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What is your Priority Club status?
Diamond

Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes. Stayed here back in 2018 and was very happy with the stay, so naturally chose it again for our year-end travel. The hotel definitely did not disappoint.

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked 2 Single Premium River View High Floor with points on two separate reservations. I saw all the suites were booked during Christmas weekend so did not expected an upgrade, but both reservations were upgraded to Imperial Suite the night before arrival.

How are the rooms?
The room was the largest in the hotel (100m^2) and occupied the north corner of the 15th floor, overlooking Shinano river. The room has three separate areas: the entrance with a coat closet and a half-bath, a bedroom with two double beds and a large working desk, and a living room with 6-seat sofa and a bar with a Nespresso machine. The bathroom has a dedicated bath "room" that somewhat resembles what you have at a Japanese home - a bathtub with a separate area for showering.
The decor is similar to most CPs in Japan, but very well-maintained. The appliances are quite modern, with two fancy-looking 65" Sony TVs and two Sharp air purifiers. Plenty of power outlets, but no USB plugs.

How is the exec. lounge?
N/A

What was good and what was bad?
The good:
- All the staff we encountered were very kind and helpful, the staff at front desk even greeted us by our names by the next day
- Meaningful upgrade and status recognition - first time being upgraded to a top-category suite as an IHG member, and we received a welcome basket with local beer and tea
- Very clean and well-maintained room with modern appliances
- Free parking (unsure if it was a courtesy as parking is shown as 1200 JPY/night on the website)
- Easy walking access to Niigata station (~10 mins even on icy sidewalk) and restaurants/shopping
- The breakfast was excellent with plenty of local varieties (with a rice station dedicated to rice from different areas of Niigata), and self-serve cold brew coffee (available to hotel guests)
- Non-smoking hotel

The bad:
- Wi-Fi is not encrypted but quite fast. Wired connection is also available.

The ugly:
- Nothing really. It was just a wonderful stay.

Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Paid 48K points for 5 nights during Christmas weekend (thanks to IHG Premier card offsetting the most expensive night). Incredible value even without an upgrade. Will definitely return if in the area.