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]
Dec 16, 2015, 2:42 pm
#91
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: UA*G(1K), PC Diamond Amb, Marriott Titanium, Accor Platinum
Posts: 4,673
Each reward is valid only for a double or king room for one night and tax.
HTB.
Dec 21, 2015, 2:34 am
#92
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Beijing, China
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat Ambo, HH Gold, Marriott VC AP Owner, AA Plat, UA Silver
Posts: 123
Stay away from this hotel at all costs.
I made a reward night booking (only allowed into the "single" bed category), and the hotel not only refuses to provide any elite benefits, but they also want to charge me 3000 yen per night to "upgrade" to a room with a king bed. And they say they are offering the one category upgrade due to my Platinum Ambassador status, despite wanting to charge me 3000 yen.
I honestly believe this hotel should be boycotted due to such egregious treatment of IHG elite members on award stays.
I made a reward night booking (only allowed into the "single" bed category), and the hotel not only refuses to provide any elite benefits, but they also want to charge me 3000 yen per night to "upgrade" to a room with a king bed. And they say they are offering the one category upgrade due to my Platinum Ambassador status, despite wanting to charge me 3000 yen.
I honestly believe this hotel should be boycotted due to such egregious treatment of IHG elite members on award stays.
Dec 21, 2015, 3:13 am
#93
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: UA*G(1K), PC Diamond Amb, Marriott Titanium, Accor Platinum
Posts: 4,673
I'm also not a big fan of this hotel because of their penny-pinching mentality. This time I'm staying in the Shinagawa area and found the The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection (Marriott) across the street to be both cheaper and with much much bigger rooms. And as Marriott Gold (by virtue of UA*G) breakfast is thrown in as well. I'm staying a second night paid with points, and breakfast will be provided again as a gold member. The hotel has other drawbacks (like no lounge), but so far I feel I'm getting a better deal.
HTB.
Dec 21, 2015, 3:51 am
#94
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: Hyatt Discoverist, SEIBU PRINCE CLUB Silver, Marriott Gold
Posts: 20,439
They were decent enough with us two years ago. Upgraded our BRG free night to a room with two beds, and offered us the downstairs "lounge" access for 5500 yen for two people, which included breakfast. Also honored Ambassador 4pm checkout.
Shame that it seems to have gone downhill since.
Wha?? Since when have Prince Hotels been affiliated with Marriott??
Shame that it seems to have gone downhill since.
Wha?? Since when have Prince Hotels been affiliated with Marriott??
Dec 21, 2015, 12:02 pm
#95
Join Date: Jul 2008
Programs: Greyhound Vermillion Mithril
Posts: 693
Stay away from this hotel at all costs.
I made a reward night booking (only allowed into the "single" bed category), and the hotel not only refuses to provide any elite benefits, but they also want to charge me 3000 yen per night to "upgrade" to a room with a king bed. And they say they are offering the one category upgrade due to my Platinum Ambassador status, despite wanting to charge me 3000 yen.
I honestly believe this hotel should be boycotted due to such egregious treatment of IHG elite members on award stays.
I made a reward night booking (only allowed into the "single" bed category), and the hotel not only refuses to provide any elite benefits, but they also want to charge me 3000 yen per night to "upgrade" to a room with a king bed. And they say they are offering the one category upgrade due to my Platinum Ambassador status, despite wanting to charge me 3000 yen.
I honestly believe this hotel should be boycotted due to such egregious treatment of IHG elite members on award stays.
Is the new? I have never heard of a double or king guarantee. I have always thought that it's a standard room only.
Dec 21, 2015, 3:16 pm
#96
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: UA*G(1K), PC Diamond Amb, Marriott Titanium, Accor Platinum
Posts: 4,673
Is the new? I have never heard of a double or king guarantee. I have always thought that it's a standard room only.[/QUOTE]
No. The T&Cs have been like this for as long as I can remember.
HTB.
No. The T&Cs have been like this for as long as I can remember.
HTB.
Dec 21, 2015, 3:20 pm
#97
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: UA*G(1K), PC Diamond Amb, Marriott Titanium, Accor Platinum
Posts: 4,673
Dec 21, 2015, 3:51 pm
#98
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: Hyatt Discoverist, SEIBU PRINCE CLUB Silver, Marriott Gold
Posts: 20,439
Never heard of a hotel being a part of two chains at once!
Dec 22, 2015, 11:39 pm
#99
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Beijing, China
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat Ambo, HH Gold, Marriott VC AP Owner, AA Plat, UA Silver
Posts: 123
Thanks for the tip HTB.
Just to update everybody, I did push back and share the T&Cs regarding a guaranteed double or king bed with the hotel.
They agreed to "upgrade" me to a deluxe king bed room, but only as a one-time exception and only because it's my honeymoon (which is true and which I had mentioned to the hotel beforehand, in addition to citing my Platinum Ambassador status).
Good tip on Prince Sakura Marriott Autograph Collection, which I didn't realize is across the street. Unfortunately that hotel's not available using points the night I need to be in Tokyo. Otherwise I would leave Intercon the Strings for there in a heartbeat, given the superior elite treatment.
Just to update everybody, I did push back and share the T&Cs regarding a guaranteed double or king bed with the hotel.
They agreed to "upgrade" me to a deluxe king bed room, but only as a one-time exception and only because it's my honeymoon (which is true and which I had mentioned to the hotel beforehand, in addition to citing my Platinum Ambassador status).
Good tip on Prince Sakura Marriott Autograph Collection, which I didn't realize is across the street. Unfortunately that hotel's not available using points the night I need to be in Tokyo. Otherwise I would leave Intercon the Strings for there in a heartbeat, given the superior elite treatment.
Did you escalate this with IHG? According to the T&Cs the room should be good for a double or king. So they get reimbursed from IHG for a double and king and want to charge you again for a king.
I'm also not a big fan of this hotel because of their penny-pinching mentality. This time I'm staying in the Shinagawa area and found the The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection (Marriott) across the street to be both cheaper and with much much bigger rooms. And as Marriott Gold (by virtue of UA*G) breakfast is thrown in as well. I'm staying a second night paid with points, and breakfast will be provided again as a gold member. The hotel has other drawbacks (like no lounge), but so far I feel I'm getting a better deal.
HTB.
I'm also not a big fan of this hotel because of their penny-pinching mentality. This time I'm staying in the Shinagawa area and found the The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection (Marriott) across the street to be both cheaper and with much much bigger rooms. And as Marriott Gold (by virtue of UA*G) breakfast is thrown in as well. I'm staying a second night paid with points, and breakfast will be provided again as a gold member. The hotel has other drawbacks (like no lounge), but so far I feel I'm getting a better deal.
HTB.
Dec 24, 2015, 7:19 am
#100
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: 神奈川県
Programs: Route Inn Super Mega Ultra Platmond, AA credit card stooge, Fee-Paying Customer of JL, NH, LH,
Posts: 526
Thanks for the tip HTB.
Just to update everybody, I did push back and share the T&Cs regarding a guaranteed double or king bed with the hotel.
They agreed to "upgrade" me to a deluxe king bed room, but only as a one-time exception and only because it's my honeymoon (which is true and which I had mentioned to the hotel beforehand, in addition to citing my Platinum Ambassador status).
Good tip on Prince Sakura Marriott Autograph Collection, which I didn't realize is across the street. Unfortunately that hotel's not available using points the night I need to be in Tokyo. Otherwise I would leave Intercon the Strings for there in a heartbeat, given the superior elite treatment.
Just to update everybody, I did push back and share the T&Cs regarding a guaranteed double or king bed with the hotel.
They agreed to "upgrade" me to a deluxe king bed room, but only as a one-time exception and only because it's my honeymoon (which is true and which I had mentioned to the hotel beforehand, in addition to citing my Platinum Ambassador status).
Good tip on Prince Sakura Marriott Autograph Collection, which I didn't realize is across the street. Unfortunately that hotel's not available using points the night I need to be in Tokyo. Otherwise I would leave Intercon the Strings for there in a heartbeat, given the superior elite treatment.
You can't have anything at this hotel without a suitcase full of yen, I guess. Too bad - it was very nice the last time I stayed there. BTW, I used my free night at the IC ANA Tokyo in Akasaka instead, which was much more accomodating.
Jan 20, 2016, 5:23 am
#101
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: 7,741
We have had a decent (paid) stay here over a year ago and were upgraded to a Premier (King) room, which unfortunately has a very tight lay out and feels quite small due to the entry way with closet.
I can't quite complain that much as we got a corporate rate that is in the low 20K JPY incl. breakfast and given the need to be at Shinagawa plus the NEX / Shinkansen need it is still our preferred place for an upcoming stay (got nothing with Marriott).
So I noticed that I can book a Superior room on our corporate at the same price than a King / Twin Deluxe, but I can't quite make out what the room would be like. The description talks a bit about premier without calling it a Premier room and pricing on a normal Best Flex rate is the same as the Premier rooms.
So I'm wondering if any ever has booked / stayed in that room category? If they do Ambassador upgrade on top of that to a Suite that would be nice of course, but usually their reservations folks manage to totally mock up any reservation they touch for Ambassador or RA upgrades so that it becomes non-viewable online. Then one cannot check unless I maybe call the contact center and ask them to email me the reservation again hoping it reflects the "new" room category. A pain, same as it is conversing with them.
Any thoughts are appreciated, thanks.
I can't quite complain that much as we got a corporate rate that is in the low 20K JPY incl. breakfast and given the need to be at Shinagawa plus the NEX / Shinkansen need it is still our preferred place for an upcoming stay (got nothing with Marriott).
So I noticed that I can book a Superior room on our corporate at the same price than a King / Twin Deluxe, but I can't quite make out what the room would be like. The description talks a bit about premier without calling it a Premier room and pricing on a normal Best Flex rate is the same as the Premier rooms.
So I'm wondering if any ever has booked / stayed in that room category? If they do Ambassador upgrade on top of that to a Suite that would be nice of course, but usually their reservations folks manage to totally mock up any reservation they touch for Ambassador or RA upgrades so that it becomes non-viewable online. Then one cannot check unless I maybe call the contact center and ask them to email me the reservation again hoping it reflects the "new" room category. A pain, same as it is conversing with them.
Any thoughts are appreciated, thanks.
Jan 22, 2016, 12:59 am
#102
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: 7,741
Okay to update on my query regarding the mysterious "Superior" room category. It seems like it is equivalent / treated the same than booking a "Premier" type room.
I had made a booking, it was modified by the hotel and (after calling IHG Reservations and having them email me the latest version of the reservation) I could see that it was updated to King Suite which is a pretty nice jump that I didn't expect (on a regular Best Flex rate the price is 100-120% more than Premier). I'm (Spire) Ambassador, so a regular 1-level upgrade, but a good one in this case.
My one gripe for ages with the Strings is that they seem to be one of the few ICs in the world that I have stayed at that continuously manages to screw up a guests reservation. After they go in and modify it to reflect an AMB or RA upgrade the reservations becomes non-viewable via web site or mobile app and can't be cancelled either. One has to call IHG or the hotel. A pain.
I had made a booking, it was modified by the hotel and (after calling IHG Reservations and having them email me the latest version of the reservation) I could see that it was updated to King Suite which is a pretty nice jump that I didn't expect (on a regular Best Flex rate the price is 100-120% more than Premier). I'm (Spire) Ambassador, so a regular 1-level upgrade, but a good one in this case.
My one gripe for ages with the Strings is that they seem to be one of the few ICs in the world that I have stayed at that continuously manages to screw up a guests reservation. After they go in and modify it to reflect an AMB or RA upgrade the reservations becomes non-viewable via web site or mobile app and can't be cancelled either. One has to call IHG or the hotel. A pain.
Aug 16, 2016, 3:33 am
#103
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: UK
Programs: BA Exec Club
Posts: 53
Some Questions about The Strings Hotel
Hello all,
I'm a bit of a newbie to the IHG forum and I'll be upfront and honest that although I am a Platinum rewards club member I'm actually not too au fait with the workings of the programme, so apologies in advance.
I have a reservation for 4nights at this hotel in October but across 3 rooms. None of the others in my party hold not want IHG membership so I was wondering, can I collect points across all three rooms?
I'm also not sure how many points I receive for my stay (is it per night or per stay?) as this is an ANA hotel and I'm not 100pc sure how they credit to my account.
Do the other IHG offers (like food and drink) get credited at ANA hotels too? Are these counted as qualifying points?
Lastly, because this stay will be a celebration with my family, I'm thinking of making sure there is some Champage for our arrival or buying some in the bar - does anyone happen to know or remember roughly what they have on the menu and approximate prices?
Thanks very much for the assistance everyone.
BR,
aerodude
I'm a bit of a newbie to the IHG forum and I'll be upfront and honest that although I am a Platinum rewards club member I'm actually not too au fait with the workings of the programme, so apologies in advance.
I have a reservation for 4nights at this hotel in October but across 3 rooms. None of the others in my party hold not want IHG membership so I was wondering, can I collect points across all three rooms?
I'm also not sure how many points I receive for my stay (is it per night or per stay?) as this is an ANA hotel and I'm not 100pc sure how they credit to my account.
Do the other IHG offers (like food and drink) get credited at ANA hotels too? Are these counted as qualifying points?
Lastly, because this stay will be a celebration with my family, I'm thinking of making sure there is some Champage for our arrival or buying some in the bar - does anyone happen to know or remember roughly what they have on the menu and approximate prices?
Thanks very much for the assistance everyone.
BR,
aerodude
Oct 28, 2016, 4:15 am
#104
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: WORLD
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium, Flying Blue (KLM) Platinum, Oneworld (BA) Sapphire, *A (Aegean) Gold, IHG Spire RA,
Posts: 555
Any recent stays on Reward nights and how RA Spire is upgraded? (if at all).
it's over Christmas time and didn't want to do paid rates as it's a private trip.
it's over Christmas time and didn't want to do paid rates as it's a private trip.
Oct 28, 2016, 5:53 am
#105
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: 7,741
Normally they will not upgrade on reward nights, not Amb and not RA. They only make the single bed / 1 person rooms available for rewards, so you have argue your way into a Double room based on IHG rewards T&CS.