Hilton Narita - decent room, highspeed Internet for a fee
 

Breakfast voucher, free health club access. The hotel is fine, even though my room's interior looks a little bit dated (11th floor, they said it is an upgraded room). Employees seem friendly. Highspeed Internet fee is about $ 15 for 24 hours, I think. Am here on a reward stay (they are only category 1 which seems like a bargain to me) and have forgotten the certificate. They said they would get it faxed from HHonors. I'll see how this works out.

One weird thing is that the planes fly by so close to the building when they land (I had seen it from my plane when we landed already). It's almost like I could see people's faces behind the plane's windows! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif But one does not hear much noise.

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I recommend the bar on top floor (I can't remember what it was called, but something like Ten or Sky). Great view at night!

Is there a lounge for the elites?

Is the "Circle Bus" the only way into Downtown Narita (150 yen), or do they have a shuttle that goes there? When at the Narita station area, I never see a Hilton shuttle or any posting for such. Is their shuttle service only for the airport?

How's the TV channel access at Hitlon Narita? Do they carry CNBC ASIA? BBC WORLD? I'm very curious as many Japan hotels have a horrible amount of TV channels.

I plan to stay there for a level 1 award soon. Thanks for the report!

This is the only thing I know. They do have a free shuttle bus that goes to downtown Narita.

They do not have an executive lounge. They have a bunch of restaurants, though. Right now, it is a bit funny for me, because they have German flags all over the place...they are celebrating "Oktoberfest"...in Japan... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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Where? Doko da?? (-_-)

Hotel no mae de... There is a hotel shuttle that runs to the airport and to Keisei Narita eki (station) the link for the shuttle schedules can be found HERE ... do itashima....e

The breakfast was excellent. It is more like a breakfast/lunch thing - they have continental, American and Asian breakfast items (like rice and miso soup and Chinese rice porridge) on their buffet. I have to say, compared to what was offered in the Diamond lounge in the Hilton Waikoloa Village, this was a very welcome change. The staff's attitude is fantastic - they are super friendly and always trying to help - with no tipping expected, in fact, there are signs which state "tipping is discouraged". At 10,000 points per night (or even less, if you are lucky enough to catch a point stretcher date), this hotel is a steal. I would always come back.

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Oh, and one thing I almost forgot to mention...I opened one of the drawers and they had these Kimonos in there...just for fun, I tried one of them on and thought it was funny - called the front desk and asked them what it would cost to take it with me. The guy laughed and said "they are not for sale, but you know what - if you like it that much, feel free to take it with you." Which is what I did http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif - I think there will not be a charge on my credit card statement for that...

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Thanks for the info and link.

Is that the only shuttle between the hotal and airport? If so, the frequency is a bit slim (only 1 per hour from 9am until 3pm).

Yes it is... but I believe most asian flights out of NRT are either in the morning or evening. NRT is only like 10~15 min away, so if you miss the bus, you can always take a taxi. I did check the Hilton's Japanese web site and the schedule is still the same.

Domo arigato, thezipper-san

Is this place convenient to use as a 1-day base for sightseeing in the area? (No, I don't want to do sightseeing at NRT).

I'm staying at the Narita Hilton 2 nights this week on an award. Just a few questions for those who have recently stayed there.

Is the breakfast mentioned above still available to Diamonds?
Any luck with upgrades?
Any English television stations?
Is the shuttle a reliable way to/from NRT?
I want to make a day trip into downtown Tokyo. What is the best way to do this and what costs am I looking at?

Thanks,

Randomman

- Is the breakfast mentioned above still available to Diamonds?

Yes! Gold's get "Continental", but Diamonds get full in most cases. It's a big buffet with cooks in the middle. This is one hotel that does not upgrade continentals for like $3.00 to full. It is 2500 yen (expensive).

- Any luck with upgrades?

No. Take what they give you, a Japanese custom. No tipping (recommended you do not try, it is insulting).

Any English television stations?

YES! BBC WORLD (a big plus), Discovery, CNN-J (I personally hate CNN, but it is everywhere), BS-1 (aka: NHK-1) shows many English news shows and golf, CSN-1 is a cable movie TV station and shows a good film, once in a while (in November "Thirteen Days") with many English language movies, The Golf Channel and the rest are Japanese.

- Is the shuttle a reliable way to/from NRT?

Yes. Use the shuttle to Keisei Narita station downtown. Save 250 yen each way rather than going to the airport.

- I want to make a day trip into downtown Tokyo. What is the best way to do this and what costs am I looking at?

Depending on where you want to go. The train system is so intricut (and awesome), even I am finding more ways to get anywhere cheaper. For downtown Tokyo, use Keisei Narita Station Limited to Nippori station for 750 yen. Transfer to JR lines (at Nippori) to where you want to go there. There is a window teller before the transfer. You can also use their kiosk and do the transfer yourself, *IF* you can read Japanese. That is the cheapest and most efficient. Hilton Narita staff auto-speak English to foreigners and can help you.
Good Luck!

-Yes! Gold's get "Continental", but Diamonds get full in most cases. It's a big buffet with cooks in the middle. This is one hotel that does not upgrade continentals for like $3.00 to full. It is 2500 yen (expensive).

Does anyone know if this is the case? I stayed way back in January, and as a Gold, I was given vouchers for the full buffet.

In any case, I agree with other posters that this is a good hotel. I got treated to a Y20,000 dinner, and I must say, the food was very good. The staff is friendly, and the room was acceptable (but small). I was "upgraded" to a high floor (10th?) room, as my cheapo rate would have otherwise confined me to a third floor room (or whatever the lowest guestroom floor is).

Beware of the drinks at the lounge/bar on the top floor. My rate included a "free" drink. It turns out that I had to pay an additional Y600 for my free drink, because it went over the limit for the "free" portion. And it wasn't a special cocktail or anything..

Same with me...stayed there twice this past year and got the full buffet b'fast comped.

I stayed twice, so far, in November and received "Continental" breakfast coupon vouchers as an HHonors Gold. The buffet is huge and I'm always tempted to assume it is the whole thing, but afraid to see a bill for 2500 yen afterwards. Many airline crew stay at this hotel.

I'm a little confused reading the above. I see mention of a hotel shuttle running to Keisei Narita Station, but is there a hotel shuttle that runs from NRT airport to the hotel itself? Thanks!

Yes, about every 30 mins IIRC.

There are two (2) shuttles, one for Downtown Narita and one for the airport. BTW, I recently stayed there on a remarkable 7000 yen Net Direct Rate, I was able to pay in cash, no CC charge and they charged me *NO TAX* (that was a surprise, the total was 7000yen), a breakfast coupon that says "continental", but was invited to the entire buffet, so maybe it is full afterall and a delightful sleep after 3 long hard days of work! Recommended and will return! Waiting on the 10,000 bonus points for ACAQ on this stay too! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Too bad, I had to fly the deplorable J service of AA176 to DFW afterwards. If I was on CX, it would have been perfect.

Thanks! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Hi Cygnus X-1,
Is that net direct rate still available & if so can you provide some more info ? Thank you.

I couldnt find a rate even close to this when I stayed, but also noticed no tax charge. Either that or they somehow wrapped it into the rate and I was too jetlagged to notice http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Thanks for asking the questions! I was able to find it again and I booked it again. The rates are actually ADVANCED PURCHASE rates where they deposit it to your card, but it is not charged until you make the stay. From that point you can either pay cash or CC (Japan is a cash economy, so I pay the cash). The rates went 7000 yen for January 7500 yen for February and 10200 yen (I think) for March. These are not Net Direct Rates (my error) in which your card is CHARGED. There is a difference between a deposit and a charge. However, if you no show, it will be likely you will be charged. Hotel discretion.

These are off-peak rates and can only be found around Sunday - Tuesday. Monday is always a holiday for the press in Japan. I grabbed the 7500 yen rate for February, thanks you everyone asking. I did not check for the other days. You will not get them again until next year. The hotel normally charges 15,000 yen as their lowest level.

Mind you the extra perks are for Gold members or higher. If you are not Gold, you will not get breakfast nor the health club pass (includes the pool). Many cargo pilots stay at this hotel, including the FedEx crews!

I'm there right now. Gold treatment is very good. Went to front desk to check-in and the minute I presented my Gold card, he called a Concierge over who took me to his desk to check me in there.

Presented with the Spa pass and continental breakfast coupons, which he said were actually good for the full breakfast buffet. Without prompting, he inquired as to if I might need a bit extra time on my check-out date. He asked my flight time and said that he could extend check-out without charge to 3pm. He also upgraded me without prompting to the top floor (which is the only one with hi-speed internet, I gather).

Then escorted to my room, to be given the full tour of it's features.

Extremely nice treatment. I didn't have to do a thing but sit there and take what they offered, and Thank them.

Next time I would probably take a taxi instead of the comp hotel shuttle bus. After stopping at Terminal 1 it goes to Terminal 2 for a stop and load, and then also stops at the Excel Tokyu Hotel, before finally hitting the Hilton. Took 35 minutes from Terminal 1. Would have been another 30 minutes longer if the bus didn't happen to be sitting there when I arrived.

Only some of the buses stop at Excel Tokyu and terminal 2 stop is only if passengers disembarking or ready to board (ie it doesnt wait there).

Taxi's are 660 yen for the first 2 KM and jump 80 yen each 1/8th of a KM thereafter. All the buses run on exact schedules. Take the shuttle, enjoy the ride. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

BTW, this "small" earthquake may hardly have been felt a whole lot at the lobby level, but up here on the 12th floor, it was very noticable indeed. About 30 seconds of rockin' and rollin':

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...e_040123113606

But being a Californian where we're used to quakes, it didn't even get my heart pumping. There was a bit of excited activity out in the hallway, by some earthquake inexperienced Westerners, however. And I did my best to calm them down by shouting, "Run for your lives! This is the big one!" http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

In addition to my experience mentioned above with the Concierge presenting me (Gold) with my "Continental Breakfast" coupons and specifically mentioning without prompting that they were actually valid for the entire full breakfast buffet...

The charming hostess at the restaurant (just an hour ago) knew 2 English phrases at least. When I presented her my Continental Breakfast coupon she seated me and then with palm up, arm outstretched, and a wide sweeping motion, said, "Everything."

I pointed to my coupon (now in a little round holder on the table) and questioned just to be sure, "Everything?"

"Hi" she replied sweeping her arm again in a wide gesture, "Everything."

Nobody tracks your visits to the buffet and there is not even a check. At the end of my meal, the waitress just pulled my coupon out of the holder, gave it back to me and said, "Cashier."

Up to the Cashier (who was the hostess who seated me) and presented my coupon, to which she responded with a smile and a "Thank You" and gestured me to the exit. And that was that. No check. Nothing to sign for.

So it seems to me at least that despite what it says on the coupon, that Golds and Diamonds both get the full breakfast buffet.

Which was indeed great, as others have posted above. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

To answer my own question, the answer is NO (or at least, would be very inconvenient to do so). However, we did use it as a base for a day visit to Narita after all, and had a great time, especially at the temple, and various restaurants on the way to it.

We (including my wife and 8 yr old duaghter) will be staying there on a HHonors award - but I am a Gold member. So we will get the the breakfast coupons (officially "continental" - practically "full buffent"?). There is no lounge? Can reward stays be upgraded?

In terms of signtseeing to Tokyo - can one take a bus tour? - or a taxi/limo tour?

FlyerGoldII...my post above of Jan 23 3:00am was indeed a HHonors award stay. So yes...you may be upgraded on an award stay, if available.

As others have pointed out, as a Category 1 hotel, this has to be one of the best bargains on award usage in the chain. Especially considering the quality of this property and it's staff.

The hotel can arrange for packaged organized tours of Tokyo and other parts of Japan from various suppliers. Or they can assist you in building an "on your own" plan to get to Tokyo by bus/train.

Best transportation options to Narita Hilton
 

Next month, my wife, my 8 yr old daughter, and I will be arriving on a ANA flight, from Hong Kong, shortly after 8 PM. We will have several pieces of checked baggage/luggage.

Reading other threads, in other forum - one option is to take the complimentary shuttle to the hotel - problems are that it is difficult to find the shuttle loading zone at the terminal builing curb, and that the shuttle comes infrequently.

I would like to take the most convenient transportation option - taking account the time factor, and the cost.

PS-To go to Tokyo, do the trains go from the airport, or from downtown Narita. I may want to go at least one day, to Tokyo, for sightseeing purposes.

If the free shuttle is too inconvinient/slow for you, the only other option is a taxi. Not sure how much it'll set you back, but Japanese taxis ain't cheap...

And yes, the trains to Tokyo leave directly from the airport, you even have three to choose from (JR N'EX, Keisei Skyliner, Keisei ordinary).

Taxis may be expensive, but given the limited distance should come out to under Y1,000, reasonable for a party of 3. Keep in mind trunk space is limited in most Japanese taxis, as the boot is often occupied by a large LPG tank. Many drivers seem to expect customers/bellboys to load the luggage, their role being limited to driving; they are more helpful with foreigners, lest the gaijin damage their trunks http://www.flyertalk.com/airports/ft...forum/wink.gif


If cost is a consideration, take either a JR Yokosuka-Sobu line train to Tokyo (shown as 'Airport Narita' on some schedules) as opposed to the JR Narita Express, or a Keisei tokkyu (express) as opposed to Keisei Skyliner. Cost savings for a round-trip will be ~30/15USD respectively, for about 25 minutes longer trip time. The trains are less comfortable but you'll get your pick of seats by boarding at Narita airport; those trains also stop at Narita proper.

Narita Hilton- Any ATMs?
 

There are a lot of threads, on the accessibility of ATMs to foreign debit/ATM cards - generally restricted to post office and airport ATMs.

The question is whether I would have any ATM access at this hotel, or anywhere in downtown Narita - besides the post office?

Yes, there is one in the hotel, it even talks to you (in Japanese). It is right next to the main entrance door, on the right side when coming in.

There are also ATMs by the conference rooms on the first floor opposite the check-in desk.

There is a third ATM in the coat-check area just outside the main cocktail bar/lounge near the front desk. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I like sitting opposite this one and watching the neverending parade of airline crewmembers...

Vehicle..Check-in..ATM..Bar. In that order. Only later add "room." http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif