2 questions re: meeting a friend in NRT and airport hotel
Sep 15, 2010, 12:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SFO/SEA
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2 questions re: meeting a friend in NRT and airport hotel
Hi,
I have two questions about my upcoming trip to Japan
1- I changed my flights and am now arriving a day earlier than my friend. I'm going to stay in an airport hotel (see question 2 below) and take their shuttle back to NRT the next day and meet him at the airport. My question is if I am allowed to go inside the arrivals hall as an outside person or is it restricted to current travelers only? If allowed, what would you guys suggest as the best meeting place? FWIW, I have a cell phone rental I need to pick up and we need to exchange our JR Rail exchange orders into actual passes. Is there a good area by any of those places to meet?
2- What are some recommendations for a cheap airport hotel to spend the night? Expedia shows me the Narita Port hotel for about $70 with breakfast included and that seems like a decent value to me. Any other suggestions?
I have two questions about my upcoming trip to Japan
1- I changed my flights and am now arriving a day earlier than my friend. I'm going to stay in an airport hotel (see question 2 below) and take their shuttle back to NRT the next day and meet him at the airport. My question is if I am allowed to go inside the arrivals hall as an outside person or is it restricted to current travelers only? If allowed, what would you guys suggest as the best meeting place? FWIW, I have a cell phone rental I need to pick up and we need to exchange our JR Rail exchange orders into actual passes. Is there a good area by any of those places to meet?
2- What are some recommendations for a cheap airport hotel to spend the night? Expedia shows me the Narita Port hotel for about $70 with breakfast included and that seems like a decent value to me. Any other suggestions?
Sep 15, 2010, 1:36 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota,USA
Programs: UA, NW
Posts: 3,752
Yes, you will be allowed inside the airport, but not into the immigration/customs area. There are two big doors where everyone, including tour group leaders, congregates with signs, etc. to meet the arriving passengers who have just passed through customs/immigration.
However, as a recent previous thread on this topic noted, you have to stand in a crowd, so it may be more comfortable to meet in the airport Starbucks so that in case your friend arrives before you do (flights DO arrive early on occasion), s/he will not have to wander around looking for you.
As far as the hotel is concerned, $70 should give you a clean, safe hotel that contains the bare necessities and nothing more. Think college dorm room, only with a tiny private bath. I always stay in rooms in that price range unless someone else is paying for it.
However, as a recent previous thread on this topic noted, you have to stand in a crowd, so it may be more comfortable to meet in the airport Starbucks so that in case your friend arrives before you do (flights DO arrive early on occasion), s/he will not have to wander around looking for you.
As far as the hotel is concerned, $70 should give you a clean, safe hotel that contains the bare necessities and nothing more. Think college dorm room, only with a tiny private bath. I always stay in rooms in that price range unless someone else is paying for it.
Sep 15, 2010, 3:45 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SFO/SEA
Programs: Amex Biz Cent, Marriott LTP, Avis PC, Hilton Owners Diamond, AS MVP
Posts: 3,380
Yes, you will be allowed inside the airport, but not into the immigration/customs area. There are two big doors where everyone, including tour group leaders, congregates with signs, etc. to meet the arriving passengers who have just passed through customs/immigration.
However, as a recent previous thread on this topic noted, you have to stand in a crowd, so it may be more comfortable to meet in the airport Starbucks so that in case your friend arrives before you do (flights DO arrive early on occasion), s/he will not have to wander around looking for you.
As far as the hotel is concerned, $70 should give you a clean, safe hotel that contains the bare necessities and nothing more. Think college dorm room, only with a tiny private bath. I always stay in rooms in that price range unless someone else is paying for it.
However, as a recent previous thread on this topic noted, you have to stand in a crowd, so it may be more comfortable to meet in the airport Starbucks so that in case your friend arrives before you do (flights DO arrive early on occasion), s/he will not have to wander around looking for you.
As far as the hotel is concerned, $70 should give you a clean, safe hotel that contains the bare necessities and nothing more. Think college dorm room, only with a tiny private bath. I always stay in rooms in that price range unless someone else is paying for it.
Sep 15, 2010, 7:18 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: TYO / WAS / NYC
Programs: American Express got a hit man lookin' for me
Posts: 4,596
I always stay at the Comfort Hotel Narita before early flights from NRT. It's Y6,000 a night including breakfast (even for two people) and right next to the Keisei Narita train station. There's also free coffee, a computer in the lobby and some other useful perks.
Sep 15, 2010, 11:37 pm
#6
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: TYO / WAS / NYC
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Posts: 4,596