Jan 15, 2024, 3:08 pm
Last edit by: FlyinHawaiian
Tips on how to navigate to the hotel from Shinagawa Station (JR Shinkansen, Yamanote Line, Keikyu Airport Line to/from HND, other various lines that stop in Shinagawa).
The easiest way is via the second (main) level, one up from street level. Exiting the station, there are elevated sidewalks/skyways that leads into the elevator lobby of the hotel.
From the second floor, follow signs to the Konan (East) Exit of the Shinagawa Station and exit there. Best to walk on the right side of the corridor. When exiting, the Dean + DeLuca cafe will be on your right, follow the flow of traffic to the right past the store and then take a left down the long walkway and you will see the sign for the hotel as you get closer on the right side. There's a small 7-11 on the left when you get to the hotel entrance. Walk down the corridor and turn left which will lead you to the elevator banks that service the 26th floor check in lobby.
The easiest way is via the second (main) level, one up from street level. Exiting the station, there are elevated sidewalks/skyways that leads into the elevator lobby of the hotel.
- Keikyu Line platform seems to mainly exit to street level so make your way up to the second level at the earliest opportunity.
- All other non-Shinkansen lines exit from the platform up stairs/escalators/elevators to the second floor; follow signs to the Central Exit outside of fare control
- Shinkansen lines have their own exits from the second floor
From the second floor, follow signs to the Konan (East) Exit of the Shinagawa Station and exit there. Best to walk on the right side of the corridor. When exiting, the Dean + DeLuca cafe will be on your right, follow the flow of traffic to the right past the store and then take a left down the long walkway and you will see the sign for the hotel as you get closer on the right side. There's a small 7-11 on the left when you get to the hotel entrance. Walk down the corridor and turn left which will lead you to the elevator banks that service the 26th floor check in lobby.
The Strings by Intercontinental Tokyo Master Thread [merged]
Jun 15, 2019, 2:24 pm
#151
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: Some
Posts: 5,249
The main benefit of this property is its location which is just next to shinagawa train station. Very practical for trips on the circular yamanote loop line inside Tokyo, to/from narita airport, and to/from other parts of Japan on the Shinkansen bullet train which stops here just before arriving at Tokyo main train station.
But apart from the location, the hotel has little in terms of character or style going for it. Staying here feels more like being in a semi luxury apartment complex with smallish rooms, than being in a real 4 or 5 star hotel.
The other 2 intercontinentals in the city (Tokyo Bay and the original one in Roppongi ) have better views, more facilties and feel more like proper hotels.
Probably the hotel managers know this, and that's why they're trying to up their game by finally building a club lounge....lets see if it works.
But apart from the location, the hotel has little in terms of character or style going for it. Staying here feels more like being in a semi luxury apartment complex with smallish rooms, than being in a real 4 or 5 star hotel.
The other 2 intercontinentals in the city (Tokyo Bay and the original one in Roppongi ) have better views, more facilties and feel more like proper hotels.
Probably the hotel managers know this, and that's why they're trying to up their game by finally building a club lounge....lets see if it works.
Jun 16, 2019, 2:59 am
#152
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: MAN
Programs: IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 351
Dec 18, 2019, 7:05 am
#156
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: BA EC Gold, IHG Rewards Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 97
Yes - was there a few weeks ago and the service in the lounge, along with the views is excellent. Food choices are fairly decent - although it's only breakfast and dinner... not a great deal beyond crisps and cookies during the day
Dec 18, 2019, 5:58 pm
#157
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 88
Actually I can answer the question myself. According to
https://intercontinental-strings.jp/...tercontinental
they also provide an afternoon tea set.
Last edited by Kimsbrand; Dec 18, 2019 at 9:45 pm
Dec 24, 2019, 11:39 am
#158
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,384
So I'm in a base room at the Strings as an Ambassador over a Saturday/Sunday using a weekend 241 certificate, I assume 1 level upgrade as Ambassador gets me the nicer room but not club access (this being Japan, rules are rules, and all). Upgrading to the room that's 1 level below club access is going to run $125 for the weekend (takes me from a total bill of $375 to $500).
Would you do it?
My gut says "not feeling it, I'd rather spend the $125 on food and drink outside the hotel in Tokyo, or even at the hotel I suppose". I'm by myself. I'll probably leave early enough Sunday for Kyoto that breakfast in the club won't make sense (something on the shinkansen will though).
Would you do it?
My gut says "not feeling it, I'd rather spend the $125 on food and drink outside the hotel in Tokyo, or even at the hotel I suppose". I'm by myself. I'll probably leave early enough Sunday for Kyoto that breakfast in the club won't make sense (something on the shinkansen will though).
Dec 24, 2019, 8:43 pm
#159
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SIN (LEJ once a year)
Programs: SQ, LH, BA, IHG Diamond AMB, HH Gold, SLH Indulged, Accor Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,735
As you are aware that even if you book the room category below Club and get upgraded to a "Club room" you will not get the Club access included as AMB, so IMHO it is not worth it.
Unless you pay up outright for Club access (can be paid upgrade) you won't have Club benefits (unless RA).
Unless you pay up outright for Club access (can be paid upgrade) you won't have Club benefits (unless RA).
Dec 24, 2019, 9:22 pm
#160
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 88
So I'm in a base room at the Strings as an Ambassador over a Saturday/Sunday using a weekend 241 certificate, I assume 1 level upgrade as Ambassador gets me the nicer room but not club access (this being Japan, rules are rules, and all). Upgrading to the room that's 1 level below club access is going to run $125 for the weekend (takes me from a total bill of $375 to $500).
Would you do it?
My gut says "not feeling it, I'd rather spend the $125 on food and drink outside the hotel in Tokyo, or even at the hotel I suppose". I'm by myself. I'll probably leave early enough Sunday for Kyoto that breakfast in the club won't make sense (something on the shinkansen will though).
Would you do it?
My gut says "not feeling it, I'd rather spend the $125 on food and drink outside the hotel in Tokyo, or even at the hotel I suppose". I'm by myself. I'll probably leave early enough Sunday for Kyoto that breakfast in the club won't make sense (something on the shinkansen will though).
Dec 25, 2019, 1:17 pm
#161
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,384
As you are aware that even if you book the room category below Club and get upgraded to a "Club room" you will not get the Club access included as AMB, so IMHO it is not worth it.
Unless you pay up outright for Club access (can be paid upgrade) you won't have Club benefits (unless RA).
Unless you pay up outright for Club access (can be paid upgrade) you won't have Club benefits (unless RA).
Jan 21, 2020, 3:13 am
#162
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/1MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 11,967
Is reception on the second floor now or back on the 26th floor? What floor is the new club lounge?
Last edited by SkyTeam777; Jan 21, 2020 at 3:21 am
May 5, 2022, 8:35 am
#164
Join Date: Jan 2021
Programs: Hyatt Globalist (Full), Marriott Titanium, IHG Spire, Wyndham DIA, Hilton Gold, AA EXP
Posts: 699
First time staying here last month and they were offering a new welcome bonus. As a Spire/Diamond member, I could choose from breakfast, drink coupons or points (seems they used to only offer drink coupons). It was just about to change to the new IHG One Rewards. Platinum members get drink coupons or points. The breakfast seems like the best deal as it’s like $40/person (and you can get up to 2 breakfast coupons if you book for 2 people).