Originally Posted by
sethcollie
Hi all - been following this discussion and wanted to tack on a question. My wife and I will be in Tokyo in May. Trying to decide between the RC, Prince Sakura, and new mesm, will be booking with points. RC is our top choice, but it's 310k and everything I've read indicates one of the best parts of the experience is the club lounge, which would tack on 20k points/night. 410k points seems a bit rich for a 5 night stay when the Prince Sakura and mesm are 200k and we can leverage platinum status for free breakfast. However- not sure when we will be in Japan again so want to make the trip count.
I am hoping someone can convince me that the RC will be worth the exorbitant points cost, or talk some sense into me and tell me my points would be better spent elsewhere (like on the Osaka Marriott Miyako which we will have to pay cash for if we book the RC on points).
Better off using the points at RC Kyoto if you're spending time in Kyoto too. My corporate rate takes the RC to under 40k yen a night even when the normal rate is 140k yen a night. I still don't stay there. I find the aesthetic of the place to be an antiquated idea of luxury. Anyone who has stayed at Aman Tokyo and the RC Kyoto probably wishes the rooms at RC Tokyo were like that. I would only stay there if they promised to upgrade me to the Japanese suite any time it was available.
Don't expect good service at mesm Tokyo if you're going in May though. The hotel opens on April 27 and if you want to read about how even the best properties have service issues for a while after launch go look at the Park Hyatt Kyoto thread over in that forum.
If you're just Tokyo + Osaka I will say that Osaka hotels are less than Tokyo and thus less value for your points.