Hilton Narita Suggestions/Rates?
 

I am planning an overnight at Narita.

Current rate quotes are:

Y15,000 Hilton Plus Queen
Y18,000 Hilton Deluxe Queen
Y16,500 Bounceback Queen
Y19,000 Bounceback Deluxe

I will be landing around 5:20 PM and leaving on an 11:45AM flight the next day.

Any recommendations of comments? I am Hilton Gold. Any better corporate rates? i don't want to have to prepay with cancellation fee.

Thanx.

Did you get any kind of upgrade? Are you sure you got the full breakfast vs. just the continental buffet? Was it a queen bed room?

NRT is cat 1 hotel, so a great use of an award booking (if you have 10K hhonours points). In the past I have seen rate of 7K Yen readily available and sometimes as low as 5K yen (on Expedia, for example), but this varies a lot by specific date.

You have to book ahead for better rates.

This was the same rate 2 motnhs ago.

This is a 1 night Saturday night stay.

The rates I have are ok.

Which rate should I book?

The cheapest of course, or use points, as someone said, it is the best bargain.

Well, I don't know what I can add to what I already reported above, but I'll be happy to repeat myself:

I was booked into the lowest category room on a totally free award stay, and as I stated, the person that checked me in indicated that I had been upgraded, and indeed I was. I was booked as a single and was given a twin bedded room.

And yes...despite what I wrote that the coupon says "Continental" on it...the check-in agent and restaurant employees all said it was actually good for the Full Buffet.

[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited Mar 10, 2004).]

What they said.

You might want to check the Hilton Japan site (hilton.co.jp). They usually have some cheaper rates but you need someone who know how to read Japanese to translate for you.

Empress,

Thanx very much. I had my brother check the Japanese site and he said the rates are the same, but it is/was a good try. They ar enot particularly expensive anyway. I'll probably go for the Y16,000 deluxe room, and leave it at that, with free HHonors Gold breakfast (I don't want to eat too much anyway before my flight at noon the next day) and will be coming off TPE-NRT flight which lands at 5PM on which I will be having a full meal, so a convenient/nice bed and a movie will probably do the trick.

I stayed at this property with HH points 3 different times in February 2004 and would not consider paying Hilton $$ in the current environment of what they are doing / have already done to the HHonors program as this is one of the best, if not the very best HH Category 1 properties in the world.

It might depend on who pays for this stay as your Gold status will get free buffet breakfast / health club / Japanese bath unlimited access / and a likely upgrade to an 11th floor deluxe room with high speed internet whether you use $$ or points redemption.

If employer pay, then whatever you are allowed as you will earn roughly 1500 base points / 375 Gold bonus points / possible 750 bonus on base if you choose 50% or 500 miles (miles are better for 1 night stay at this rate) based on $ 151.06 current exchange. Choose miles would be my option here. Longer stays get the switch to 50%.

However, it seems likely this is not the case since you went to the trouble of posting and if employer pay, we usually just book a nice room within limits and worry about ways to earn more air miles/hotel points on something else. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Even though the rates they publish and charge at this hotel include all taxes, I have always received HH points on the total bill.

If you are paying, then using points should be a better option if you have the 10,000 points, unless you really need stay credit / to earn points or use your points at great redemption values.

If you value your 500 miles at 2 cents each, then the net folio charge is $ 141.06 (151.06 - 10.00 = 141.06) and you earn 1,875 points for the stay if $$, so the net cost for point redemption is 11,875 difference which is a usage rate of 1.19 cents each.

Considering the relative destruction of the HHonors program points valuation in the last
12 - 18 months compared to 2002 based ALON/GLON/TEEN increases and on very limited point stretcher awards available for 2004 in all categories and NO PC101 awards, and the fact that category 2 - 6 are 20k, 25k, 30k, 35k, and 40k points per night makes us need to realize that smart redemption opportunities are going to be quite limited.

I think it will be very rare when you can get a better value than 1.19 cents / point in these times except with 6 day VIP awards at very expensive properties.



[This message has been edited by CrAAzyPlatinum (edited Mar 11, 2004).]

Crazy said it best - we used the Hilton NRT as a stopover to / from Micronesia, and spent 10,000 HHonors points. A good deal, and got breakfast, etc.

There are very regular shuttle busses between the airport and hotel, and there is a shuttle to downtown Narita from the hotel as well.

Thanks for all this info folks. I feel much better about booking this for a MR and will be there in two weeks.

I actually called the hotel, since Hilton had NO EMAIL for this property to find out about breakfast. I was told, quite politely as you can imagine, that it was for Continental only. So, I was slightly disappointed until I read this thread.

The agent that booked the room for me on the 800-HILTONS number did give me a larger twin room that specifically stated panoramic views's on the upper floors so I'm happily anticipating the service there having read this thread and being a Gold evidently helps too.

Any suggestions on what to do see/do for one afternoon in NRT? I have the evening that I arrive which is pretty much dinner (if I'm even hungry), crash, the next day is a "visit Narita" day, spend 2nd night, then up for breakfast and head out to airport for 1:00 p.m. departure!

Short, sweet, and 70K AA miles!

Take the comp shuttle to Narita town, take the stairs up to the bridge to Narita Station, and then take the long walk to the Temple. Lot's to do and see and shop and eat along the way.

I'm emailed you a link to a photo album, FYI.

Hilton Narita New Tokyo International Airport - that's a mouthful!

BTW, "panoramic" is not a word I would actually associate with this property. You see the highways, airport, industrial space and a bit of countryside ;). Service, "hai," absolutely!

The hotel's breakfast is probably OFFICIALLY Continental (so the agents can not tell you anything else, part of a culture with plenty of hierarchy and low tolerance for directness, IMO,) but my recent stopover was similar to others' here, where they stated the "Continental" coupon was good for anything in the breakfast buffet.

You can take the shuttle into town and wander - and eat too. The Naritasan Shinshoji Temple seems to be popular; there's a shopping centre, I don't know about the Narita Tourist Pavilion. (I do now - see my later post in this thread, after another visit.)

One can do some touring at nearby Sakura (about a quarter-hour from Keisei Narita station to Keisei Sakura station by train), including Makata shrine, Tsukamoto sword museum and samurai house, Sakura castle and grounds. A little train and bus, lots of walking options. Visit the Sakura tour pages.

Japan is at its best, IMO, in Spring and Fall. Fabulous floral displays, and Fall in places like Nikko and Lake Chuzenji, make New England a tad pale by comparison. ;)

BTW, how are you getting 70k miles, if you don't mind the question? Nice score!



[This message has been edited by JDiver (edited Mar 13, 2004).]

Neat. Thanks PremEx!

Thanks. I'm pretty happy with it too. FLL-DFW-NRT= (1119+6427)= 7,546*2(R/T)= 15,092 base + 30,184 (AA "triple miles bonus") + 15,092 Elite Bonus + 10,000 (AA 2nd Pacific R/T Bonus) = 70,368.

$1079/70,368 = .015 cents/mile

LLZ, Gotcha! FFLL - DFW - NRT + 10k 2nd trip, and a good price to boot (well, we couldn't use the cheapest fares, but...)

I sure hope they repeat this "triple" bonus promo, and FLY04 as well, in the future, though I won't hold my breath. In spite of tlal the upset about what "triple bonus miles" means, I am not complaining about my new 225,000 or so miles.

Cheers, JD

Does the hotel have a health club?

------------------
Sharon

From the Hilton website:

On Site Fitness Room
Pool
Tennis Court

As a Gold I got a comp admission coupon to the "Spa." Which I assume means fitness center. Never went near the place, I'm afraid. So I can't comment from personal experience on the facilities.

Nor I - I was there making a/c connections to Micronesia, and didn't have any chance to make use of the facilities.

This is a great hotel for a category 1 and the health club / baths / spa are top rate for a Hilton or any lower category hotel.

They have an indoor 25 meter pool with 4 wide lap lanes, 2 German Ultraviolet 15 minute cycle sun lamps with 3 chaise lounges for tanning, a scented steam room and a jacuzzi in the pool area.

YOU MUST wear a SWIM CAP to enter the pool, no exceptions. They sell them at the health club desk for Y-1500. You should be able to buy one much cheaper at home.

There is a mix of nice treadmills, bike machines and stair machines - probably 10 - 12 total and they look fairly new. They have a nice circuit of weight and resistance machines for a workout, a walking circuit and a large padded mat area. Maybe aerobics or Tai Chi classes?

Inside the locker rooms, they have a very nice Japanese bath area. 6 stalls for bathing Japanese style with a typical setup, a huge sauna that fits 20 or more easily that is very hot, no swim suits allowed. I used it several times and was 96 to 100 degrees C -- 205 to 212 degrees F each time. This is likely much hotter than you are used to, so be careful. A hot bathing pool, about 10 feet wide and 25 feet long with a smaller cold plunge pool.

This is great to relax after a 13 hour flight. I used it after arrival and the next day on 3 different Mileage runs I did in February and used HH points which is a great bargain here at only 10,000 per night.

They also have a relaxation room with drink machines, TV, nice chairs and 3 massage tables with someone on call. Appointments are needed for massage.

Golds receive full complimentary buffet breakfast from 6:30 - 10:00 am.

CrAAzyPlatinum, great report! I have to hit the hot water next time... Domo arigato gozaima****a http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

(Remember folks, in Japan, people wash FIRST, THEN make cannibal soup!)

Anyone stayed at the Hilton Narita?
 

Is it close to the airport?

Would you pick a different airport hotel?

Observations / suggestions?

Hello! I have not but I've read many a post from people who have and everyone seems to love it!
Maybe do a forum search-I'm sure you'll find those posts and more.
Happy flying,tattikat2

Hilton Narita - recommended!
 

A search will reveal many of us have used the Hilton Narita (though it may not be as easy until FT comes together again.)

The hotel is easily reachable by free shuttle bus (get the direct bus, as some go to another hotel as well.) Rooms are small, typical in Japan, but comfortable and usable. There is a cafe / restaurant, a pub, a gym, and more, plus free shuttles into Narita town.

Best, for HHonors people looking for a most reasonably priced stay, it "costs" 10,000 HHonors points! As a Diamond, I also received coupons for brakfast, which are actually good for the entire hot / cold buffet, even with my C101 certificate. ^

Ditto to what JDiver said. Stayed here last weekend on the return end of a trip to Guam. Just added a little note that I was an Hhonors Gold when I made my C101 award reservation, and when I arrived, my room on the top floor was ready and waiting, and check-in was prompt and professional. ^

Hilton Narita is a Nice Place
 

I've stayed at the Hilton Narita a few times as an HHonors Gold. I've also stayed at other places in the Narita area and consider this my favorite.

As a Gold, they've always upgraded my room... and they've always offered complimentary full breakfast buffet. The free shuttle service to/from the airport and train station also make visiting the area easy and inexpensive.

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Narita last Friday. It cost a whole Y7,700 (£49 / $90 inc tax) for a deluxe room in the west wing, booked on pre-paid advance rate. They gave me a deluxe executive which was 38 square metres - huge for Tokyo. Normal deluxe rooms are 25sq m according to the chart they gave me! Furnishings are nothing special, very plasticy, but it did the job.

One benefit of the Hilton, looking at the bus timetable, is that they have 3 buses / hr in the evenings whilst the HI only has 2. You therefore have more chance of hanging around with a HI booking. The HI is nearer the terminals, however.

I'd give it a ^ up... had no problems when I stayed there... the buffet breakfast is great! and at 10K points it's a steal...

Narita Airport Hilton Sub-Par
 

Granted I arrived at the property about 12:45 a.m. But I did have a reservation of long standing indicating Diamond, and I presented my Diamond card and reward certificate at check-in. Check in was uneventful; I got a breakfast coupon.

When I got to the room, I saw no amenity or note from the General Manager. It wasn't a high floor. I was too tired to make a fuss before going to bed, but I did heat some noodles from the minibar, figuring I could get the front desk staff to waive this as Diamond.

Next morning, no dice. I was charged for the noodles. I asked whether Diamonds got an amenity, and was told they could take a couple bottles of spring water out of the minibar for free. No note in the room had indicated this, nor had front desk staff volunteered the information.

Further, at breakfast I asked nicely for more coffee, the waiter nodded, then proceeded to do other work. He never did come back.

Having spent two weeks in Japan, I couldn't believe this poor service. Everywhere else, staff had been incredibly graceful and Hyatts had always presented an in-room amenity and personalized note.

Is this standard of service at Narita (or Japan Hiltons generally) typical for Diamonds? And was this a slight violation of Hilton's Terms and Conditions?

Unusual Experience
 

This sounds like an unusual experience. As a Gold, I've stayed there and enjoyed exceptional service --fast/efficient/kind service at the VIP check-in desk across from the main registration desk, great rooms on upper floors, and complete hot/cold breakfast buffet. They even throw in other nice things; on my last visit, they paid for all of my stamps for all of my mainland-bound postcards. I've stayed at other hotels in the Narita area and I've found this Hilton to be the best.

Same here.

This is Japan. You must adhere to their custom and always be thankful for what you receive. A "Welcome Note" isn't a necessary custom, unless you pay the top $ in The Presidential Suite. All items inside have to be paid for and there is a slip there that indicates every item, including the noodles. The tea is complimentary and rather good. You can heat up water and buy the noodles for much less money in downtown Narita using their free shuttle that runs nearly all day on the half hour.

As for the two (2) Evian waters, I agree there used to be a note stating it, but that plastic covering with the paper that indicated it has been removed. They are under no obligation to provide the water. Therefore, I myself do not take them and they are indicated to be paid for on the slip. Again, one can get a 2 liter bottle for 100yen in downtown Narita.

The waiters and waitresses there are excellent and some quite young and cute. Just ask again politely and don't be rude at all. The waiter you had may have been asked for coffee at 5 seperate tables at the same time and just forgot. There are many people. I recall there are about 10 staff there roaming all over the place. Just ask another person. Each are equal. Word will get around and you'll get a refill.

I never have trouble at ANY hotel I stay at in Japan and I stay at quite a lot at rock bottom prices. Never provided with any "in room welcome", etc. Never upgraded, but I'm always expressed additional welcome because they all know me from my billionth stay. I am the least of their worries and hassles and never complain. I help the staff for my own in-room mess. Hilton Narita did not violate any T&A according to your report, in my opinion.

I've stayed a couple of times this year, on awards (at C101, what a bargain!) no less, and have had nice experiences. Good rooms, good service (everyone acted like they could not do enough for us,) and the breakfast chits - theoreticaly good for a Continental breakfast - seem to actually be good for the whole enchilada (so to speak.) Obviously, YYMV.

Decent gym, as I recall, free shuttles to NRT and to town, as well.

Hilton Narita and local ara update
 

Update... I am here again, this time on the 11th floor queen-bedded room, quite spacious - and the "Continental" coupons still work for the whole enchilada, er, well, the Asian-American-Continental breakfast. Views of a/c on approach - there goes a CI 747-400. Decent soundproofing, they go by stealthily - but the squalling child next door can be heard slightly through the closed connecting door. Exorbitant minibar prices - ¥530 for a beer, ¥370 soda, ¥320 cup of coffee, ¥210 snack bar, potato crisps or CupStar cup of noodles (“Since it hit the market in 1975, CupStar has been a long seller product.”) You CAN buy beers, juices etc. at the downstairs shop, and the minibar is the old-style - it has enough room to store things, and it will NOT register when you move something as a sale. The Yen is at ¥107 : $1.00 today. The room includes two cotton terrycloth robes, and two lightweight cotton yukata (which is what Japanese wear in summer) and plastic sandals.

The room has a comforter on the bed, and good a/c operated from a bed-sided console with no indications other than "cooler" and "warmer," a tiny TV (you can get CNN and BBC,) DSL Internet (installed cable) at ¥1,680 per 24-hour day, water warmer and o-cha (green tea,) lots of light. The bathroom is spacious, has a western toilet, a decent telephone shower with two brackets, and amenities include disposable razors and toothbrushes (but no moisturizer.) Tip: soaps are mo sukoshi - tiny, so if you like larger soaps - my Doubletree bath soap is about 4 times the volume of the hotel's, that's what I am using - bring one. I was also given a courtesy 15:00 checkout if I desired.

The free shuttle (mostly every thirty minutes) from the airport sometimes stops at the Excel hotel, very close to the Hilton. At Terminal 1, proceed to Bus Stop #14, and look at the chart there (column of hours on the 24-hour clock, and minutes, with hotels across...) At Terminal 2, catch it at Bus Stop #26. Weird side note: more busses from the airport than from the hotel, except for some early morning and late afternoon hours, possibly because they do cater to air crew ("Bridge" bar downstairs has special deals for crew, and you will see crew deals in town too.)

The bus shuttle to the Keisei Narita Station actually stops in front of the Sumitomo Seimei Building on the side of City Hall. Most of the time, the shuttle runs every 30 minutes. There are little shuttle (for both airport and town) schedules available at the hotel and at the front desk.

If you want a map and brochure, you can get a decent one titled "NARITA" and "New Site of Discovery" at the Tourist Information booth at the airport (which is very helpful for all sorts of information. In fact, Destination Guides' Narita page says "The tourist information desks at Narita Airport are the places to head for maps, pamphlets and hotel bookings, if you're just arriving in the country. Make sure you also ask for the Narita Welcome Card, which comes with a useful information pack and offers discounts at a range of local tourist attractions, restaurants and accommodation. You can also get the card from the TIC in Tokyo and the Narita Tourist Pavilion (Tues-Sun: June-Sept 10am-6pm; Jan-May & Oct-Dec 9am-5pm), on Omotesando in Narita."

The tour of Naritasan Temple can be very nice, but if it's summer and sunny (it was today - I am amazed it isn't raining, as it should be at the peak of the rainy season!) take a hat or get crispy. Take the one-way (for vehicles) Omotesando avenue and wander up the shops (restaurants include the reasonable Kikuya across from the tourist pavilion and the Barge Inn UK-style pub - rumour has it owned by some VS employees - local foods and sake, souvenirs, etc. - some of them over 100 years old, and that's a venerable tourist trap.) You can get ¥120 soft drinks (and icy ¥230 beers) from vending machines as well. If you walk to the temple complex, walk the temples, catch a very interesting rite, wander through the lovely park, you will take perhaps three hours - less if you walk fast and don't stop to enjoy, more if you take it all in, including a meal in one of the restaurants. (Fewer shops are open weekdays, and it is less crowded.)

After a few minutes at the main temple, people began filtering in for a ceremony held several times a day; the Goma rite begins when a monk begins hitting a bell with a mallet, and a procession of monks walks up the main steps. The chief priest burns the "goma" sticks with people's wishes on it, with various other offerings. Another priest beats on a taiko drum, and of course there are chants. All are welcome (put your shoes in one of the plastic bags at the entry, so you can carry them with you - shoes are not permitted inside.)

Narita sightseeing spots and information

Naritasan Temple website link

Japan-Guide.com's guide to Naritasan

Narita City website guide to Naritasan

Hilton Narita mini report 10/06/2004 on C-101 being cheap
 

I will try and make this sweet since we have a number of reports on this property. Fact. The Hotel is a bargain using a C-101 (10,000 HHonors points). I looked at paying straight up and then by chance noted a post stated it was a bargain. Given Japan is a plus plus rate agreed. Plus plus being taxes plus 10% service. I called about three months ago to book the award stay. I actually issued the certificate out of my wife's HHonors account preserving my larger point balance. Let's not tell her that. I kept on checking the rate to see about paying since I am short on HHonors stays this ytd. The rate never fell. A couple weeks ago it went unavailable. So I had not great expectations of a upgrade when I arrived.

Upon exiting Terminal 2 at NRT (I was inbound from SFO on Japan Airlines. Same terminal All Nippon also uses. UA at Terminal 1) cross the street once. Look to your right and you will see sign stop post 26. The stop post is 14 for Terminal 1. My bus made a brief stop at the Excel and took less than 10 minutes. Yasuki a fellow FT sent me the schedule. Perhaps he can please make a link within this post. Thanks Yasuki.

I went to the check-in desk to register presenting my D card. I was directed to the HHonors check-in desk. It was busy so asked just to be checked in. It was necessary for the lady to collect my check-in packet from the HHonors desk. I had requested hight floor, king bed and non-smoke before arriving. I further asked for a view room of NRT. I was told this was not a option or available. Did not get a high degree of confidence in the response as I would think it would at least be a option but not available. I am only here for a stop over so ok. I look out onto I believe the Excel. I think the NRT side would be better.

The room is a decent size. The only other hotel I have frequented at NRT is the ANA. It is nothing compared to this. The Hotel looks to have been renovated and teams with airline crews. All of the standard amenities but nothing special to report. My room contains two robes. As a D I was given a pass for the fitness center and a coupon for continental breakfest. It has been reported within FT it will work for everything. Will report on this later when I have breakfest. The room does have a hardline connection for high speed internet. I went for that. 1680 yen which includes VAT. Not cheap. Otherwise I think 42 yen per minute. So I am there at 1680 anyways. I noted a room on the lobby level where you can use a pre-paid card and I think there were three Dell terminals. I was a little concerned at first since the service is provided by the same firm that does service for the Grand Hyatt Seoul. I got a virus off their network. All seems fine here.

You have a couple of options for things to do which I did not explore. One is the free shuttle to Narita town whick people go and see Naritasan Temple. The other is the 150 yen bus (one-way) which takes you to Aeon Narita Shopping Center. The front desk has a map of the center. That looked interesting and they have a Jusco. According to the schedule on 11 minutes or less each way. I opted to take it easy and stay put as I have another flight tomorrow.

Food. You are stuck. I usually try and stay at hotels in Japan connected to something so I can walk around. Not here. I checked the room "menu" and could not even find one for dinner. So I called down and asked about a burger or club sandwich. Around 2,000 yen plus plus. No thanks. Then I went exploring. The most conservative prices I found were at the brew pub specials which had a burger for considerably less. I tought smoke and not. After noting my limited options I opted for the "drug store" as many other wandering tourists. I got a large pineapple juice, sandwich, ice cream and Suntory bottled water for around $10 US. Now that's conservative.

I did use the bell stand to buy a box and send a package to my in-laws in Kyoto. Less than 1,500 yen total for the box and shipping. Billed to the room. You can also buy and use a KDDI card at the phones located in the Lobby. Go towards the parking structure. I have found the KDDI card to be the most cost efficient way to call abroad period.

In closing I recommend the Hotel for this type of short stay. I would take the 150 yen bus to the center next time opting not to eat here. There was a earthquake last night around 11:30 PM which messed up my sleep. The limited Japanese I could figure it was around 5 on the scale a centered nearby. I am reminded this is Japan. Regards

A clarification of three items. The menu for the room is atop the tv set. Thought it movie selections. That hotel I tought I was seeing is in fact my Hotel. The Hotel is curved shaped and you got it. The otherside of the curve. Breakfast coupon. Good no question on the full spread. Cooked to order eggs. Leaving. Regards from the NRT Hilton