Aug 15, 2015, 12:17 pm
Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers - Kobe, Japan [Master Thread]
Sep 6, 2004, 11:19 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: AA PLT
Posts: 6
Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers - Kobe, Japan [Master Thread]
I am very much confused as well as frustrated. I’ll be staying at Sheraton in Kobe, Japan in early November. The lowest web rate is 13,000 yen (let’s just say it’s about $130 for easier calculations) with 100% non-refundable deposit prepaid, no changes allowed. The next lowest is 16,000 yen. I temporarily reserved a 16,000 room, which can be cancelled.
1) I called *wood rez line and the best available rate the rep came up with was 23,000 yen. I fully understand 13,000 yen is available only on the web, but I don’t know why she couldn’t come up with 16,000 yen as the “best available rate.”
2) I asked her about upgrades. She said this specific hotel does not accept upgrades with points, but it does with money. What the hell does that mean??? When I asked her how much it would cost for an upgrade my reserved 16,000 room, I was told 19,600 yen. Yes, additional 19,600 yen. That’s not an upgrade, but a normal reservation, isn’t it? Also, upgrades are possible (with money) from a “standard” room to a “superior” room only. No upgrades to suites, etc., she said. I was also told that since my 16,000 rez is already for a “superior” room, I can’t upgrade it. Huh? Then, what room was she talking about when she mentioned an upgrade with 19,600 yen? I didn’t want to waste any more time with her, so I just decided to not go any further.
3) Contrary to her claim, it is clearly stated on Starwood’s Japanese website that this hotel does accept upgrades with points. It actually lists all instant awards for this specific hotel. For instance, 1,000 points to upgrade to a room on what they call “Tower’s Floor” and 1,500 points to a “Junior Suite”. I’m sure I got an inexperienced rep and will try to call again tomorrow. But it’s hard for me to believe that she made a mistake when she said this hotel does not accept upgrades with points. Which makes me wonder: if you don’t read Japanese, you’re more likely to be deceived in *wood hotels in Japan?
Any insights?
1) I called *wood rez line and the best available rate the rep came up with was 23,000 yen. I fully understand 13,000 yen is available only on the web, but I don’t know why she couldn’t come up with 16,000 yen as the “best available rate.”
2) I asked her about upgrades. She said this specific hotel does not accept upgrades with points, but it does with money. What the hell does that mean??? When I asked her how much it would cost for an upgrade my reserved 16,000 room, I was told 19,600 yen. Yes, additional 19,600 yen. That’s not an upgrade, but a normal reservation, isn’t it? Also, upgrades are possible (with money) from a “standard” room to a “superior” room only. No upgrades to suites, etc., she said. I was also told that since my 16,000 rez is already for a “superior” room, I can’t upgrade it. Huh? Then, what room was she talking about when she mentioned an upgrade with 19,600 yen? I didn’t want to waste any more time with her, so I just decided to not go any further.
3) Contrary to her claim, it is clearly stated on Starwood’s Japanese website that this hotel does accept upgrades with points. It actually lists all instant awards for this specific hotel. For instance, 1,000 points to upgrade to a room on what they call “Tower’s Floor” and 1,500 points to a “Junior Suite”. I’m sure I got an inexperienced rep and will try to call again tomorrow. But it’s hard for me to believe that she made a mistake when she said this hotel does not accept upgrades with points. Which makes me wonder: if you don’t read Japanese, you’re more likely to be deceived in *wood hotels in Japan?
Any insights?
Sep 7, 2004, 12:13 pm
#2
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Originally Posted by ka63
I am very much confused as well as frustrated. I’ll be staying at Sheraton in Kobe, Japan in early November. The lowest web rate is 13,000 yen (let’s just say it’s about $130 for easier calculations) with 100% non-refundable deposit prepaid, no changes allowed. The next lowest is 16,000 yen. I temporarily reserved a 16,000 room, which can be cancelled.
1) I called *wood rez line and the best available rate the rep came up with was 23,000 yen. I fully understand 13,000 yen is available only on the web, but I don’t know why she couldn’t come up with 16,000 yen as the “best available rate.”
2) I asked her about upgrades. She said this specific hotel does not accept upgrades with points, but it does with money. What the hell does that mean??? When I asked her how much it would cost for an upgrade my reserved 16,000 room, I was told 19,600 yen. Yes, additional 19,600 yen. That’s not an upgrade, but a normal reservation, isn’t it? Also, upgrades are possible (with money) from a “standard” room to a “superior” room only. No upgrades to suites, etc., she said. I was also told that since my 16,000 rez is already for a “superior” room, I can’t upgrade it. Huh? Then, what room was she talking about when she mentioned an upgrade with 19,600 yen? I didn’t want to waste any more time with her, so I just decided to not go any further.
3) Contrary to her claim, it is clearly stated on Starwood’s Japanese website that this hotel does accept upgrades with points. It actually lists all instant awards for this specific hotel. For instance, 1,000 points to upgrade to a room on what they call “Tower’s Floor” and 1,500 points to a “Junior Suite”. I’m sure I got an inexperienced rep and will try to call again tomorrow. But it’s hard for me to believe that she made a mistake when she said this hotel does not accept upgrades with points. Which makes me wonder: if you don’t read Japanese, you’re more likely to be deceived in *wood hotels in Japan?
Any insights?
1) I called *wood rez line and the best available rate the rep came up with was 23,000 yen. I fully understand 13,000 yen is available only on the web, but I don’t know why she couldn’t come up with 16,000 yen as the “best available rate.”
2) I asked her about upgrades. She said this specific hotel does not accept upgrades with points, but it does with money. What the hell does that mean??? When I asked her how much it would cost for an upgrade my reserved 16,000 room, I was told 19,600 yen. Yes, additional 19,600 yen. That’s not an upgrade, but a normal reservation, isn’t it? Also, upgrades are possible (with money) from a “standard” room to a “superior” room only. No upgrades to suites, etc., she said. I was also told that since my 16,000 rez is already for a “superior” room, I can’t upgrade it. Huh? Then, what room was she talking about when she mentioned an upgrade with 19,600 yen? I didn’t want to waste any more time with her, so I just decided to not go any further.
3) Contrary to her claim, it is clearly stated on Starwood’s Japanese website that this hotel does accept upgrades with points. It actually lists all instant awards for this specific hotel. For instance, 1,000 points to upgrade to a room on what they call “Tower’s Floor” and 1,500 points to a “Junior Suite”. I’m sure I got an inexperienced rep and will try to call again tomorrow. But it’s hard for me to believe that she made a mistake when she said this hotel does not accept upgrades with points. Which makes me wonder: if you don’t read Japanese, you’re more likely to be deceived in *wood hotels in Japan?
Any insights?
1) We can only sell what the hotel gives us. Apparently, the 16,000 yen rate wasn't available through the Customer Contact Center when you called.
2) Don't have a clue to some of this, but the hotel does not allow us to upgrade rooms on paid reservations in advance.
3) The hotel does, however, allow you to redeem Starpoints for upgrades as an Instant Award at the hotel when you check-in, subject to availability. Instant Upgrade Awards are issued only from a hotel source, not from the Customer Contact Center.
Sincerely,
William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services
[email protected]
Sep 7, 2004, 1:06 pm
#3
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
FYI. I stayed at this Hotel I believe last year. The Hotel is off the beaten path on a manmade island. It is connected to a shopping center and the center itself of a residential community of tall buildings. Once again. Off the beaten path.
I am P. At check-in escorted to Lounge and given a upgrade to a suite. I consider it a junior suite corner looking out onto water. A nice view. The Lounge is excellent and the service was great. One of the nicest I have noted. This Hotel was fully SPG benefit compliant and helpful.
The shopping center was kinda different. Seems like lots of mom and pop so to speak shops. I was surprised how many shops offered massage services. Of course on the up and up. I had one of the best foot spa pedicures ever. It was not cheap but a bargain by Japanese rates. Just kinda a weird center for a Hotel and spot period. Good luck.
I am P. At check-in escorted to Lounge and given a upgrade to a suite. I consider it a junior suite corner looking out onto water. A nice view. The Lounge is excellent and the service was great. One of the nicest I have noted. This Hotel was fully SPG benefit compliant and helpful.
The shopping center was kinda different. Seems like lots of mom and pop so to speak shops. I was surprised how many shops offered massage services. Of course on the up and up. I had one of the best foot spa pedicures ever. It was not cheap but a bargain by Japanese rates. Just kinda a weird center for a Hotel and spot period. Good luck.
Sep 7, 2004, 3:54 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Nr. Zurich
Programs: LH SEN, IHG Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Gold
Posts: 1,610
I stay at the Kobe Bay Sheraton regularly when I am there on business. I have only not been upgraded twice, otherwise I have always been given the junior suite with a king bed. In fact now I almost always get the same room. The girl in the Club check-in said to me last time "We have your usual room ready for you"....very nice. P's also get breakfast thrown in.
I discovered the internet rate by chance. It is only bookable on the Japanese pages of the hotel's website and I get my secretary to do it. It's excellent value for money considering that breakfast is thrown in also.
The hotel is off the beaten track,but our office was on on Rokko Island so it was convenient. Also,the hotel is connected via walkway to the Rokko Liner station. Take this train to Sumiyoshi and you can pick up a semi-fast train to either Sannomiya (Kobe) or Osaka.
I discovered the internet rate by chance. It is only bookable on the Japanese pages of the hotel's website and I get my secretary to do it. It's excellent value for money considering that breakfast is thrown in also.
The hotel is off the beaten track,but our office was on on Rokko Island so it was convenient. Also,the hotel is connected via walkway to the Rokko Liner station. Take this train to Sumiyoshi and you can pick up a semi-fast train to either Sannomiya (Kobe) or Osaka.
Sep 7, 2004, 11:18 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: AA PLT
Posts: 6
Thanks!
Thank you all for more info than I had expected. Looking at the map, I had a hunch that this hotel is a bit off the beaten path. Fortunately, I have a friend showing me around Kobe in his car, whom I invited to stay with me. Just thought it would be nice to surprise him with an upgrade and was exploring its possibilities. (I’m not Platinum and am not getting my hopes up. At the same time, this does not seem like a hotel filled with many elites….)
Just for clarification (to William).
1) I got both the web-only 13,000 yen rate and the NOT web-only 16,900 rate on *wood website. That’s the reason I wondered why the Customer Contact Center rep couldn’t obtain that 16,900 rate. (And I told her that was available on *wood site.) Both 13,000 and 16,900 have been available at least for the past few weeks - they still are and most probably will be for a while. Doesn’t this mean the *wood CCC didn’t have access to its own website? I’m not really complaining here. It simply seemed ridiculous to me….
2) Just FYI, I just made a reservation for 16,900 yen, and it’s not a paid reservation. (Only the 13,000 Internet rate required prepaid 100% deposit.) But I don't think it's relevant since I was confusing two kinds of upgrades stated below. Still, I don't understand what she meant by "upgrades with money"....
3) After reading William’s reply, I perused the *point redemption page and others and now come to understand there are two kinds of room upgrades: ones you can request within five days of arrival, and the others as Instant Awards. The former is taken care of by CCC, and the latter – naturally – by each hotel. (Okay, there’s one more upgrades: free, automatic ones for Golds and Plats.) I guess I assumed Instant Awards could not include room upgrades. When the CCC rep said room upgrades were not accepted at this hotel, I think she was referring to the former. Of course, it would’ve been nice if I was informed there was a possibility of an upgrade as an Instant Award and was asked to contact the hotel for more info…. (Thank you, William, for pointing me to a right direction.)
Anyway, thanks all. I learned something – probably something that may be obvious to experts!
Just for clarification (to William).
1) I got both the web-only 13,000 yen rate and the NOT web-only 16,900 rate on *wood website. That’s the reason I wondered why the Customer Contact Center rep couldn’t obtain that 16,900 rate. (And I told her that was available on *wood site.) Both 13,000 and 16,900 have been available at least for the past few weeks - they still are and most probably will be for a while. Doesn’t this mean the *wood CCC didn’t have access to its own website? I’m not really complaining here. It simply seemed ridiculous to me….
2) Just FYI, I just made a reservation for 16,900 yen, and it’s not a paid reservation. (Only the 13,000 Internet rate required prepaid 100% deposit.) But I don't think it's relevant since I was confusing two kinds of upgrades stated below. Still, I don't understand what she meant by "upgrades with money"....
3) After reading William’s reply, I perused the *point redemption page and others and now come to understand there are two kinds of room upgrades: ones you can request within five days of arrival, and the others as Instant Awards. The former is taken care of by CCC, and the latter – naturally – by each hotel. (Okay, there’s one more upgrades: free, automatic ones for Golds and Plats.) I guess I assumed Instant Awards could not include room upgrades. When the CCC rep said room upgrades were not accepted at this hotel, I think she was referring to the former. Of course, it would’ve been nice if I was informed there was a possibility of an upgrade as an Instant Award and was asked to contact the hotel for more info…. (Thank you, William, for pointing me to a right direction.)
Anyway, thanks all. I learned something – probably something that may be obvious to experts!
Sep 8, 2004, 12:36 am
#6
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: JAPAN
Programs: NH-PLT/SFC, JL-JMG/JGP, SPG-PLT, HH-DIA, GP-DIA,PC/IC-P/RA,MR-GLD
Posts: 315
As RTWSTARALLIANCE and Snoopy say, Kobe Bay Sheraton is a quite nice hotel that treats the SPG very kindly. PLT members are usually upgraded to the junior suite with access to the lounge, otherwise DX twin on rokkou mountain side. When I was GLD, I had a reservation for 13,000yen(standard room) and was upgrated with 1,000 points to Towers floor. I stayed there, junior suite on August and we saw HANABI in Portpia Land at night. My children were very delighted. Anyway we hope you could have fun at Kobe Bay Sheraton. 
Sep 8, 2004, 2:57 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Sydney
Posts: 389
Consider using a SPG 50% off award at this hotel - when I stayed last November, the rack rate was showing as 22,000 yen per night on the SPG website. However, when I called SPG reservations in Tokyo, I was quoted 19,000 yen per night (rack) so my 50% voucher brought the rate down to 9,500 yen per night 
Personally, I would not pay 16,000 yen per night to stay at this hotel. The breakfast was nice and the lounge VERY well stocked (although, strangely, no wine - my favourite tipple) but my room was tiny and I found the location slightly too inconvenient.
Personally, I would not pay 16,000 yen per night to stay at this hotel. The breakfast was nice and the lounge VERY well stocked (although, strangely, no wine - my favourite tipple) but my room was tiny and I found the location slightly too inconvenient.
Sep 8, 2004, 7:03 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: JAPAN
Programs: NH-PLT/SFC, JL-JMG/JGP, SPG-PLT, HH-DIA, GP-DIA,PC/IC-P/RA,MR-GLD
Posts: 315
I understand what KezzaKawasaki is talking about. We need more than DX twin room for comfortable stay there, and now they do not have free hotel shuttle bus. But public bus is available and also rokko-liner to JR sannomiya-station. As compared to other hotels in Kobe, kobe Bay Sheraton is even good, I think. I am not sure if wine is there or not. But I drunk Hennessey V.S.O.P. 
I am not sure if wine is there or not. But I drunk Hennessey V.S.O.P.
Last edited by yasuki; Sep 8, 2004 at 7:09 pm
Sep 9, 2004, 4:17 am
#9
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Nr. Zurich
Programs: LH SEN, IHG Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Gold
Posts: 1,610
Yasuki,
The Rokko-Liner only goes as far as Sumiyoshi (change to JR for Sannomiya) and also, there is a shuttle bus to Sannomiya, but I can't remember the times and whether or not it is free or not (I seem to remember cheap, but not free).
Best to enquire at hotel
Snoopy
The Rokko-Liner only goes as far as Sumiyoshi (change to JR for Sannomiya) and also, there is a shuttle bus to Sannomiya, but I can't remember the times and whether or not it is free or not (I seem to remember cheap, but not free).
Best to enquire at hotel
Snoopy
Sep 9, 2004, 12:21 pm
#10
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Alexandria, VA, USA NW Platinum Elite Since 1999, United GoldMM, Hyatt Plat, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hertz #1 Gold, IC Ambassador, Avis Chairman's
Posts: 7,445
I stayed there, but since I didnt physically have my card, they didn't give me any type of upgrade, was Gold at the time. For me, it's a bit too far from things, Merikan Park, New Otani or the Okura might be a better place tho, if you want to do sightseeing downtown...
Here's the link I found on the Japanese web page for the hotel shuttle bus. Enjoy!
http://www.sheraton-kobe.co.jp/page/...sannomiya.html
Here's the link I found on the Japanese web page for the hotel shuttle bus. Enjoy!
http://www.sheraton-kobe.co.jp/page/...sannomiya.html
Jun 23, 2005, 10:59 am
#11
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: YUL
Programs: AC-SE MM, SPG Plat Lifetime, Marriott Plat, FPC Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 824
Kobe Bay vs Westin Kyoto?
I have looked at the different reviews on both hotels and still looking for some infos. (there is not so many reviews of the Sheraton Kobe) . Is anybody knows how long it takes to get to the nearest Shikansen train station from the Sheraton Kobe. I found the same info about Kyoto (30 minutes average) but nothing on Sheraton Kobe.
How does the Sheraton Kobe compare to the Westin in Kyoto? Any recommendations? I will use the hotel for 5-6 nights as a base for travelling around. Is Westin Osaka would be a better choice due to the proximity of the train station?
Any recent experience at the Sheraton Kobe?
Thanks in advance
How does the Sheraton Kobe compare to the Westin in Kyoto? Any recommendations? I will use the hotel for 5-6 nights as a base for travelling around. Is Westin Osaka would be a better choice due to the proximity of the train station?
Any recent experience at the Sheraton Kobe?
Thanks in advance
Jun 23, 2005, 12:09 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Riding the rails
Programs: Japan Forum, Skyteam Elite Plus, BW Diamond Select, HHonors Gold, NWA, DL, NH
Posts: 1,936
The Westin in Osaka is about a 15minute walk from JR Osaka Station (the hotel does provide a shuttlebus)
The Westin in Kyoto is near a subway station, but still about 30minutes from the main Kyoto Station (shuttlebus service is also available).
The Kobe Sheraton is about 10 or so minutes away from the JR Station (i'm not sure if they provide a shuttlebus).
Just to add because I noticed HH affiliation, the Hilton in Osaka is right across the street from JR Osaka Station.
Also noted that for Osaka the Shinkansen stops at ShinOsaka station not Osaka station (where the Westin, Hilton etc) are located. But you can take Rapid Express trains between Kobe-Osaka-Kyoto without using the Shinkansen, so it shouldn't be much a problem.
The Westin in Kyoto is near a subway station, but still about 30minutes from the main Kyoto Station (shuttlebus service is also available).
The Kobe Sheraton is about 10 or so minutes away from the JR Station (i'm not sure if they provide a shuttlebus).
Just to add because I noticed HH affiliation, the Hilton in Osaka is right across the street from JR Osaka Station.
Also noted that for Osaka the Shinkansen stops at ShinOsaka station not Osaka station (where the Westin, Hilton etc) are located. But you can take Rapid Express trains between Kobe-Osaka-Kyoto without using the Shinkansen, so it shouldn't be much a problem.
Last edited by railroadtycoon; Jun 23, 2005 at 12:15 pm
Jun 23, 2005, 12:46 pm
#13
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: YUL
Programs: AC-SE MM, SPG Plat Lifetime, Marriott Plat, FPC Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 824
Thanks for the info. Just for clarification when you say thet the Sheraton is 10 min from the JR train station is this station is a Shinkansen one of there another train to catch to conect with the Shinkansen
Jun 23, 2005, 2:46 pm
#14
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: NJ
Programs: UA LTG, AA LTG, Bonvoy LTP, IHG Plat, LHW Sterling
Posts: 2,405
The Sheraton Kobe is on man made Rokko Island. To get to it by train you go to the JR Sumiyoshi Station which is suburban station about 20 minutes from Osaka or 10 minutes from Kobe by train. From this station you take the Rokko Liner, an 8-minute ride on an airport like people mover. The first station on the island is right next to the Sheraton. There is a fairly detailed description of the transport options at the SPG website (somewhat surprising) including a link to the Japanese website of the hotel.
I stayed at the Sheraton Kobe back in March and found it to be a pleasant place. As SPG platinum I was upgraded to a junior suite (space of two regular rooms). The room was very nice, much nicer than anything at a Sheraton in the US. It had a huge marble bathroom with every toiletry imaginable (huge toiletry selection pretty much standard in Japan). Nice lounge and embarrassingly good service. I was pre met in the lobby on the way to the front desk by two staff members and escorted to the executive floor. I think my luggage weighed more than the young lady that carried it to my room. Rates at this hotel can also be pretty good. I think I got a 10,000 yen rate on a Saturday evening which also included free buffet breakfast in the restaurant (as platinum guest). The breakfast had a large selection, but the food was the worst of any Japanese hotel I stayed at.
In summary the Sheraton Kobe is a nice clean hotel with above average comfortable accommodation (I was upgraded, so not sure what a standard room is like) but it is a boring building in a boring location that is something of a pain to get to. I also stayed at the Westin Kyoto and have posted about it in another thread. It too is a bit out of the way to use as a base for travel. It sounds to me like the Osaka Westin is your best bet (I have not stayed there).
I stayed at the Sheraton Kobe back in March and found it to be a pleasant place. As SPG platinum I was upgraded to a junior suite (space of two regular rooms). The room was very nice, much nicer than anything at a Sheraton in the US. It had a huge marble bathroom with every toiletry imaginable (huge toiletry selection pretty much standard in Japan). Nice lounge and embarrassingly good service. I was pre met in the lobby on the way to the front desk by two staff members and escorted to the executive floor. I think my luggage weighed more than the young lady that carried it to my room. Rates at this hotel can also be pretty good. I think I got a 10,000 yen rate on a Saturday evening which also included free buffet breakfast in the restaurant (as platinum guest). The breakfast had a large selection, but the food was the worst of any Japanese hotel I stayed at.
In summary the Sheraton Kobe is a nice clean hotel with above average comfortable accommodation (I was upgraded,
so not sure what a standard room is like) but it is a boring building in a boring location that is something of a pain to get to. I also stayed at the Westin Kyoto and have posted about it in another thread. It too is a bit out of the way to use as a base for travel. It sounds to me like the Osaka Westin is your best bet (I have not stayed there).
Last edited by schriste; Jun 23, 2005 at 2:47 pm Reason: spelling
Jun 23, 2005, 3:56 pm
#15
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Somewhere...
Programs: AA PLT/3MM, UA GM/1MM, DL DM/1MM, FB Plat, AS MVP Gold, WN AList+
Posts: 1,588
It all depends on where you want to go...I have stayed at both the Kyoto and Osaka Westin properties. Both are perfectly fine. Have not stayed at Kobe. Kyoto is right next to the subway line...which is then a quick ride to the JR. Osaka is a little bit of a walk to the station - which you then have to take a train to ShinOsaka. I would probably opt for Kyoto - far more interesting city - as a base.
Get a rail pass before you go!!!!!!
Get a rail pass before you go!!!!!!