[ARCHIVE to 2017] Conrad Tokyo {JPN}
#751
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Colorado
Programs: Hilton Gold, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 137
Drek - I'm at the Conrad right now and can offer some fresh insight. If you are getting into NRT that late at night, I suggest you spend the first night at the Hilton NRT. We did that last week. Our flight landed at 4:30pm, we caught the 5:20 Hilton shuttle, and we were in bed by 6:30.
If you are arriving at Terminal 1, exit the terminal and go to Station 16 (the second set of islands from the terminal). The following morning, you will wake up early due to jet lag. Breakfast at the Hilton NRT begins at 6:30. You can get an early swim before breakfast. We caught the 8:00 am shuttle back to Terminal 2 (first stop before Terminal 1), bought our NEX/Suica combo ticket and took the 8:50 am NEX. We were at the hotel before 11:00.
http://www.hyperdia.com/
Above is a handy link to figure out the train schedule. Upon arriving at Tokyo Station, not all trains to Shimbashi leave from the same platform. Do a search and pick one that suits your schedule and where the tracks are close by.
Upon arriving at Shimbashi, follow the signs to Ginza/Shiodome. You want Exit 7,8,9,10. Stay on the right side. Eventually, you will see a sign for the Conrad on the wall on the right side. You want the Tokyo Shiodome Building. Once you reach the building, take the escalator up, turn left and you will have arrived.
I remember only one short set of stairs. Otherwise, there are escalators. Enjoy. The Conrad has a new set of bears (the autumn ones) that includes a rare yellow bear.
If you are arriving at Terminal 1, exit the terminal and go to Station 16 (the second set of islands from the terminal). The following morning, you will wake up early due to jet lag. Breakfast at the Hilton NRT begins at 6:30. You can get an early swim before breakfast. We caught the 8:00 am shuttle back to Terminal 2 (first stop before Terminal 1), bought our NEX/Suica combo ticket and took the 8:50 am NEX. We were at the hotel before 11:00.
http://www.hyperdia.com/
Above is a handy link to figure out the train schedule. Upon arriving at Tokyo Station, not all trains to Shimbashi leave from the same platform. Do a search and pick one that suits your schedule and where the tracks are close by.
Upon arriving at Shimbashi, follow the signs to Ginza/Shiodome. You want Exit 7,8,9,10. Stay on the right side. Eventually, you will see a sign for the Conrad on the wall on the right side. You want the Tokyo Shiodome Building. Once you reach the building, take the escalator up, turn left and you will have arrived.
I remember only one short set of stairs. Otherwise, there are escalators. Enjoy. The Conrad has a new set of bears (the autumn ones) that includes a rare yellow bear.
And thanks also for the additional details Duhey2. I will print both of your guys' posts out before departing so I can use them for reference
Do either of you have any insight on the return to the airport? For a 10:45am flight is it better to just buy the roundtrip N'EX or will the Limo Bus be easier? Also, if I do go the N'EX route (which in my head seems to be the better choice due to potential traffic issues) does the CONRAD have a shuttle to Tokyo station?
Thanks much
Drek
#752
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,334
Do either of you have any insight on the return to the airport? For a 10:45am flight is it better to just buy the roundtrip N'EX or will the Limo Bus be easier? Also, if I do go the N'EX route (which in my head seems to be the better choice due to potential traffic issues) does the CONRAD have a shuttle to Tokyo station?
Today I left the Conrad 45 minutes before the Yokosuka train. It was only a short walk (escalators, plus one flight of stairs) and I ended up waiting at the platform for 25 minutes.
At Shimbashi, I put my NEX ticket into the ticket slot and it popped back out. No one checked tickets on the NEX. Upon arrival at Narita, I inserted the ticket into the slot to exit. So, it appears that one does not need a separate ticket for the short one-stop ride from Shimbashi to Tokyo station.
Enjoy!
#753
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Colorado
Programs: Hilton Gold, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 137
What time were you getting on the train? No super crowded anything? That sounds like the way to go then ....
Thanks for the info hope you have a safe trip to wherever you are headed
Drek
Thanks for the info hope you have a safe trip to wherever you are headed
Drek
#754
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: YOW
Programs: AC SE, SPG Plat, FPC Plat, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 553
I didn't do my proper research before going, had planned on taking the limo-bus on arrival to keep things simple. Turns out when I arrived there were no more buses scheduled, it was interesting trying to find the Conrad without having any real idea where it is and no address.
I just remembered it was near Ginza. Luckily A local helped me tremendously and even took me to the hotel. I rewarded her with dinner and breakfast
I just remembered it was near Ginza. Luckily A local helped me tremendously and even took me to the hotel. I rewarded her with dinner and breakfast
#755
Join Date: Jul 2008
Programs: MileagePlus, Marriott Rewards
Posts: 344
Love staying at the Conrad during holidays. I actually live in Tokyo, but when I have extra expiring FN certs I can't use, I end up burning 'em on Conrad Tokyo!
For people coming on a personal budget with a family, the most budget conscious is:
1) Keisei Main Line Express for Haneda Airport (direct train, 1 hour, 14 minute, 1,280 yes) -> this train goes straight to Shimbashi but seats aren't reserved.
1a) If there no upcoming train in a reasonable time bound for Haneda Airport, then take the non-express for Ueno and switch at Keisei Narita. Cost will be the same.
Enjoy!
For people coming on a personal budget with a family, the most budget conscious is:
1) Keisei Main Line Express for Haneda Airport (direct train, 1 hour, 14 minute, 1,280 yes) -> this train goes straight to Shimbashi but seats aren't reserved.
1a) If there no upcoming train in a reasonable time bound for Haneda Airport, then take the non-express for Ueno and switch at Keisei Narita. Cost will be the same.
Enjoy!
#757
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: Krisflyer Solitaire, Miles & More Senator, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 144
Love staying at the Conrad during holidays. I actually live in Tokyo, but when I have extra expiring FN certs I can't use, I end up burning 'em on Conrad Tokyo!
For people coming on a personal budget with a family, the most budget conscious is:
1) Keisei Main Line Express for Haneda Airport (direct train, 1 hour, 14 minute, 1,280 yes) -> this train goes straight to Shimbashi but seats aren't reserved.
1a) If there no upcoming train in a reasonable time bound for Haneda Airport, then take the non-express for Ueno and switch at Keisei Narita. Cost will be the same.
Enjoy!
For people coming on a personal budget with a family, the most budget conscious is:
1) Keisei Main Line Express for Haneda Airport (direct train, 1 hour, 14 minute, 1,280 yes) -> this train goes straight to Shimbashi but seats aren't reserved.
1a) If there no upcoming train in a reasonable time bound for Haneda Airport, then take the non-express for Ueno and switch at Keisei Narita. Cost will be the same.
Enjoy!
#758
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
Posts: 1,644
Wife, kid and I just came back from a 4-night Thanksgiving stay at Conrad.
Made my booking using AXON7 and was upgraded to the executive floor City view.
Lounge was nice. For all four days, lounge breakfast was ok. But the choices were not varied. For evening drink service, the food was varied. We arrived too late for the first night. Wed night's food was from the Japanese restaurant. Thursday night Gordon Ramsey. Friday night China Blue.
Internet access, both wired and wireless, were free for Diamond. But for wireless access, you need to ask for code.
The only blemish for our stay was that I was charged 3500Yen per day for my kid's lounge access.
#759
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA LifeTime PLT (2.982 MM, But 3MM+ Total), HHonors GOLD, IHG AMB
Posts: 787
At Shimbashi, I put my NEX ticket into the ticket slot and it popped back out. No one checked tickets on the NEX. Upon arrival at Narita, I inserted the ticket into the slot to exit. So, it appears that one does not need a separate ticket for the short one-stop ride from Shimbashi to Tokyo station.
Spock Seat @:-)
#760
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA LifeTime PLT (2.982 MM, But 3MM+ Total), HHonors GOLD, IHG AMB
Posts: 787
For people coming on a personal budget with a family, the most budget conscious is:
1) Keisei Main Line Express for Haneda Airport (direct train, 1 hour, 14 minute, 1,280 yes) -> this train goes straight to Shimbashi but seats aren't reserved.
1a) If there no upcoming train in a reasonable time bound for Haneda Airport, then take the non-express for Ueno and switch at Keisei Narita. Cost will be the same. Enjoy!
1) Keisei Main Line Express for Haneda Airport (direct train, 1 hour, 14 minute, 1,280 yes) -> this train goes straight to Shimbashi but seats aren't reserved.
1a) If there no upcoming train in a reasonable time bound for Haneda Airport, then take the non-express for Ueno and switch at Keisei Narita. Cost will be the same. Enjoy!
From Narita, I strongly advise that one take the 37 minute ultra-fast Skyliner to Nippori, then take the JR Yamanote to Shinbashi (or even better, take the JR Yamanote from Nippori to Ueno, then switch over to the [blue] train opposite the same platform for the late-morning, early afternoon express to Shinbashi....bypasses most stops). That will cost about 2600 yen total. Take the monorail one stop from Shinbashi to the Conrad, add 180 yen.
For the cheapest way from Shinbashi to Narita, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza line from Shinbashi, transfer at Nihonbashi to the Rapid Tozai Line to Nishi-Funabashi, walk to the local Keisei at Nishi-Funa, go two stops to Funabashi, hop on the Express to Narita. Cost 860 yen (to Keisei Narita, add 250 yen to Narita Airport).
Deep Japan experience required. お疲れ様
Spock Seat. @:-)
#761
Join Date: Jul 2008
Programs: MileagePlus, Marriott Rewards
Posts: 344
The Keisei Line does not go to Haneda, but the same train from the Keisei Line does go on the same tracks. From Shinbashi to Haneda, it's the Keihinkyuu Line. The train to take is the Airport Rapid (it will have an picture of an airplane on the marquee) from Shinbashi to Haneda----bypasses most of the stops.
As I personally live close to Nippori, I do take Skyliner (it's awesome), but I still maintain that if you have time and are afraid of transfers, you hop on Keisei train bound for Haneda...and as long as it says "Haneda Airport" on it, you do NOT have to switch at all. And depending on the time of day, you might be able to catch the Express via the Sky Access Line...only 1hr, 15mins Narita Airport straight to Shimbashi. Finally, since start of the line IS Narita Airport, you can get a seat.
PS: Booked my New Year's Eve at the Gordon Ramsay! Will stay at Conrad, too!
#762
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,334
A Warm Homecoming - Trip Report
We had just checked into the Conrad Tokyo in March when the earthquake occurred. Two days later, we went home early. Eight months later, we decided to return to complete our aborted trip.
Initially I did not include a stay at the Conrad, but at the last minute we decided to spend our last night at the Conrad so that we could visit the wonderful hotel personnel who took such good care of us in March.
The Conrad staff came out of the woodwork to greet us and to apologize for our aborted previous trip. When I saw Yumi, my favorite employee in the Exec Lounge, I wanted to hug her, but wasn't sure if it would be appropriate. No fear. She came right up to me and gave me a huge hug.
That evening, the hotel housekeeping manager came looking for us and asked what he could do. I asked for a set of the Conrad bears and he promptly delivered them. Mr. McInnes, the Assistant Executive Manager, surprised us with a complimentary upgrade to an Executive Bay View Suite. I didn't want to go to bed that night as I stood mesmerized by the scene from our window.
At check-out, Abe, the head concierge, came running toward us with a luggage cart. He escorted us downstairs and apologized for not being able to walk us to the train station.
I can't think of a better place to spend Thanksgiving Day. We felt truly pampered and are thankful that Japan is getting back on its feet. We are already planning a return visit.
Initially I did not include a stay at the Conrad, but at the last minute we decided to spend our last night at the Conrad so that we could visit the wonderful hotel personnel who took such good care of us in March.
The Conrad staff came out of the woodwork to greet us and to apologize for our aborted previous trip. When I saw Yumi, my favorite employee in the Exec Lounge, I wanted to hug her, but wasn't sure if it would be appropriate. No fear. She came right up to me and gave me a huge hug.
That evening, the hotel housekeeping manager came looking for us and asked what he could do. I asked for a set of the Conrad bears and he promptly delivered them. Mr. McInnes, the Assistant Executive Manager, surprised us with a complimentary upgrade to an Executive Bay View Suite. I didn't want to go to bed that night as I stood mesmerized by the scene from our window.
At check-out, Abe, the head concierge, came running toward us with a luggage cart. He escorted us downstairs and apologized for not being able to walk us to the train station.
I can't think of a better place to spend Thanksgiving Day. We felt truly pampered and are thankful that Japan is getting back on its feet. We are already planning a return visit.
#763
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,682
I'm so glad I happened on this and read all the wonderful ways you were treated at the hotel. Their lives were turned upside down because of the earthquake, and yet their concern is that you be comfortable. It speaks so highly of the country and its people.
#764
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,334
I seriously stressed before the March trip. I worried about language issues, cultural differences, etc, etc. I ended up loving the short time I spent in Japan. I also gained significant admiration for the people and their politeness and resiliency. That why I went back and will continue to go back.
Plus, Japan is probably the only country where I am guaranteed a clean toilet!
Plus, Japan is probably the only country where I am guaranteed a clean toilet!
#765
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
Lounge closing Jan 9th?
We have reservations for the Hotel on February. When I look at them there is a banner noting the Executive Lounge will close on Jan 9th. Anyone have and confirmation of this? Thank you.