Westin Miyako, Kyoto, Japan [Master Thread]
#61
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,561
Hi, would appreciate some feedback on the location of this hotel - some reviews at tripadvisor suggest the location is actually wonderful, but this thread does not seem to agree with that.
We are 2 adults and a 2 year old, we need a good location for 3 days of busy sightseeing/touristy stuff as we don't want to have to take a subway or bus more than necessary. The amenities are less important.
Is this close to the must-see tourist sites of Kyoto? Or would another hotel be better suited? Thanks for any feedback or alternative suggestions.
We are 2 adults and a 2 year old, we need a good location for 3 days of busy sightseeing/touristy stuff as we don't want to have to take a subway or bus more than necessary. The amenities are less important.
Is this close to the must-see tourist sites of Kyoto? Or would another hotel be better suited? Thanks for any feedback or alternative suggestions.
#63
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Central CT
Programs: UA MM/1K, SPG Lifetime Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Diamond, HH Gold, Natl Exec Elite
Posts: 1,490
Hi, would appreciate some feedback on the location of this hotel - some reviews at tripadvisor suggest the location is actually wonderful, but this thread does not seem to agree with that.
We are 2 adults and a 2 year old, we need a good location for 3 days of busy sightseeing/touristy stuff as we don't want to have to take a subway or bus more than necessary. The amenities are less important.
Is this close to the must-see tourist sites of Kyoto? Or would another hotel be better suited? Thanks for any feedback or alternative suggestions.
We are 2 adults and a 2 year old, we need a good location for 3 days of busy sightseeing/touristy stuff as we don't want to have to take a subway or bus more than necessary. The amenities are less important.
Is this close to the must-see tourist sites of Kyoto? Or would another hotel be better suited? Thanks for any feedback or alternative suggestions.
#64
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,561
The hotel is not "downtown", it butts up against a hill that is part of a beautiful and extensive park/nature preserve. You can walk (without a 2 year old) to several gorgeous temples, and there is a subway stop close by that will get you wherever else you wish to go, but again, with a 2 year old you won't be walking to many of the places that would be easy to reach without a stroller. Unlike some other posters in this thread, I found the hotel to be perfectly adequate - although the staff IS surprisingly non-responsive for a Japanese property.
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,404
I brought my family with me to the Westin Miyako (I think my youngest was 5 at the time) and I think it's an exceptional place to stay with kids because there is some nearby green space. We also used the subway (it doesn't go everywhere), the buses (easy once you get the hang of it) and, once, a taxi.
I would stay here again.
I would stay here again.
#66
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Central CT
Programs: UA MM/1K, SPG Lifetime Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Diamond, HH Gold, Natl Exec Elite
Posts: 1,490
Thanks for the feedback - a litle confused by the bolded portion - are you saying this because 2 years olds are not allowed in the temples, or because they are not stroller accessible, or...??? We also have and can use a backpack carrier if that would help the situation.
Also as a note, it was a bit of a surprise to me to learn that Japanese temples aren't like Western churches: they're really large compounds with collections of buildings, some of them open to the elements on all sides, others enclosures with the equivalent of altars and shrines....set within a park and gardens with water and other elemental features. One temple we visited on the outskirts of Kyoto had at least a hundred "gates" in a park that must have been half a mile square - gorgeous, peaceful, and not like Western cathedrals at all - but a good place to contemplate nonetheless. Enjoy your trip!
#67
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: SPG, AA: PLAT; Hilton: Diamon, UAL: Premier Exec; IC_PriClub; 308 hours flying Boeing 707's
Posts: 242
10% discount in F&B outlets
#68
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
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Posts: 21,990
My wife and I are staying here in about a month and expect to be arriving mid afternoon. We have spent 11500 SPG ("SPG4/SPECIALTY SLECT") on:
Can some please advise/confirm:
Room Description
1 King
Executive Deluxe, Non-smoking, Executive Club Benefits, Heavenly Bed, High-speed Internet, Size: 36m2, Exec Club Deluxe Non, Heavenly King Bed
1 King
Executive Deluxe, Non-smoking, Executive Club Benefits, Heavenly Bed, High-speed Internet, Size: 36m2, Exec Club Deluxe Non, Heavenly King Bed
- What floors are the "Executive Deluxe" rooms on?
- Where can one find the Shuttle bus stop at Kyoto Station (will have 7day JR pass)?
- Is there a timetable for the shuttle bus available online?
- Is there anything we should make sure of/prepare for prior to our arrival.
- Any other advice?
Last edited by serfty; Mar 19, 2009 at 10:11 pm
#69
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Hawaii
Programs: Delta Platinum, Marriott Silver, Hilton Silver, Avis First
Posts: 394
I was not able to find the shuttle at the train station. I ended up taking a cab.
I would not set your sights too high on this place. It was pretty old and the walls are paper thin. Also, even though it says "High Speed Internet" they still charge you 1500 Y per day for internet. I reported this to the manager about 3 months ago and they did not refund my money nor did they fix the misrepresentation on their website.
I would not set your sights too high on this place. It was pretty old and the walls are paper thin. Also, even though it says "High Speed Internet" they still charge you 1500 Y per day for internet. I reported this to the manager about 3 months ago and they did not refund my money nor did they fix the misrepresentation on their website.
#70
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Here and there...
Posts: 1,501
I was not able to find the shuttle at the train station. I ended up taking a cab.
I would not set your sights too high on this place. It was pretty old and the walls are paper thin. Also, even though it says "High Speed Internet" they still charge you 1500 Y per day for internet. I reported this to the manager about 3 months ago and they did not refund my money nor did they fix the misrepresentation on their website.
I would not set your sights too high on this place. It was pretty old and the walls are paper thin. Also, even though it says "High Speed Internet" they still charge you 1500 Y per day for internet. I reported this to the manager about 3 months ago and they did not refund my money nor did they fix the misrepresentation on their website.
As for the shuttle bus from JR Kyoto station, it's tricky as there is no sign and you kind of have to know where it departs from - it's by the cab stand near Hachijo exit at the station. They used to have the remote check-in office right there and attendants could escort you to the bus stop, but they closed it last year unfortunately...
#71
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
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Last edited by serfty; Mar 19, 2009 at 11:23 pm
#72
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: NJ
Programs: UA LTG, AA LTG, Bonvoy LTP, IHG Plat, LHW Sterling
Posts: 2,404
The following page from the Westin Miyako Japan website will provide all you need:
http://www.westinmiyako-kyoto.com/access/#en01
#73
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Malibu, CA
Programs: AA CK / Marriott Worthless Ambassador
Posts: 1,158
How to get there???
Arriving with my wife at ITM (Osaka) around 8pm. How would we best then get to this Westin? Trains I presume?...Also, the hotel doesn't look bookable on SPG.com- is it possible its sold out for that week in May?
Thanks!
Thanks!
#74
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: NJ
Programs: UA LTG, AA LTG, Bonvoy LTP, IHG Plat, LHW Sterling
Posts: 2,404
http://www.okkbus.co.jp/timetable/un...&rosen=itm_kyt
The last bus is at 8:25pm
If you are on the JAL connection from Narita you can (usually) make it. I have twice.
As for sold out... is it during Golden Week? I assume Kyoto would be a popular destination for Japanese during this time.