[ARCHIVE to 2017] Conrad Tokyo {JPN}
Jul 5, 2005, 11:22 am
#31
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Southern California
Posts: 478
Originally Posted by jkzahn
Is it a violation of rules? I have been trying since April to make a reservation for March 2006 at Hilton Phuket. Diamond Desk, Hotel manager, etc.....all tell me rewards are not released until August - October of 2005.
Is a little strange.
Is a little strange.
Jul 15, 2005, 8:36 pm
#32
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: nyc, ny, usa
Posts: 364
Conrad Tokyo Trip Reports and Reviews
Let me start this review by saying that the Conrad Tokyo was the last hotel we stayed at on this vacation. We were at the Seoul Millennium on a reward stay for 9 nights, Conrad Hong Kong on a corporate rate for 5 nights and then Conrad Tokyo for 4 nights; 1 night paid the last three nights on the C601 certs from the 5/10/15 promotion. I had contacted all the hotels ahead of our stay via email informing them that we had a three year old daughter who required a separate bed and requesting upgrades if available. Both my husband and I are Diamond members, who have already qualified through 2007.
When we arrived at the Seoul Millennium, we were already upgraded to the Executive Floor, with fruit, chocolates, small bed made up and a welcoming letter with all executive floor amenities waiting in our room. Service was impeccable during our stay. Breakfast and afternoon snacks were very much appreciated in the lounge with our small child.
When we arrived at the Conrad Hong Kong we were already upgraded to the Executive Floor, with fruit, chocolates, small bed made up and a welcoming letter with all executive floor amenities waiting in our room. Service was impeccable during our stay. Breakfast and afternoon snacks were very much appreciated in the lounge with our small child.
When we arrived at the Conrad Tokyo I was informed that we were upgraded to a suite for our first night (paid), and then we would have to move to a standard room (award nights). I requested that they downgrade us at that point, since with a small child, I did not want to start moving rooms. I was then told to sit down for a few minutes. After I was recalled to the counter, I was told that we could stay in the suite for the full stay which was very much appreciated. I was then asked if I was a member of Hilton Honors, which I found odd, since it was on my reservation and I was using certs for part of my stay. I said yes, indicated my number and pointed out I was a Diamond member. They then wanted to show us to our room. I asked about access to the Executive Lounge which I was told was not available to me (in direct contradiction to what the GM told me in an email). After further discussion, they said they would have to check with the executive offices about my privileges. The Guest Relations Manager then appeared (a wonderfully informative gentleman) who escorted us to our room. There was no bed for my daughter, and a bunch of grapes with a quick note from the GM welcoming us. No mention of our Diamond status. We had a pleasant tour of our room (fantastic btw, a great upgrade!!) and the guest relations manager said he would follow up about our privileges with us shortly.
He called back in about 30 minutes saying that the executive lounge was small and there were too many paying guests that weekend, so we would have no access. But they did give us breakfast coupons, normally good for continental breakfast but he said they would extend it for American Breakfast. We just returned from breakfast and it was lovely with beautiful fruits and breads, cheese, salmon, cold cuts and juices. Cost is normally 2800 yen, american breakfast includes a cooked item for 3400 yen.
btw...no Diamond privileges for the pool, a swim will set u back 2500 yen. It's been quite a while since this Diamond had to pay for a swim at a Hilton!!!
All in all, some growing pains. Rooms are beautiful, upgrade was wonderful, Hhonors recognition minimal. I will be here until 07/19 so anyone who has questions feel free to post or email!
When we arrived at the Seoul Millennium, we were already upgraded to the Executive Floor, with fruit, chocolates, small bed made up and a welcoming letter with all executive floor amenities waiting in our room. Service was impeccable during our stay. Breakfast and afternoon snacks were very much appreciated in the lounge with our small child.
When we arrived at the Conrad Hong Kong we were already upgraded to the Executive Floor, with fruit, chocolates, small bed made up and a welcoming letter with all executive floor amenities waiting in our room. Service was impeccable during our stay. Breakfast and afternoon snacks were very much appreciated in the lounge with our small child.
When we arrived at the Conrad Tokyo I was informed that we were upgraded to a suite for our first night (paid), and then we would have to move to a standard room (award nights). I requested that they downgrade us at that point, since with a small child, I did not want to start moving rooms. I was then told to sit down for a few minutes. After I was recalled to the counter, I was told that we could stay in the suite for the full stay which was very much appreciated. I was then asked if I was a member of Hilton Honors, which I found odd, since it was on my reservation and I was using certs for part of my stay. I said yes, indicated my number and pointed out I was a Diamond member. They then wanted to show us to our room. I asked about access to the Executive Lounge which I was told was not available to me (in direct contradiction to what the GM told me in an email). After further discussion, they said they would have to check with the executive offices about my privileges. The Guest Relations Manager then appeared (a wonderfully informative gentleman) who escorted us to our room. There was no bed for my daughter, and a bunch of grapes with a quick note from the GM welcoming us. No mention of our Diamond status. We had a pleasant tour of our room (fantastic btw, a great upgrade!!) and the guest relations manager said he would follow up about our privileges with us shortly.
He called back in about 30 minutes saying that the executive lounge was small and there were too many paying guests that weekend, so we would have no access. But they did give us breakfast coupons, normally good for continental breakfast but he said they would extend it for American Breakfast. We just returned from breakfast and it was lovely with beautiful fruits and breads, cheese, salmon, cold cuts and juices. Cost is normally 2800 yen, american breakfast includes a cooked item for 3400 yen.
btw...no Diamond privileges for the pool, a swim will set u back 2500 yen. It's been quite a while since this Diamond had to pay for a swim at a Hilton!!!
All in all, some growing pains. Rooms are beautiful, upgrade was wonderful, Hhonors recognition minimal. I will be here until 07/19 so anyone who has questions feel free to post or email!
Last edited by gabbysz; Jul 15, 2005 at 8:43 pm Reason: spelling
Jul 16, 2005, 6:49 am
#33
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: nyc, ny, usa
Posts: 364
Continuing Review of Conrad Tokyo
Some additional notes on the Conrad for Day 2 of our stay.
The lobby is on the 28th floor, and then you transfer to another set of elevators to reach your hotel room.
There are four restaurants in the hotel. Two are Gordon Ramsay restaurants, one formal and one more relaxed. Just a note, Gordon Ramsay is only a consultant here, the actual chef is the former chef from the Four Seasons Hong Kong. There is China Blue which is a chinese restaurant, and a japanese restaurant, Kazahana. There is also a bar lounge called Twenty Eight, which offers drinks and snacks. Most of the restaurants will cost you over $100 per person for dinner.
For those of you looking for a simpler evening, there is an office building attached to the Conrad that has 2 floors of restaurants. It is on your left when you exit the building. They have everything from curry, to a pub, to italian, to sushi and katsu. Most even have takeout (my daughter fell asleep tonight and my husband brought back pizza....and believe it or not it was great!..and only $10/pizza). You will easily get dinner for under $15/person in most of these restaurants, there are even two coffee houses (one being a Starbucks...not that I believe in eating american in Japan, but Starbucks has great tea drinks we don't see in the US). We also tried the curry house last night and it was fantastic.
The pool is sensational and quite warm, but it costs $25/person and $15/child. Like I said previously, this should be an obvious benefit of Diamond status, I cannot believe that after paying almost $500/night, we also have to pay to use the pool!
All rooms have rain showers and wonderful toiletries. And of course the great japanese toilets! The rooms also have plasma TVs and DVD players, with electronic controls bedside for opening and closing blinds and curtains and Do Not Disturb/Please Make Up Room signs.
They also have phones in the room that can work throughout the hotel if you want to receive or place calls while you are out of your room...very cool.
Locationwise it was only a 15 minute walk to the fish market and a yummy sushi breakfast or lunch. It is also fairly close to Ginza shopping as well.
Still impressed with the hotel, language is a bit of an issue. Will keep updating during our stay....
The lobby is on the 28th floor, and then you transfer to another set of elevators to reach your hotel room.
There are four restaurants in the hotel. Two are Gordon Ramsay restaurants, one formal and one more relaxed. Just a note, Gordon Ramsay is only a consultant here, the actual chef is the former chef from the Four Seasons Hong Kong. There is China Blue which is a chinese restaurant, and a japanese restaurant, Kazahana. There is also a bar lounge called Twenty Eight, which offers drinks and snacks. Most of the restaurants will cost you over $100 per person for dinner.
For those of you looking for a simpler evening, there is an office building attached to the Conrad that has 2 floors of restaurants. It is on your left when you exit the building. They have everything from curry, to a pub, to italian, to sushi and katsu. Most even have takeout (my daughter fell asleep tonight and my husband brought back pizza....and believe it or not it was great!..and only $10/pizza). You will easily get dinner for under $15/person in most of these restaurants, there are even two coffee houses (one being a Starbucks...not that I believe in eating american in Japan, but Starbucks has great tea drinks we don't see in the US). We also tried the curry house last night and it was fantastic.
The pool is sensational and quite warm, but it costs $25/person and $15/child. Like I said previously, this should be an obvious benefit of Diamond status, I cannot believe that after paying almost $500/night, we also have to pay to use the pool!
All rooms have rain showers and wonderful toiletries. And of course the great japanese toilets! The rooms also have plasma TVs and DVD players, with electronic controls bedside for opening and closing blinds and curtains and Do Not Disturb/Please Make Up Room signs.
They also have phones in the room that can work throughout the hotel if you want to receive or place calls while you are out of your room...very cool.
Locationwise it was only a 15 minute walk to the fish market and a yummy sushi breakfast or lunch. It is also fairly close to Ginza shopping as well.
Still impressed with the hotel, language is a bit of an issue. Will keep updating during our stay....
Jul 16, 2005, 8:02 am
#34
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,809
Thanks for posting. I have always been pretty happy with the Hilton in Tokyo but want to try the Conrad. I might just use my 5/10/15 certs for a stay there as well. Eating at the hotel restaurants is always an overpriced affair.....there is always an office building next door to about any hotel that has reasonable priced food. Paying to use the pool? Just something I dont like about that.
Jul 16, 2005, 4:19 pm
#35
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Japan
Posts: 180
Thank you for your review!
About the pool charge...
Terms and Conditions say it's free for silver and higher.
"Complimentary Health Club Privileges: Enjoy complimentary access to the health club or fitness center during your stay, at hotel owned and operated facilities."
Key might be the "hotel owned and operated" phrase there. Maybe ask if the pool is owned and operated by the hotel...and if not, there's your answer. If so, you can get your money back...hopefully.
Terms and Conditions say it's free for silver and higher.
"Complimentary Health Club Privileges: Enjoy complimentary access to the health club or fitness center during your stay, at hotel owned and operated facilities."
Key might be the "hotel owned and operated" phrase there. Maybe ask if the pool is owned and operated by the hotel...and if not, there's your answer. If so, you can get your money back...hopefully.
Jul 24, 2005, 6:20 pm
#36
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: SNA or HKG
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 322
Caution to Diamond Members Conrad Tokyo Does Not Provide Executive Level Upgrade
Checked in for a two night paid stay. As noted in another post the hotel is hard to find, and the taxi driver who took me from the Hilton Tokyo had to call twice for help, even though the Hilton had provided written instructions. A very nice new building with prompt attention from the doorman and an escort to the hotel lobby on the 28th floor.
With just two agents and both occupied I was asked to sit on a bench in front of the check in desk. The check in agent informed me that as a Diamond member I was upgraded to a junior suite, and provided two coupons for breakfast. This caused me to ask why the coupons, I thought there was an Executive Lounge. He replied there is, but it's not available for upgrades. I asked to speak with the duty manager. After a brief wait I was approached by Mr. Lopez who is the Guest Relations Manager. He explained that this property does not provide upgrades to the Executive Level and that Diamond members get a junior suite. I explained that I found this to be odd and that while I was not certain I thought it was a written benefit. It was certainly my experience from numerous stays in Conrad Hong Kong and Singapore. He asked me to wait and after some key punching and a phone call he returned with a room on the 36th floor one below the lounge, but not a suite. I accepted and he escorted me to the room one floor below the lounge. Considering the junior suite was on the 35th floor I guess it would have been too much to expect the suite and lounge access. Unlike other Conrad’s there were no offers for complimentary pressing or even shoe shine.
The rooms are very nice with a Plasma TV, DVD and all the modern features you would expect. The bathroom has a large window separating it from the room and blinds can be closed for privacy. Two smoked glass cubicles contain the rain shower in one and the toilet in the other. I did notice that unlike the solid and sturdy floor of the main room and hallway the bathroom floor had an echo due to it being raised. A separate bathtub and the duck is white with a silver crown. The bed is nice and a key chain teddy bear was sitting on top. A portable phone is in the room and can be used within the hotel, but it is not a cellular which you can use outside of the property. A long bench runs the length of the room with pillows and small coffee table. Carpet is nice with a print of tree branches, and the color scheme of the room is modern and relaxed. High speed internet in room costs 1500 yen per 24 hrs.
The fitness center is located on the 29th floor within the Spa, and as noted the use of the fitness equipment is complementary, including the sauna and steam room, but the pool has a charge of $25. The equipment includes a number of tread mills with LCD panels controlling the computer and providing TV. A number of weight machines and free weights provided. The fitness room over looks the pool which is one floor down. While the pool is small it provides enough length for laps, but not much room if there were to be children splashing around.
The lounge is about the same size as the Hilton Tokyo. A small open kitchen in one corner had many breakfast options with a cook to make omelets or eggs to order. The evening offerings were also wide ranging.
A nice hotel, but if they will not provide lounge access for Diamond members I will not return.
With just two agents and both occupied I was asked to sit on a bench in front of the check in desk. The check in agent informed me that as a Diamond member I was upgraded to a junior suite, and provided two coupons for breakfast. This caused me to ask why the coupons, I thought there was an Executive Lounge. He replied there is, but it's not available for upgrades. I asked to speak with the duty manager. After a brief wait I was approached by Mr. Lopez who is the Guest Relations Manager. He explained that this property does not provide upgrades to the Executive Level and that Diamond members get a junior suite. I explained that I found this to be odd and that while I was not certain I thought it was a written benefit. It was certainly my experience from numerous stays in Conrad Hong Kong and Singapore. He asked me to wait and after some key punching and a phone call he returned with a room on the 36th floor one below the lounge, but not a suite. I accepted and he escorted me to the room one floor below the lounge. Considering the junior suite was on the 35th floor I guess it would have been too much to expect the suite and lounge access. Unlike other Conrad’s there were no offers for complimentary pressing or even shoe shine.
The rooms are very nice with a Plasma TV, DVD and all the modern features you would expect. The bathroom has a large window separating it from the room and blinds can be closed for privacy. Two smoked glass cubicles contain the rain shower in one and the toilet in the other. I did notice that unlike the solid and sturdy floor of the main room and hallway the bathroom floor had an echo due to it being raised. A separate bathtub and the duck is white with a silver crown. The bed is nice and a key chain teddy bear was sitting on top. A portable phone is in the room and can be used within the hotel, but it is not a cellular which you can use outside of the property. A long bench runs the length of the room with pillows and small coffee table. Carpet is nice with a print of tree branches, and the color scheme of the room is modern and relaxed. High speed internet in room costs 1500 yen per 24 hrs.
The fitness center is located on the 29th floor within the Spa, and as noted the use of the fitness equipment is complementary, including the sauna and steam room, but the pool has a charge of $25. The equipment includes a number of tread mills with LCD panels controlling the computer and providing TV. A number of weight machines and free weights provided. The fitness room over looks the pool which is one floor down. While the pool is small it provides enough length for laps, but not much room if there were to be children splashing around.
The lounge is about the same size as the Hilton Tokyo. A small open kitchen in one corner had many breakfast options with a cook to make omelets or eggs to order. The evening offerings were also wide ranging.
A nice hotel, but if they will not provide lounge access for Diamond members I will not return.
Jul 25, 2005, 12:27 am
#37
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: Hilton*D, Marriott*LG, Hyatt*G
Posts: 6,268
Originally Posted by gabbysz
the actual chef is the former chef from the Four Seasons Hong Kong. ....
Jul 25, 2005, 4:13 am
#38
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York
Posts: 3,383
The area the Conrad is located is itself a new redevelopment area in Tokyo. So many taxi drivers are not that familiar with the district -- called Shiodome in Japanese. On top of that, the Conrad itself is new. I am sure most tax drivers do not know it. The most famous building in the area is Nittere (Nippon Television headquarters). It's across the street.
Across the stree from the Conrad is two other hotels and another adjacent to the Conrad. The Shiodome district thus has now four new hotels all perhaps targeting at different markets with the Conrad perhaps aiming at the highest spenders.
Across the stree from the Conrad is two other hotels and another adjacent to the Conrad. The Shiodome district thus has now four new hotels all perhaps targeting at different markets with the Conrad perhaps aiming at the highest spenders.
Jul 25, 2005, 6:58 am
#39
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: UA 1k, Hilton Diamond.
Posts: 64
Thanks for the report. I have been very curious about this property. I usually Stay at the Tokyo Hilton (dince I am there to work a Disneyland) but sometimes it is overbooked and we have to stay elsewhere. I have been very happy with The Conrad in Hong Kong and thought I would give the tokyo one a try on my next trip.
Funny about the taxi drivers. Tokyo is the worst city I have ever been to in terms of Taxi Driver knowledge. The thing that always cracks me up is getting into a cab with a newbie who pronounces Hilton normally... the taxi driver looks confused for a bit and then someone who has been there for a while steps in and says "Hil-"equally stressing both sylibals....then you see the light bulb click on over the taxi driver's head and off you go. Same is true of Disneyland. you have to say "dis-ney-land-oh" or you are unlikely to get there.
Funny about the taxi drivers. Tokyo is the worst city I have ever been to in terms of Taxi Driver knowledge. The thing that always cracks me up is getting into a cab with a newbie who pronounces Hilton normally... the taxi driver looks confused for a bit and then someone who has been there for a while steps in and says "Hil-"equally stressing both sylibals....then you see the light bulb click on over the taxi driver's head and off you go. Same is true of Disneyland. you have to say "dis-ney-land-oh" or you are unlikely to get there.
Jul 25, 2005, 8:16 am
#40
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by Chiangi
The area the Conrad is located is itself a new redevelopment area in Tokyo. So many taxi drivers are not that familiar with the district -- called Shiodome in Japanese. On top of that, the Conrad itself is new. I am sure most tax drivers do not know it. The most famous building in the area is Nittere (Nippon Television headquarters). It's across the street.
Across the stree from the Conrad is two other hotels and another adjacent to the Conrad. The Shiodome district thus has now four new hotels all perhaps targeting at different markets with the Conrad perhaps aiming at the highest spenders.
Across the stree from the Conrad is two other hotels and another adjacent to the Conrad. The Shiodome district thus has now four new hotels all perhaps targeting at different markets with the Conrad perhaps aiming at the highest spenders.
. From my personal experience, I guess there's 'bad' cab-drivers and are working in neighborhood of Ginza area(especially 6:00pm~)..
If the driver noticed that you're not familiar with that area...They would take you detour(or heavy-traffic) routes on the way to Conrad Tokyo or wherever..
As they say -it's a "short cut" route,there's no choice. But as I say - AAh~?
You wouldn't be kidding me! You must have been 'eluded' that routes.(Yeah, I'm always supposed to be a foreigner
)Please remember, they're Pros
'unfamiliar' + 'traveler' + 'drinking' = It gets 2x (or more) trip longer
Last edited by TR35R; Jul 25, 2005 at 8:22 am
Jul 25, 2005, 8:40 am
#41
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Sounds like the GM has a policy in place of not upgrading to Exec floors,. I can't recall where he was before, but German seems to be the operative word here - a Search will reveal more on the topic of his previous tenure. It also sounds like they are having startup challenges, with staffers not having a good understanding of how the HHonors system works.
If you think like a native speaker, you will think that
"Hilton" is pronounced "HEER-ton" with a clipped rolled r
"Shiodome" is pronounced "she-oh-dough-may"
"Disneyland" is more usually "DEESE-knee-rahnd"
"Salaryman" is "sar-rar-ree-mon"
"Ginza" is actually "GEEN-zuh"
We murrikins have troubles with the proper pronunciation, and they have troubles understanding us and our very funny accent. During World War II, a presumed way of determining a possible exfiltrating (or even infiltrating) Japanese was to ask him/her to pronounce the name of a (then) famous 1930's B film American movie actress, Sally Blane (Loretta Young's sister, but if you are young, you won't know anyway...) Speakers of Chinese dialects / languages had no trouble, Japanese speakers would say "Sarry Brain" and that would be the end of it.
Getting the directions in Japanese for a taxi driver makes it easier also... though as indicated not bulletproof in new areas. Then again, that's why police koban are handy - if someone is looking for someone or a building in a neighborhood, the local police always know.
If you think like a native speaker, you will think that
"Hilton" is pronounced "HEER-ton" with a clipped rolled r
"Shiodome" is pronounced "she-oh-dough-may"
"Disneyland" is more usually "DEESE-knee-rahnd"
"Salaryman" is "sar-rar-ree-mon"
"Ginza" is actually "GEEN-zuh"
We murrikins have troubles with the proper pronunciation, and they have troubles understanding us and our very funny accent. During World War II, a presumed way of determining a possible exfiltrating (or even infiltrating) Japanese was to ask him/her to pronounce the name of a (then) famous 1930's B film American movie actress, Sally Blane (Loretta Young's sister, but if you are young, you won't know anyway...) Speakers of Chinese dialects / languages had no trouble, Japanese speakers would say "Sarry Brain" and that would be the end of it.
Getting the directions in Japanese for a taxi driver makes it easier also... though as indicated not bulletproof in new areas. Then again, that's why police koban are handy - if someone is looking for someone or a building in a neighborhood, the local police always know.
Jul 25, 2005, 9:02 am
#42
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
This Does Not Sound Good!
What gives with this particular Conrad that it is so special it can not take care of Diamonds? We had a six night stay planned but I am thinking seriously of switching it to the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. I see little appeal here especially given the location is not that great. We have a client who dined at the Hotel a couple weeks ago and said the place is a total pass in terms of dining experience. She vowed never to return. Only one chance in her books at those prices. How disappointing. I think someone from Hilton needs to comment on this lack of treatment.
Jul 25, 2005, 9:15 am
#43
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
I sent a e-mail to the Guest Relations Manager asking about Lounge access for Diamond members and if it is not extended why. Will advise on reply.
Jul 25, 2005, 9:22 am
#44
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Boston, Jo'burg, HK
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Lifetime Diamond, CX Gold, Mrs. Pickles travels for free
Posts: 13,149
Originally Posted by RTWSTARALLIANCE
We have a client who dined at the Hotel a couple weeks ago and said the place is a total pass in terms of dining experience. She vowed never to return. Only one chance in her books at those prices. How disappointing. I think someone from Hilton needs to comment on this lack of treatment.
Jul 25, 2005, 9:40 am
#45
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
Well this client is a Japanese national living here who travels to Tokyo every other month and frankly she has no problem expressing her opinion. So net. That restaurant is probably empty given the recent 6 magnitude quake in Tokyo. It was a celeb chef restaurant. She stated the decor was ok, the service was slow and disorganized which led to a so so meal not worth the time or yen. She stressed time. Once again. She will never return and I believe her.