nldogbert

Introduction I initially was supposed to stay at this property for 2 nights, however due to some issues with my flights, I arrived 12 hours later into Nagoya. Although my initial night rate already passed the cancellation cut off time, after calling the property and informing of my issue, they waived the penalty and I could still keep my 2nd night. Although I have been to Nagoya numerous times, this was my 2nd time staying at this property some years after my last stay. Location The property is not really well located - it is outside of any major shopping area nor close to any public transportation options. It was about 15-20 mins walk from the JR main station (Nagoya has a 2 other main train operators which have their own stations). Close to the hotel there are the usual 24 hour convenience store and a few options for food and drink. Outside of that, there is not much of interest as it's surrounded mainly by office buildings/companies. I found this to be one of the main negative point of this property. Check In Arriving around noon time, the lobby area was rather busy including the check-in desks, however within a minute of so, one of the front desk associate became free and I was called over. I was checked in by a friendly and welcoming associate - which in my opinion with a much higher English proficiency compared to my other experience. During the check-in process, the conversation was a good balance between being casual yet professional. My HHonors elite status was recognized and I already noticed in the app that I was upgraded to an Executive room - I did not pursue to request for additional upgrade since it was just one night and I would be out for the rest of the time. A rundown of the benefits, executive lounge and breakfast information was provided including an information sheet. Room I found the room on a spacious side - especially for a property in a major city. What I found really nice was the interior design of the room - although simple, as in Japanese simplicity, due to the clever combined western and Japanese influence design, the room still felt contemporary and even though the hotel is not new, it did not feel dated (like quite a lot of international hotel chains in Japan). This design was for me one of the most memorable aspect of the property/room. From furnishing point of view, there was a nice long sofa running along the window and a working cum dining desk. At the entrance hallway was two smaller wardrobe separated by an area for luggage. There was minibar area with the usual coffee/tea making amenities. As usual in most Japanese hotel, a pair of Japanese sleepware was also provided. Sleep quality was very good - with as expected climate control unit and the mattrass, was not too hard nor soft. Noise disturbance from both internal and external was close to non-existence. TV channels - like at most international chain branded hotels was limited for non-Japanese options. Internet speed was stafble and good. The bathroom size was sufficient - with a nice large shower combined bathtub area. As usual water temperature and pressure was very good. Toiletries were the usual Crabtree and Evelyn brand type. The toilet was equipped with the expected Japanese washlet type. Executive Lounge The lounge was situated a floor above my floor - and as expected, it was a very well appointed lounge. In order to accommodate the number of lounge guests esepcially during the evening hour, they had a spill over area across the main lounge. I only had the opportunity to visit the lounge during the evening hours and although busy, I did manage to find a table. For lounge eligible guests, there is also the option to carry out the check-in/out process at the lounge. (I was not offered this nor took advantage of this the next day). The staff in the lounge was also very welcoming and friendly.The food and beverages offered at the lounge was very good - as expected from lounges in Japan (which is why it can get very crowded). There was more than sufficient food to make a evening meal out of the offerings. Food refill was good, although for some dishes that ran out, it was replaced with another option. Breakfast The breakfast was served at the main restaurant of the hotel located opposite the check-in area. I am not sure if under normal conditions (outside of the pandemic) is offered at the lounge. The hotel does seem to be quite packed, as the breakfast room was very crowded when I visited. The breakfast offering was very good - with a good mix of western and local options. Even within the local Japanese options, they did have even localized dishes from Nagoya itself. The quality as expected was high. I believe that you could also have eggs to order - however since I did not have too much time, I did not bother to enquire about that. Overall Check-out process was efficient, but the agent checking me out was the total opposite in behaviour during my check-in.To sum up, this property is in my opinion very good in general overal, and I would certainly not hesitate to return to this property even though it's location is the main setback as compared to the Marriott located just above the station (and of equal calibre in quality, except that it's usually on the expensive side). An option could be for the hotel to offer a complimentary service for guests from the JR station. All in all, a good Hilton property.