Kagehitokiri

definitely do refundable and watch, or have agent watch
why book? because dynamic rates may go up / sell out
check for free night offers as well, including not direct

RC doesnt have 'real' 2017 rates loaded online, ask hotel direct
for reference/comparison, rates for 6 nights from June 16 >

93K aman (100K fri/sat then 90K)
91K peninsula
90K MO
75K FS
68K andaz

THR

Thank you for that. I will email them directly and see what the options are.

Just so hard to choose!

RichardInSF

Why not just make a freely cancellable reservation and check again as time gets closer?

THR

^ I will try that. It seems I have lots of time.

Does anyone know what prices are generally like for travel in June? I know that's not 'peak' season for Japan, as it's coming into the rain, humidity and summer. But that is the time we will be travelling (for two weeks).

Kagehitokiri

2 weeks later, rates up at FS and andaz >

could try sales manager / general manager at RC

if FHR/etc offer (only) can always try negotiating

doesnt make sense for RC to not have BAR loaded?

THR

Thank you for that!

I emailed the RC but they said they don't have rates yet and to try later.

I might book the MO refundable at least.

EDIT: Booked at MO - Grand Mandarin for 95k per night (we are staying six nights, so it is a long stay deal). (Add lots of taxes too.)

bizum

Was at RC earlier this summer, originally booked FHR mid 50k rate with 4th night free. 3 weeks prior to arrival, rate actually dropped twice going as low as 47k when I checked and got our booking rate adjusted. Caught no sight of the same rate on RC site.

THR

My Amex Velocity Platinum doesn't give me FHR access

RichardInSF

Give it a shot through a Virtuoso agent or a Four Seasons Preferred Partner agent. There is a list of those who are active on this forum referenced in the sticky.

needmorevacay

Just checked in to the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo. I was very surprised by the overwhelming smell of cigarette smoke in the lobby/checkin area. Since you have to change elevators and walk through the lobby every time you exit the hotel, it does not seem that one can avoid the lobby. I was told smoking is allowed at the bar on 37th and since the lobby atrium is open to below the smell permeates upward. Do other hotels have the same issue - four seasons, ritz, peninsula etc? I wish I had known about this. I probably would not have stayed here.

Kagehitokiri

RC finally loaded best available rate online
late mar to mid apr very high (Y118K deluxe)

scented

I wish the Japanese would grow/wake up a bit and get rid of that nasty habit. Never had that problem at FS or Pen, never heard of it either. Some luxury properties faced some smoking/smell issues, more recently PH Buenos Aires and you're not the first person telling me that about MO Tokyo.

Hope they look into it.

FlyerEC

+1

Thankfully we didn't have the problem at PH Buenos Aires last December .
That ' s why we are hesitant about MO in Tokyo .
Think Aman Tokyo does not have this issue ?

Nasty habit alright , they ( & other smokers ) visit Amans & spoil the fresh air environment . Always have to note wind direction & not be downwind from them . Smokers should invent a contraption to trap their smoke , stale breath & whatever , so that the rest of us do not have to breathe in second hand ..
otherwise the often no AC ambience in public areas of many Amans ( & other hotels here ) is often ruined .
Not only for Tokyo hotels but all where smoking is tolerated & health considerations seem to take a back seat or " thrown to the wind " .

Kagehitokiri

re smoking, not japan but most of asia and africa (and south america?)

zecha is cigar smoker (may change at aman?) cigar lounges at ahn luh & GHM

FlyerEC

Thankfully , in Asia there are some enlightened countries / areas such as Malaysia , Singapore , HK etcetera , which are now more conscious and smoking is banned in public areas

In many current Amans , there are areas dedicated for cigars but not cigarettes , hope this continues .
From what I gather , cigarette smokers at Aman Tokyo have to go downstairs to smoke ^ .