What is the attitude from Tokyo hotels about guests?
Mar 15, 2011, 10:25 am
#1
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What is the attitude from Tokyo hotels about guests?
We've got threads here from the standpoint of the traveler, asking about safety and convenience in travel. I am wondering about the hotel perspective. I've seen posts in some of the airline forums saying it is irresponsible to come to Tokyo now, that resources are strained and that what would be consumed by a hotel guest needs to go to the residents. Is that really the case?
Would a hotel GM prefer that guests come, so that s/he can cover his operating costs and keep staff employed?
Would a hotel GM prefer that guests cancel, so that s/he doesn't have to solve the problem of power, staff getting to work, supplies, and any work that needs to be done to repair damage from the quake? Are guests actually a burden right now?
Also, have there been any reports about the condition of hotels? Apparently the Red Carpet Club is closed at NRT due to structural damage. Are some of the major hotels battling similar problems?
Many of the hotels are in high rise buildings. Can elevators be used despite all the after shocks in Tokyo?
Would a hotel GM prefer that guests come, so that s/he can cover his operating costs and keep staff employed?
Would a hotel GM prefer that guests cancel, so that s/he doesn't have to solve the problem of power, staff getting to work, supplies, and any work that needs to be done to repair damage from the quake? Are guests actually a burden right now?
Also, have there been any reports about the condition of hotels? Apparently the Red Carpet Club is closed at NRT due to structural damage. Are some of the major hotels battling similar problems?
Many of the hotels are in high rise buildings. Can elevators be used despite all the after shocks in Tokyo?
Mar 15, 2011, 10:43 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2001
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Just returned from the Conrad Tokyo.
Service was impeccable and the hotel was quite quiet with many cancellations. The Conrad would have gladly extended our stay since we couldn't get to Hakone due to train stoppage, but we opted to fly home yesterday.
The elevator was shut down on the day of the quake. We, along with many others, were stranded downstairs for up to three hours. The hotel brought out chairs, coffee, and blankets for us. I saw one staff member take off her coat and offer it to a guest who was cold.
We spend the day after the earthquake inside and did not leave the hotel. We had lunch at the Gordon Ramsay restaurant (on the 28th floor), went to the spa (on the 29th floor), and spent time in the Exec Lounge (37th floor) when not watching TV news in our room (also on the 37th floor). The only slowdown that I've noticed in hotel service was the elimination of turndown service.
Some staff couldn't get home and stayed at the hotel. These staff also filled in for others who couldn't get to work. One lady in the Exec Lounge told us that she worked 30 hours nonstop; yet she remained professional and friendly. She told us that it was her job to keep the clients happy.
We spoke with guests in the Exec Lounge - many who left early, but people are also still checking in. Leaving the Conrad yesterday was like leaving friends. During our four days, we got to know the staff at the Exec Lounge and we worry how they will cope.
Service was impeccable and the hotel was quite quiet with many cancellations. The Conrad would have gladly extended our stay since we couldn't get to Hakone due to train stoppage, but we opted to fly home yesterday.
The elevator was shut down on the day of the quake. We, along with many others, were stranded downstairs for up to three hours. The hotel brought out chairs, coffee, and blankets for us. I saw one staff member take off her coat and offer it to a guest who was cold.
We spend the day after the earthquake inside and did not leave the hotel. We had lunch at the Gordon Ramsay restaurant (on the 28th floor), went to the spa (on the 29th floor), and spent time in the Exec Lounge (37th floor) when not watching TV news in our room (also on the 37th floor). The only slowdown that I've noticed in hotel service was the elimination of turndown service.
Some staff couldn't get home and stayed at the hotel. These staff also filled in for others who couldn't get to work. One lady in the Exec Lounge told us that she worked 30 hours nonstop; yet she remained professional and friendly. She told us that it was her job to keep the clients happy.
We spoke with guests in the Exec Lounge - many who left early, but people are also still checking in. Leaving the Conrad yesterday was like leaving friends. During our four days, we got to know the staff at the Exec Lounge and we worry how they will cope.
Mar 15, 2011, 10:54 am
#3
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It's not that hotels would stand empty without foreigners. I just read the following story: http://kevinrose.com/blogg/2011/3/14...arthquake.html
It seems locals stay in hotels because of transport problems.
It seems locals stay in hotels because of transport problems.
Mar 15, 2011, 11:06 am
#5
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Also, I cited the floor numbers in my post above because my husband didn't want to leave the hotel in case the elevators shut down again.
From our room on the 37th floor, he figured he could walk up and down to 28/29, but not all the way down to the first floor.
When we checked out, the Assistant Manager escorted us down to the first floor. He seemed reassured when we complimented him on the service and that we will return at the end of the year to resume our aborted trip.
Mar 15, 2011, 11:53 am
#6
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Mar 15, 2011, 12:13 pm
#7
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I received the following e-mail today from Hoshinoya, a hotel/resort with properties in Karuizawa and Kyoto:
As you may already know, Japan is now going through a very difficult time due to earthquakes and following tsunamis.
We really appreciate your concern for our safety. We also wish your family, friends and business associates in Japan are safe and sound.
We would like to inform you that both HOSHINOYA karuizawa and HOSHINOYA Kyoto were, very fortunately, not affected by the earthquakes at all. There were no damages on either property or injuries to the guests and the staffs.
HOSHINOYA Karuizawa also has been operating regularly, with some tremors felt on 11th and 12th. Karuizawa area was not in jeopardy since the epicenter was far. As of 12th, Nagano Shinkansen (bullet train) Line resumed its full operation and the all highways once closed for precaution are reopened.
HOSHINOYA Kyoto has been operating as calm and peaceful as usual along with other infrastructures such as Kansai Airport, all highways and railroads including bullet trains intact. Since it is located much far south from the affected areas, there have been no warnings or precautious measures issued.
The biggest concern for Japan now is the damaged nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture. However, the technicians are working to avoid the worst possible scenarios and both HOSHINOYA Karuizawa and HOSHINOYA Kyoto have a safe distance, 250 km in a straight line away from the troubled power plant.
The good news is that all tsunami warnings have just been cancelled, and that the worst seems over now. We will report you as Japan fights to rise up once again and as situation unfolds further.
Again, thank you for your prayer and support, which we definitely in need for our sooner recovery.
Sincerely,
Hirokazu Sawada, General Manager, HOSHINOYA Karuizawa
Masae Kikuchi, General Manager, HOSHINOYA Kyoto
We really appreciate your concern for our safety. We also wish your family, friends and business associates in Japan are safe and sound.
We would like to inform you that both HOSHINOYA karuizawa and HOSHINOYA Kyoto were, very fortunately, not affected by the earthquakes at all. There were no damages on either property or injuries to the guests and the staffs.
HOSHINOYA Karuizawa also has been operating regularly, with some tremors felt on 11th and 12th. Karuizawa area was not in jeopardy since the epicenter was far. As of 12th, Nagano Shinkansen (bullet train) Line resumed its full operation and the all highways once closed for precaution are reopened.
HOSHINOYA Kyoto has been operating as calm and peaceful as usual along with other infrastructures such as Kansai Airport, all highways and railroads including bullet trains intact. Since it is located much far south from the affected areas, there have been no warnings or precautious measures issued.
The biggest concern for Japan now is the damaged nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture. However, the technicians are working to avoid the worst possible scenarios and both HOSHINOYA Karuizawa and HOSHINOYA Kyoto have a safe distance, 250 km in a straight line away from the troubled power plant.
The good news is that all tsunami warnings have just been cancelled, and that the worst seems over now. We will report you as Japan fights to rise up once again and as situation unfolds further.
Again, thank you for your prayer and support, which we definitely in need for our sooner recovery.
Sincerely,
Hirokazu Sawada, General Manager, HOSHINOYA Karuizawa
Masae Kikuchi, General Manager, HOSHINOYA Kyoto
Mar 15, 2011, 2:41 pm
#8
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IMO it would be really unfortunate should relief workers be housed in tony hotels in Tokyo..... It is my hope that the relief workers be 300 KM NE where they will be/are really needed!
Mar 15, 2011, 3:13 pm
#9
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I thought that as well. It's difficult for me to visualize relief workers at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. But I'm not in Japan, and don't know what all is required to get Tokyo fully functioning again, so thought I'd best ask the question.
Mar 15, 2011, 4:05 pm
#10
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I've been in regular direct correspondence since the quake with the PH Tokyo, HR Hakone, GH Fukuoka, and HR Kyoto in connection with an upcoming trip. I'm sure all would welcome you happily and be glad that you decided to come despite the problems. As you've no doubt read, all Hyatts in Japan are functioning normally.
Mar 15, 2011, 10:02 pm
#12
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I've been in regular direct correspondence since the quake with the PH Tokyo, HR Hakone, GH Fukuoka, and HR Kyoto in connection with an upcoming trip. I'm sure all would welcome you happily and be glad that you decided to come despite the problems. As you've no doubt read, all Hyatts in Japan are functioning normally.
Cheers
Howie
Mar 15, 2011, 10:57 pm
#13
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Mar 15, 2011, 10:58 pm
#14
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Mar 16, 2011, 12:21 am
#15
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Last time I checked, the only one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo which was expected to see any blackouts was Arakawa-ku.
The primary variation on the typical tourist experience of Tokyo caused by the blackouts would be that Tokyo Tower is not being illuminated at night as a concession to power-saving.
The primary variation on the typical tourist experience of Tokyo caused by the blackouts would be that Tokyo Tower is not being illuminated at night as a concession to power-saving.