Where to stay on points in Kyoto and Tokyo?
#16
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My basic recommendation to the OP is to stay at the Conrad in Tokyo and use the Hyatt free nights in Kyoto.
#17
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
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This is just my opinion and I pretty much only know HKG and Jpn in Asia. Also, in Tokyo I've only ever stayed overnight in two truly 5-star hotels (Four Seasons, Conrad). I think standards are definitely much higher in HK than US/Canada. I don't know about Jpn, though. In HKG, Hyatt Regency, Intercontinental, Sheraton are all way above US norm. In Tokyo, all IC's, Hyatt Regency, Hiltons, and Sheraton Miyako are all average (or less) for respective brand. I will say that hotels in Jpn will treat elites much better (eg, more upgrade, 4pm checkout, better lounge) than in US, much like HK. I do think Conrads are fairly equivalent between HK and Tokyo.
#18
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
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I would suggest using the Hyatt certs in tokyo, and SPG/R-C pooints, which are interchangeable, for either R-C Kyoto or Suiran. Westin Miyako of Hyatt Regency on points would also be acceptable chooces is the former two weren’t available. HR Kyoto is a good hotel, but nothing to write home about, and additionally it is typically less expensive both for paid stays or in terms of points, which is the reason I wouldn’t choose to burn the certs there.
#19
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I've posted elsewhere why I think the Conrad is better than the Andaz when you factor in the member is HH Diamond and WOH Explorist and based on my experience in staying in all three properties over the past two weeks.
#20
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,378
I'm not that familiar with the Hyatt program, except to say that it reinforces that Hilton is more generous. All the perks I get at Conrad as a Diamond make me feel like a king. Even when I was Hhonors Silver, at least in Jpn I'd not only get upgrade but also sometimes free rollaway and checkout as late as 4pm. I've even gotten upgrade to Exec floor occasionally as a Silver. With Hyatt, Platinum was a completely worthless status during the years I had it. I don't remember getting any special treatment as a Plat at Hyatt Regency Shinjuku. I think I got gym access, free Internet, that's about it.
#22
Join Date: Apr 2005
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Hi,
Apologies , I have been busy today but will provide a list of some of the major sights that may be of interest tomorrow
AS SQ319 said a guidebook will be useful but I found this site
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html
I assume you will be flying into Tokyo first?. Getting from the airport (s) ) either Haneda ( closer to the city) or Narita ( about 60 miles from Tokyo) will take up several hours to get to your hotel depending where you are landing and in some cases Narita might be more convenient ( ie you can take a Narita express train to Shinjuku without changing whereas from Haneda you will probably have to change and some of the stations have long passage ways and steps.
TBS
Apologies , I have been busy today but will provide a list of some of the major sights that may be of interest tomorrow
AS SQ319 said a guidebook will be useful but I found this site
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html
I assume you will be flying into Tokyo first?. Getting from the airport (s) ) either Haneda ( closer to the city) or Narita ( about 60 miles from Tokyo) will take up several hours to get to your hotel depending where you are landing and in some cases Narita might be more convenient ( ie you can take a Narita express train to Shinjuku without changing whereas from Haneda you will probably have to change and some of the stations have long passage ways and steps.
TBS
#23
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#24
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,108
Avoid Hyatt Regency in Kyoto; while their exec suites overlooking the zen garden are beautiful, the hotel itself is in a really lousy location with no 'walkability' and common areas make it feel like you're staying at an airport hotel. Look to SPG/Ritz properties in both cities instead.
#25
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Central California
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Avoid Hyatt Regency in Kyoto; while their exec suites overlooking the zen garden are beautiful, the hotel itself is in a really lousy location with no 'walkability' and common areas make it feel like you're staying at an airport hotel. Look to SPG/Ritz properties in both cities instead.
#26
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,108
Are we talking about the same Kyoto. HR is right next door to Sanjusangendo and across the street from the national museum. Across the other street is Chisakuin temple and it is a not-long walk to Kiyomizu-dera. There is also a major, multi-line bus stop right outside which serves virtually all tourist sites.
Last edited by OliverB; Dec 17, 2017 at 9:23 am
#27
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Central California
Programs: Former UA Premex, now dirt
Posts: 6,531
I still don't think either personal preference is a reason to recommend "avoiding" an excellent property because it doesn't fit my particular biases.
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Kailua Kona, HI , USA
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I will let others make recommendations for Tokyo but the Kyoto Hyatt Regency is fairly recently renovated and a very nice stay. It is in a good location, across the street from the National Museum and a major temple and virtually next door to another major tourist attraction, Sanjusangen-do temple. If I had free night certs, I would jump at the chance to stay there.
#29
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I would respectfully disagree. Much better valuation on those certificates if used in Tokyo at Andaz or Park Hyatt, which are also better hotels than Conrad.
I would suggest using the Hyatt certs in tokyo, and SPG/R-C pooints, which are interchangeable, for either R-C Kyoto or Suiran. Westin Miyako of Hyatt Regency on points would also be acceptable chooces is the former two weren’t available. HR Kyoto is a good hotel, but nothing to write home about, and additionally it is typically less expensive both for paid stays or in terms of points, which is the reason I wouldn’t choose to burn the certs there.
I would suggest using the Hyatt certs in tokyo, and SPG/R-C pooints, which are interchangeable, for either R-C Kyoto or Suiran. Westin Miyako of Hyatt Regency on points would also be acceptable chooces is the former two weren’t available. HR Kyoto is a good hotel, but nothing to write home about, and additionally it is typically less expensive both for paid stays or in terms of points, which is the reason I wouldn’t choose to burn the certs there.
I booked the Park Hyatt Tokyo which looks beautiful. After reading the FlyinHawaiian's write up on the three hotels in Tokyo that he recently visited, I was intrigued by the Conrad's Club Lounge and also its proximity to some major sites. Since you are from Tokyo, I'd love to get your insights on the differences between the PH & the Conrad.
#30
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Hi,
I just got back from 2 stays at the Conrad Tokyo
1st stay Wed 3rd Jan to Friday 5th Jan. Arrived at noon but the room was not ready but was able to use the lounge ( had coffee, cola and some chocolates). The lounge is ecellent with 2 rooms ( one facing the gardens and Odaiba and one facing the shiodome skyscrappers)
Afternoon tea was very good with sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, chocolates etc. ( from 3pm to 5pm) and choices of ice cream
From 6 to 8pm the lounge offered sparkling wine , wine,beer and spirits , soft drinks, juices and coffee/tea a selection of hot and cold snacks (usually including seafood quiche)
Breakfast was very good with japaese and western dishes and a chef could make a made to order omellette.
I got a 1pm late check out as the hotel was busy and checked out in the lounge
2nd stay -7th to 9th Jan
Arrived at 3pm to be told there was a queue to check in ( took around 20 mins) as it was a national holiday on the morning)
In the evening ( around 615pm) I went to the lounge only to be told there was a waiting time of 1 hour to get into the lounge) I did not bother
The following day the lounge was a lot quieter. I mentioned to the lounge receptionist that I was leaving early the next day to Narita before the lounge opened and they offered a continental breakfast to be delivered to my room (@ 530am). This had juice, iced water, coffee, cereal , a fruit plate and 2 slices of bread with a toaster
Overall the lounge was excellent but could be overwhelmed at peak times.
Regards
TBS
I just got back from 2 stays at the Conrad Tokyo
1st stay Wed 3rd Jan to Friday 5th Jan. Arrived at noon but the room was not ready but was able to use the lounge ( had coffee, cola and some chocolates). The lounge is ecellent with 2 rooms ( one facing the gardens and Odaiba and one facing the shiodome skyscrappers)
Afternoon tea was very good with sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, chocolates etc. ( from 3pm to 5pm) and choices of ice cream
From 6 to 8pm the lounge offered sparkling wine , wine,beer and spirits , soft drinks, juices and coffee/tea a selection of hot and cold snacks (usually including seafood quiche)
Breakfast was very good with japaese and western dishes and a chef could make a made to order omellette.
I got a 1pm late check out as the hotel was busy and checked out in the lounge
2nd stay -7th to 9th Jan
Arrived at 3pm to be told there was a queue to check in ( took around 20 mins) as it was a national holiday on the morning)
In the evening ( around 615pm) I went to the lounge only to be told there was a waiting time of 1 hour to get into the lounge) I did not bother
The following day the lounge was a lot quieter. I mentioned to the lounge receptionist that I was leaving early the next day to Narita before the lounge opened and they offered a continental breakfast to be delivered to my room (@ 530am). This had juice, iced water, coffee, cereal , a fruit plate and 2 slices of bread with a toaster
Overall the lounge was excellent but could be overwhelmed at peak times.
Regards
TBS