So we are back now from our 2 weeks in Japan to celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary. We decided to try Japan so we could take advantage of the large number of SPG luxury hotels there in what I feared might be my last full year of Ambassador status and benefits. Fortunately, those won't end as of the April 18 announcement, but it was impossible to know that when we planned this trip in mid-2017!
Suffice to say that my experience as an Ambassador level VIP guest was fantastic...with tremendous recognition and superlative treatment at every turn:
Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho 3 nights—arrived 7:15 am without Your24 and checked in anyway, was in suite by 7:30 am. SNAs didn’t go through and hotel was basically sold out and there hadn’t been any sites available for over a week on Spg.com—yet was upgraded on arrival to pre-assigned Kioi Suite anyway. So basically saved the 3 SNAs. A regular Plat or Plat Premier isn’t as likely to get that treatment. Had total VIP experience throughout stay. Felt more like Peninsula and St Regis than just Luxury Collection, was that good. Welcome amenity and welcome anniversary gift from hotel/Ambassador, too. Review at:
Tokyo luxury hotels (newer consolidated thread)
Suiran Kyoto 5 nights—was originally given complimentary upgrade 9 months ago from entry level award room to Shumire Premiere room, best room besides the 4 suites. Later offered cash upgrade to Presidential Suite for $400/night, took it since that rom sells for $3000 or more! Incredible service and recognition throughout stay. Welcome gift, Ambassador gift. Spectacular. Review at:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxu...l#post29788671
RC Kyoto 2 nights—even without formal Ambassador status recognition, was pre-upgraded to Suite Kamogawa from entry level award room as service recovery from poor initial concierge issues and perhaps celebrating our wedding anniversary. Tremendous recognition by GM, assistant GM, and guest relations staff throughout stay. Welcome gift from hotel, nothing from Ambassador since there is no formal connection yet to RC. But RC management/staff knew I was SPG Ambassador status. Review at:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxu...l#post29793035
StR Osaka 3 nights—no suite upgrade since hotel full, SNAs didn’t go through, but got category room upgrade to highest Skyline Grand Deluxe Room with best view. Incredible recognition and treatment throughout stay, welcome gift, Ambassador/hotel gift of wine/cheese and celebration cake, everyone in hotel knew who we were and that it wa our wedding anniversary,got free drink to celebrate at bar, got preferred seating for breakfast. Executive chef prepared special dinner for us on our last night, executive chef invited us for lunch on departure day even though we were underdressed in shirts and short sleeve shirts and prepared special lunch for us anyway. Total VIP treatment every step of the stay. Review at:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxu...l#post29794253