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]
Oct 28, 2016, 8:11 am
#106
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: WORLD
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium, Flying Blue (KLM) Platinum, Oneworld (BA) Sapphire, *A (Aegean) Gold, IHG Spire RA,
Posts: 555
the other IC's in Tokyo do you know if they upgrade on reward? especially club.
Oct 28, 2016, 11:04 pm
#107
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
I don't know the latest regarding Tokyo Bay, but IC ANA certainly upgrades rooms though I thought to have heard that Club is always an add on cost these days even for RA. Check some of the other Tokyo threads or plain email the hotel for latest policies.
May 15, 2017, 4:10 pm
#109
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: IHG Royal Ambassador
Posts: 824
You should contact to [email protected]
May 15, 2017, 6:21 pm
#110
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Posts: 1,497
Now their GM position is open. Ex-GM Mr. Kaneko has been transferred to Sapporo ANA Hotel.
You should contact to [email protected]
You should contact to [email protected]
May 17, 2017, 6:04 am
#111
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Posts: 1,497
Inventory obviously has to be there. But this is getting ridiculous. I'd say for anyone having issues with this property, write to [email protected] and explain the exact situation. If that doesn't work, escalate...
This property should not continue to get a free ride stiffing Platinums and others booking award nights when the T&Cs indicate what they ought to be doing. Things are only likely to change if enough of us write-in with our experiences and someone, somewhere related to IC Strings gets embarrassed. Sad but true to use a trite but fitting expression.
Wonder if this practice is due to the fact the this IC is in a joint partnership with ANA Hotels. Or that IC Strings is predominantly a Business hotel. However, as another indicated, you should at least be able to get a upgrade to a King or two beds.
If the issue isn't resolved for me and my wife, then I'm staying at the Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo on points. Will use the IHG certs elsewhere. Had good experience writing to the Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo for another stay re: complimentary upgrades on points stays. Think it's a cat 8 though, so not cheap.
May 17, 2017, 7:39 pm
#112
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
Well from the IHG Rewards T&Cs it says Double or King. I wouldn't interpret Double to mean two beds as there is a Double bed / mattress type.
With that the Queen offer wasn't that bad I would say, but preferences differ. Good luck either way.
With that the Queen offer wasn't that bad I would say, but preferences differ. Good luck either way.
May 18, 2017, 4:16 am
#113
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Programs: IHG Royal Ambassador
Posts: 824
I'm currently negotiating to get a King or at least two single beds. We were offered a single Queen sized bed--better than the single twin-sized bed. But we sleep more comfortably either on a King or in two separate beds. Not because we're fat--quite slender actually. I'm terribly disappointed with the IC Strings--have always either received a King at every IC I've stayed at, or had a complimentary upgrade to a King--actually, several tiers higher in room type--simply by asking nicely. That's what I've come to expect from the IC brand. Never been disappointed until now.
Inventory obviously has to be there. But this is getting ridiculous. I'd say for anyone having issues with this property, write to [email protected] and explain the exact situation. If that doesn't work, escalate...
This property should not continue to get a free ride stiffing Platinums and others booking award nights when the T&Cs indicate what they ought to be doing. Things are only likely to change if enough of us write-in with our experiences and someone, somewhere related to IC Strings gets embarrassed. Sad but true to use a trite but fitting expression.
Wonder if this practice is due to the fact the this IC is in a joint partnership with ANA Hotels. Or that IC Strings is predominantly a Business hotel. However, as another indicated, you should at least be able to get a upgrade to a King or two beds.
If the issue isn't resolved for me and my wife, then I'm staying at the Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo on points. Will use the IHG certs elsewhere. Had good experience writing to the Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo for another stay re: complimentary upgrades on points stays. Think it's a cat 8 though, so not cheap.
Inventory obviously has to be there. But this is getting ridiculous. I'd say for anyone having issues with this property, write to [email protected] and explain the exact situation. If that doesn't work, escalate...
This property should not continue to get a free ride stiffing Platinums and others booking award nights when the T&Cs indicate what they ought to be doing. Things are only likely to change if enough of us write-in with our experiences and someone, somewhere related to IC Strings gets embarrassed. Sad but true to use a trite but fitting expression.
Wonder if this practice is due to the fact the this IC is in a joint partnership with ANA Hotels. Or that IC Strings is predominantly a Business hotel. However, as another indicated, you should at least be able to get a upgrade to a King or two beds.
If the issue isn't resolved for me and my wife, then I'm staying at the Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo on points. Will use the IHG certs elsewhere. Had good experience writing to the Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo for another stay re: complimentary upgrades on points stays. Think it's a cat 8 though, so not cheap.
He said will discuss internally. I can't commit anything but absolutely they are awared your concern.
Hope to you will receive good news.
May 18, 2017, 6:06 am
#114
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
Sounds good, thanks for that in general. I told them at least twice though last time was in Oct.16.
Just to caution that the entry level "standard" room at this IC (above the single bed ones) are called Classic and come with a Double bed (not twin beds, but double mattress about 1.4m wide or so. King rooms are at least one or maybe two more categories above that and more expensive at that.
Just to caution that the entry level "standard" room at this IC (above the single bed ones) are called Classic and come with a Double bed (not twin beds, but double mattress about 1.4m wide or so. King rooms are at least one or maybe two more categories above that and more expensive at that.
May 21, 2017, 1:04 pm
#115
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Posts: 1,497
Thanks all. The issue is resolved. I ultimately obtained a King Deluxe room for my free night certificate stays. This is reflected in the official reservations. Next time I'll pay more attention to Standard room types. Never expected this room type at an IC. But then again it's Tokyo where space is at a premium?
I'm tempted to cancel, however, given I had to be granted two room upgrades to receive a King bed. Then stay at the Prince Sakura Tokyo Tower. On the other hand, IC Strings has high ratings, a covered walkway to Shinagawa Station, and they finally came through. If I keep the reservation, I could save the Marriott points for a high tier Marriott or Ritz-Carlton some other trip.
I'm tempted to cancel, however, given I had to be granted two room upgrades to receive a King bed. Then stay at the Prince Sakura Tokyo Tower. On the other hand, IC Strings has high ratings, a covered walkway to Shinagawa Station, and they finally came through. If I keep the reservation, I could save the Marriott points for a high tier Marriott or Ritz-Carlton some other trip.
May 21, 2017, 1:06 pm
#116
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Posts: 1,497
May 21, 2017, 8:27 pm
#117
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
Depends what you need location wise. I always stay at the Strings as I usually come / go via NRT and take the NEX. Also within Japan for travel I need Shinkansen and uae JR lines in and around Tokyo so proximity to Shinagawa is just very convenient.
They have given the King and they are solid at honoring these kind of things. Yes the upfront arguments are hasslesome, but that part is done. YMMV
They have given the King and they are solid at honoring these kind of things. Yes the upfront arguments are hasslesome, but that part is done. YMMV
May 24, 2017, 8:14 am
#118
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Posts: 1,497
Depends what you need location wise. I always stay at the Strings as I usually come / go via NRT and take the NEX. Also within Japan for travel I need Shinkansen and uae JR lines in and around Tokyo so proximity to Shinagawa is just very convenient.
They have given the King and they are solid at honoring these kind of things. Yes the upfront arguments are hasslesome, but that part is done. YMMV
They have given the King and they are solid at honoring these kind of things. Yes the upfront arguments are hasslesome, but that part is done. YMMV
Thanks to all for the assists! Deeply appreciated. I heart FT. :-)
Jul 3, 2017, 12:37 pm
#119
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: West Midlands
Programs: BAEC Silver; IHG Spire Ambassador
Posts: 21
Another data point re: single bed reward nights...
We wanted to book a reward night in August but like those above could only see availability for single rooms. I sent a message to the Rewards Club / Amb service centre querying this. Unusually I never received a reply. However, 48 hours later, double room reward night availability was wide open and we've successfully booked - so perhaps something has been escalated behind the scenes? Could be coincidence, of course...
On a completely separate note, we've also booked a two night cash stay later in the same week on an advance purchase rate. Amb upgrade was processed pretty soon after booking, but to my surprise my card has been charged with the rate for the upgraded room as well as the 2nd person surcharge for both nights, which I thought would have been automatically removed for an Amb booking?
Will the property refund me the necessary amounts at check-out or will I have to chase this myself?
We wanted to book a reward night in August but like those above could only see availability for single rooms. I sent a message to the Rewards Club / Amb service centre querying this. Unusually I never received a reply. However, 48 hours later, double room reward night availability was wide open and we've successfully booked - so perhaps something has been escalated behind the scenes? Could be coincidence, of course...
On a completely separate note, we've also booked a two night cash stay later in the same week on an advance purchase rate. Amb upgrade was processed pretty soon after booking, but to my surprise my card has been charged with the rate for the upgraded room as well as the 2nd person surcharge for both nights, which I thought would have been automatically removed for an Amb booking?
Will the property refund me the necessary amounts at check-out or will I have to chase this myself?