bed. Ok for 1-2 but still pretty small. 3 people would be pretty tight.

I stayed at the Westin a few months back and got upgraded to a corner room on exec floor. It was 25% bigger than the Miyako room. I would say it was about the size of a standard room at most Westin's in the US. You could probably do 3 people in this room if you are family/close-friends.

Unfortunately the Westin tends to run 2X more for revenue room rates. The best PLAT benefit at Miyako is an open bar in the main lobby bar from 11am-8pm.

I notice that a lot of hotels in Tokyo charge for access to use the pool/spa/gym.
Does anybody here know if Pool/gym access is a part of the plat-recognition package at the Sheraton Miyako ?

Recently stayed at the sheraton miyako tokyo and wanted to report on the platinum benefits. No upgrade to a suite. They do offer either breakfast in the downstairs restaurant or via room service (listed as continental breakfast only) as a platinum benefit. I had breakfast in the restaurant and there was a choice of 4 meals, one of them Japanese style. Health Club access is included as well as a platinum benefit. From 10 am to 8 pm they offer unlimited drinks in the 1st floor lobby lounge. It is quite a nice lounge with a good view of an outside garden. The drinks included are pretty extensive but don't include the entire menu. Here's what's included (based on the menu picture I took 9/2008):

Coffee
Coffe
Latte
Espresso
Cappuccino
Cocoa

Tea
Tea (Darjeeling Assam Earl Grey)
Royal Milk Tea
Herb Tea (Chamomile Rose Hips Vervienne)
Monkey Picked Tekkannon

Soft Drink
Ice Latte (Coffe Strawberry Green Tea)
Orange Juice
Grapefruit Juice
Lemon Squash
Coca Cola or Diet Coke
Ginger Ale (Canada Dry or Willkinson)
Perrier
VOSS Mineral water (sparkling or still)

Japanese Tea
Iced Green Tea

Cocktails
Gin Tonic (Gin Base)
Salty Dog (Vodka Base)
Cuba Libre (Rum Base)
Requila Sunrise (Tequila Base)

Whiskies
Laphroaig 10 years old (Islay Malt)
1 W Harper 12 years old
Canadian Club Classic 12 years old

Sherry & Porto
Tio Pepe
Sandeman Ruby Porto

Wine by the Glass
White or Red

Beer
Draft Beer (Yebisu or Kirin)
Sapporo Super Clear (Low-Alcohol Beer)

Shouchu & Sake
Zanpa (Shouchu)
Mogure (Shouchu)
Kanehachi (Shouchu)
Sanjuurokuninshu

Overall I felt the hotel was nice and would return next time I'm in Tokyo.

Recently stayed at the sheraton miyako tokyo and wanted to report on the platinum benefits.

Overall I felt the hotel was nice and would return next time I'm in Tokyo.

thanks , very informative and useful for me

Recently stayed at the sheraton miyako tokyo and wanted to report on the platinum benefits. No upgrade to a suite. They do offer either breakfast in the downstairs restaurant or via room service (listed as continental breakfast only) as a platinum benefit. I had breakfast in the restaurant and there was a choice of 4 meals, one of them Japanese style. Health Club access is included as well as a platinum benefit. From 10 am to 8 pm they offer unlimited drinks in the 1st floor lobby lounge. It is quite a nice lounge with a good view of an outside garden.

Their 4 breakfast options include two kinds of Japanese (one is traditional and the other is "macrobiotic" - natto/brown rice, etc), fruit/yogurt/juice, and hot American breakfast.

Also, they give you a teddy bear every night for Platinums. Yes, new one for every single night and I stayed there for months this year. :p:o

Their complimentary shuttle bus takes you to (1) JR Shinagawa and (2) JR Meguro station. (1) Shinagawa bus runs only in the morning between 7:30am and 10:00am - just one way to the station and no pick-up from Shinagawa to the hotel. (2) Meguro bus runs every 15 min or so and it's for both to/from the station. Also it drops you off at Shiroganedai subway station on the way upon request.

Their concierge staff members are great - very knowledgeable and they gave me good restaurant recommendations in the hood.

There are two PCs with printers right next to the front desk which anyone can use for free.

Have just finished a 4 night stay here and was very happy with the platinum recognition.Was definitely upgraded to a higher floor and a larger room looking at the room map.The place was full.
Previous posters have set out the benefits in detail.They do also give you free access to the health club.
Breakfast is limited.The hot dish is 2 eggs(fried,scrambled or as a plain omelette),2 pieces bacon and a potato gem.Adequate though.The lobby bar benefit is really good.
With the free shuttle to Meguro you can access anyway by train-just study the JR and subway maps.Also you can catch the shuttle at night and there is a collection of restaurants on top of Atme1(where the shuttle drops you).
We are Iron Chef fans so on this stay went to chen's restaurant(iron chef chinese) the next day for lunch arranged by the concierge.She was able to get us a table for 2 at La Rochelle in Shibuya(iron chef french Sakai) the night after even though it was booked out for the month-by the way the meal there was fantastic.
Next door to the Sheraton-but up the hill and around the corner is the Happo-en gardens.Typical Japanese style.Down the road is an Art museum with surrounding gardens as well.
A very enjoyable stay.

Stayed here twice this year, once in January, once in May. Both times as a gold so no upgrades. Both times my room was smallish but the proportions seemed perfect. Everything new and shiny and very tastefully done. Bedding and bed both great - even better than SGS in BKK. Their free web access should be copied by all hotels in the SPG chain. Concierge ladies are fantastic. Extremely helpful and organised (pre prepared maps for everything). They also ran around to find me some cuff links on my first stay - ended up borrowing them from the night manager. If that's not enough, they're good looking as well. Garden is very pretty and location was fine for my meetings - whether via shuttle service to the train or just grabbing a taxi direct. The lobby lounge area is very nice, comfy seating, muted lighting, good snacks and an excellent pair of modern jazz (I assume) guitarists playing the nights I've been there.

Both the Sheraton Miyako and Westin are well kept hotels and I would recommend either, however, I prefer the Westin as the JR line is more convenient than taking the Sheraton shuttle to the subway station. The Westin is located in an area where a recently built shopping center provides for alternative dining and shopping options.

Mrs. DUF, Micro DUF and I just completed a 3 night stay there. We moved from the MO so we were a bit spoilt.

General Appearance:

The hotel is a bit dated and could do with a complete makeover. Everything smells heavily after cigarettes.

"Lounge":

As previous posters have mentioned, there is no club lounge. However, Platinums get free drinks in the main bar area on the ground floor during early evening.
This might be beneficial if you are after alcohol since you have a wide range of drinks to chose from which you can order from the menu. If alcohol however is not your main priority and you are after a small snack before dinner than you will be disappointed as there is no food included in your benefits.

Room:

We received an upgrade to one of the two Imperial Suites on the top floor ^. A gigantic living room, small kitchen room, good size bedroom and a huge bathroom with a very nice shower.
Like in the public areas, it would be time to renovate. The beds are not Starwood standards and all Imperial Suites are smoking rooms.

Breakfast:

As a Platinum you get a free breakfast. There is no buffet and you get 4 choices of a la cart breakfast from which you can chose as a Platinum. To get the breakfast (and the evening drinks) you need to show your benefit card which only has your check out date on it and no name or room number. So be careful not to lose it as someone else would be able to use it.
The breakfast is one of the worst I have ever seen in a *W property. Poor choices, low quality. We had to wait for up to 20 minutes to get a table as the restaurant is small and the hotel is big.

Location:
There are major attractions in the area: A 7 Eleven is only 500 km away. And there is a book store within 6 flight hours.
In all seriousness. The location is not that great. However the subway station is only 5 minutes walk away. Who ever takes the shuttle bus to the subway is wasting time.

Verdict: Okay, but not great. I should have stayed at the MO but then again, it is 3 times the price.

Is there Internet access in the lounge during the evening drinks time? Could I use my laptop to access wireless there? Also what is the health club like...traditional Japanese style?

"Lounge":

As previous posters have mentioned, there is no club lounge. However, Platinums get free drinks in the main bar area on the ground floor during early evening.

Is there Internet access in the lounge during the evening drinks time? Could I use my laptop to access wireless there?

Is there Internet access in the lounge during the evening drinks time? Could I use my laptop to access wireless there?

They sell Wi-Fi card for JPY500 (for a day) to use at the Bamboo Lounge where they serve complimentary drinks for 10am-8pm for SPG Platinum members.

Also what is the health club like...traditional Japanese style?

Define "traditional Japanese style" - are you thinking of working out on tatami mat? :p

Health club comes with swimming pool, sauna, changing room, tiny workout room, and dining space where you can order meal.



Also, as a special promotion, they're giving complimentary western breakfast buffet at their Chinese restaurant (funny!) for any corporate account guests until the end of April. As a Platinum member, you still get these free breakfast options (4 choices) at Café California, but these are set menus. So, any big eater or buffet lover can have another option now. :D They can also cook eggs for you. There is no line at this restaurant (Shisen) for breakfast unlike Café California.

December 07 I did not have any wait issues with the Cafe. I found the breakfast decent. They also did free room service continental breakfast for plats during my stay. There is an izakaya near the station that's pretty fun if you are into Japanese style pubs. I also found the concierge very helpful with planning my day. No upgrade was given.

Any coin laundry located nearby the Sheraton Miyako Tokyo? I really don't want to pay $10 per t-shirt.

Any coin laundry located nearby the Sheraton Miyako Tokyo?.

I can answer my own question now, for those who are interested. There's a coin laundromat down a small street. Head west on Meguro-dori, past "The Garden" supermarket. Turn left at the first street after The Garden. There should be a dry cleaner across the street, and the street is angled, not at a perpendicular to Meguro-dori. Keep walking down that side street, it is on your left hand side.

I can answer my own question now, for those who are interested. There's a coin laundromat down a small street. Head west on Meguro-dori, past "The Garden" supermarket. Turn left at the first street after The Garden. There should be a dry cleaner across the street, and the street is angled, not at a perpendicular to Meguro-dori. Keep walking down that side street, it is on your left hand side.

You've probably found the closest laundromat by yourself - thanks very much for posting your findings here!

If you do want a change, there's a Public bath with Natural Mineral water about a km to the North where you can bathe and wash your clothes at the same time. The Onsen Spa is called Takenoyu and has a laundromat attached to it
http://homepage3.nifty.com/takenoyu/
MAP (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E5 %8D%97%E9%BA%BB%E5%B8%83%EF%BC%91%E2%88%92%EF%BC%9 1%EF%BC%95%E2%88%92%EF%BC%91%EF%BC%92&ie=UTF8&ll=35.643556,139.730859&spn=0.027029,0.054116&z=15&iwloc=addr)
東京都港区南麻布１−１５−１２ (Minami Azabu 1-15-12)
Open from 15:30〜23:30 most days
03-3453-1446 (the concierge should be able to check for you)

Onsen costs 450 yen (or 900yen for bath and sauna)

Laundromat open from 7am to 11pm every day - 300yen for a wash, 100 yen for the drier

There is an izakaya near the station that's pretty fun if you are into Japanese style pubs.

I'm contemplating a stay here for an upcoming trip. For the izakaya, any good? ;)

Is it a major chain like Watami or a local outfit?

We received an upgrade to one of the two Imperial Suites on the top floor ^. A gigantic living room, small kitchen room, good size bedroom and a huge bathroom with a very nice shower.
Like in the public areas, it would be time to renovate. The beds are not Starwood standards and all Imperial Suites are smoking rooms.

I have stayed at this hotel so many times, and I always got a regular size room after renovation. I always book the cheapest available rate from their local web site in Japan. Did you book with a higher rate???


Also, as a special promotion, they're giving complimentary western breakfast buffet at their Chinese restaurant (funny!) for any corporate account guests until the end of April. As a Platinum member, you still get these free breakfast options (4 choices) at Café California, but these are set menus. So, any big eater or buffet lover can have another option now. :D They can also cook eggs for you. There is no line at this restaurant (Shisen) for breakfast unlike Café California.

I think it is permanent now that Plats can choose breakfast from room service, set menu at Cafe California, or buffet at the Chinese restaurant.

I think it is permanent now that Plats can choose breakfast from room service, set menu at Cafe California, or buffet at the Chinese restaurant.

I stayed at this property two weeks ago and was not offered anything other than room service (Continental breakfast only) or Cafe California. I had to wait an inordinate time for a table but once seated the service was good. The breakfast wasn't that bad, in fact they do some mean scrambled eggs. It was cooked *just* the way I like it, a little soft still and nice small pieces of egg.

In order to get some stay credits I did some hotel hopping between this property, the Sheraton Yokohama and the Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay (complete with a giant Penguin) and this was my least favourite hotel. Nothing particularly bad about it and the Club benefits were quite generous (booze from 10am-8pm) but the property is a little eighties-tastic in the public areas.

I wasn't given a suite upgrade, I did ask at check-in but was told that no suites were available. This was a theme that continued throughout my Tokyo vacation.

I'd say this is an average Sheraton, nothing bad happened, the rooms were clean and the staff were friendly but nothing particularly stood out but at USD$100 for the room I couldn't complain, especially in Tokyo!

I'm contemplating a stay here for an upcoming trip. For the izakaya, any good? ;)

Is it a major chain like Watami or a local outfit?

You can take their complimentary shuttle service to Meguro station and you will find tons of Izakaya. I would recommend "Uotami" (I believe it's an Izakaya chain) located in the building (5F) right next to KFC in front of the station - their menu has tons of food photos along with English description for folks who don't read/speak Japanese. ;) One time I took a meat eater (who did not eat fish - either cookded or fresh), a sushi lover (who did not eat meat), and a person who was not into Japanese meal there - everyone found something they enjoyed. :D

Of course, the hotel concierge ladies are very good at finding any other suitable restaurants for you.

I'd say this is an average Sheraton, nothing bad happened, the rooms were clean and the staff were friendly but nothing particularly stood out but at USD$100 for the room I couldn't complain, especially in Tokyo!

Exactly. If you combine all the Platinum benefits (cooked breakfast, booze for 10a-8p, fitness club access), they would most likely exceed their room rate... :p

I am SPG hopping right now, yesterday was Miyako and today is Westin tokyo.
I got regular , but still deluxe(they call) room at Miyako.
I do not know the difference between deluxe and standard rooms.
However, for 1 night, deluxe was good enough with free internet.

At Westin, I got 19th FL corner king.
Is this a little biger than regular?
Recentry I used to have this room.
Not suite anymore?
But for 1 night, nothing I have complain.
I requested just next to lounge for free internet access(someone mentioned Executive lounge wireless can reach nearby rooms), but I guessed other folks here took those rooms already.

Today, I will be back to Miyako.

I have stayed their so many times, and I always got a regular size room after renovation. I always book the cheapest available rate from their local web site in Japan. Did you book with a higher rate???

No, I booked the cheapest rate I could find using my corporate rate. Do you travel alone of with family? I get a lot more upgrades when I travel with my family (and this is when I actually need them) compared to when I travel alone. In fact, I sometimes decline upgrades when I am alone because someone else might need it more urgently than I do.

You can take their complimentary shuttle service to Meguro station and you will find tons of Izakaya. I would recommend "Uotami" (I believe it's an Izakaya chain) located in the building (5F) right next to KFC in front of the station - their menu has tons of food photos along with English description for folks who don't read/speak Japanese. ;)

Hey, thanks. Japanese isn't a problem. It's just I'm arriving late the 1st night and don't feel like scrambling all over just to find a decent resto. It'll be the 1st time I'll be at this hotel.

Just returned from 2 nights here.

Found service to be highly personalized by everyone we encountered. All of the staff went out of their way to help with the simplest of our requests (i.e., the girl at the bell desk went on line to calculate time/distances between train stations to ensure we allowed enough time not to be late for a reservation!).

Booked on cash and points and the only option at time of rez was 2 single beds. Asked at check-in for a king bed but agent gave me a dumbfounded glare and re-confirmed my request for 2 beds. Since my knowledge of the language is non-existant, I didn't pursue it. And to be honest, it was nice not having anyone steal my covers for two nights! At $60 per night (converted to 5700 Yen) this was a bargain!

On arrival from NRT, we stopped by the JR Service Center and purchased the NEX/Suica combo. Had found directions on hotel website to give to driver once we arrived at Shinagawa Stn. which worked like clock-work. On our second day, we actually ventured back from Shinagawa Stn on foot and discovered a lovely residential neighbourhood with a school and temple within it. In all, it was a slow 25 minute walk with a few wrong turns along the way!

We used the shuttle to Meguro Stn a number of times and highly recommend it! We also walked down the street one time to Meguro Stn once so we could do some window shopping and stop into the 100 Yen store. Our first night, we were able to find the supermarket to pick up some Saki (to bring home) and some pastries and OJ to make our own Gold Member's continental breakfast!

We found the location very convenient and with the outstanding transportation system in Japan, this property is truly a hidden gem!

On our second day, we actually ventured back from Shinagawa Stn on foot and discovered a lovely residential neighbourhood with a school and temple within it. In all, it was a slow 25 minute walk with a few wrong turns along the way!

We used the shuttle to Meguro Stn a number of times and highly recommend it! We also walked down the street one time to Meguro Stn once so we could do some window shopping and stop into the 100 Yen store. Our first night, we were able to find the supermarket to pick up some Saki (to bring home) and some pastries and OJ to make our own Gold Member's continental breakfast!

We found the location very convenient and with the outstanding transportation system in Japan, this property is truly a hidden gem!


The area called Takanawa on the way to Shinagwa station and Sirogane to Meguro Station and if you go east, the area called AZABU.
Both areas are one of the better area in Tokyo as the residential although it is quite expensive.
There are many temples around the area as well as emperor's family residence called Takamatsunomiya( 5 minutes from the hotel).
I stayed at the hotel and looked for finding my second house(condominium) around the area.
If it is new, 1BR condo with the size of 500sq(very small) is about $600,000 and 2BR(still 700sq) is about $700,000-800,000 parking not included.
Parking costs another $400 per month.

I think I had better stay at Sheraton Miyako for a while.:p