Western chain hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto
 

I'm planning a first time trip to Japan in September and have done quite a bit of research but for some reason am struggling to get a feel for the lay of the land.

I've decided five or six nights in Toyko and four or five nights in Kyoto (with day trips) should be enough and have been looking for centrally-located hotels. Because I'm using points, I need to book with one of the large chains.

I have points and status with Marriott (Titanium), IHG (Spire) and Hyatt (Discoverist) and plenty of points but no status with Hilton.

My first instinct was to book a Marriott property because they offer the best perks with status but after inquiring in that forum, it seems that many of the better hotels either aren't that well located or aren't available for my dates. Lounge access and breakfast are nice, but my desire for a good location might be better served booking something else. Rather than starting multiple threads in all the different hotel forums, I thought I'd try posting here.

I've spent a ridiculous amount of time reading hotel reviews and it seems that many of them mention shuttles to train stations and I'm wondering if this is not as big a deal as it seems. When I travel, I usually stay in very central locations where shuttles to/from hotels aren't necessary, so it's a bit surprising to read so many comments about using shuttles (I've also lived in NYC my entire life, so I tend to prefer busy, bustling areas with a lot going on vs more remote, quiet neighborhoods).

I'm hoping those FTers with some experience with these destinations can weigh in with their thoughts and suggestions. TIA for your help!

Hi shoparound,

I am a Hilton Person and like the Hilton hotels in Tokyo ( Hilton Shinjuku, Conrad , and Hilton Tokyo Bay)

The Hilton Shnjuku ihas a shuttle bus to Shinjuku JR station but you can walk it in 10mins. The Conrad is close to Shimbashi station.

There is also the Hilton Odaiba close to the Yurikakome ( sp?) line

The Hyatt regency shinjuku is also walkable to the JR station.

The Prince Sakura tower ( Marriott Autograph) has a lounge and is close to Shinagawa.

Although the hotels offer a shuttle service ( handy if you are tired) most of the hotels are close to either metro or railway stations
Regards

TBS

Thank you, The _Banking_Scot , that's very helpful. I had started looking at Hilton properties because I have the option of using more points for an executive room, which I like - I wish IHG had that choice.

Three of those properties - Prince Sakura, Hilton Odaiba and Hyatt Regency - aren't available for my dates. The Conrad is more points than I have to spend but I am seriously considering the Hilton Shinjuku, which is available and I can book an executive room with points. I was considering the Westin but this seems to be a better location.

Appreciate your comment about the shuttle service, good to know it's an option but not required.

Hi,

The Hilton Shnjuku is a good hotel and the executive lounge ( 37th floor is very good)..It has a good gym, pool and convenience store in the basement shopping complex

I think western hotels in kyoto atre scarcer ( there is the Hyatt Regency and Park Hyaytt IIRC). There is more choice in Osaka (easily accessible by Shinkansenn or rapid trains from osaka) although staying in Kyoto maybe worthwhile The Conrad osaka is very good and the hilton osaka gets good reports also)

The westin tokyo is close to the Yebisu garden complex ( beautiful at christmas ) but the hilton is in a bettter location as mentioned.

Marriott has 2 courtyards around Ginza and Tokyo station but with no lounges IIRC)

I would also keep an eye out for any flash sales that hilton may have which can lower the cash cost considerably ( then it is a choice of cash or using points) but at normal ratres using points can be good value in japan)

Regards

TBS

I generally stay at Japanese properties in Japan. They often have better service standards than Western properties, in my experience (but I'm a budget traveler). I did stay at a new Hyatt near a convention center in the middle of nowhere last fall and it was very nice.

That aside, anything that offers a shuttle to the train station would be good. I've hauled suitcases for miles in horrid weather and paid for taxis when I couldn't find an elevator into a train station. Last summer I got lost trying to catch the airport shuttle bus on the far side of Kyoto station because you can't walk through the station. You have to go around or under to get across. So that's a pain.

If you are Platinum or higher at the Prince Sakura, you can use any lounges at the Prince Sakura, The Grand Prince or The Grand Prince New Takanawa. There is a very nice little Japanese garden between the hotels. It is a quick walk to Shinagawa Station, and they also have a shuttle if you have luggage. At Shinagawa Station you can catch the Shinkasen, bullet train to Kyoto/Osaka without any connections. You can also take the Narita Express from NRT to Shinagawa.

I will be staying at the Westin Ebisu in April. An exec with Marriott said I would like it there as the rooms are spacious. The Westin Ebisu allows you to apply SNA’s to your reservations.


In Osaka, the Marriott Miyako Osaka is right next to the Tennoji Station. It is in the tallest building in Japan and you get free tickets to the observation deck. There is also a department store in the building with restaurants and a food store on the lower level. About an hour before closing, the store marks down the price of the freshly prepared foods. We have gotten fresh king crab for a great price. The club lounge always had a Japanese single malt available. The elevators in the main building is a shortfall. They can be crowded, and confusing to navigate, but overall I liked the hotel.

At the Tennoji Station, you can catch the Haruka Express to KIX, they even have luggage storage by the doors. Oh, if you are going to use the bullet train to go from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto, and you have anything bigger than a carryon, you will be better off shipping your luggage to your next hotel. After May 2020, if you have large luggage that cannot fit in the overhead racks, you must have a reservation for the luggage seat which is the last row in each car.

The Courtyard Shin Osaka is right by the station where the Shrinkasen and Haruka Express stops. This is the only Shinkansen stop in Osaka. They do have a lounge but breakfast is served in the restaurant.

In Kyoto the Westin Miyako is once again accepting reservations. It is very near to the Keage Station. You may find a good award rate. This April during the Sakura season, I booked 3 nights at 35,000 a night. Use a couple of certifactes so only have to pay for one night.

Based on my experience, for my first visit, I would spend more time in the Osaka/Kyoto area than Tokyo. In Kansai region you can visit Nara, Nagoya, , Kobe and a little farther away, Kanazawa and Hiroshima.

Thank you, northsideguy , for your thoughtful response. I was looking at the Prince properties but unfortunately, none of them are available as points stays for my dates. I can book the Westin but I think the Hilton Shinjuku sounds like a better location.

I'm still a little indecisive about where to stay after Tokyo. I decided to choose either Osaka or Kyoto as a base. Many people recommended Kyoto, would you agree with that? Both the Ritz-Carlton and Westin have points availability for my dates in both cities.

I did read about the luggage delivery service, which I really like (sounds like a pleasure after having schlepped my bags all around Europe on trains on past trips). I'll be flying in and out of HND, so my plan is the airport bus to my hotel on arrival > five or six nights in Tokyo > Shinkansen to Osaka or Kyoto > five nights there (with day trips) > Shinkansen back to Tokyo for one last night before departing the next day (I'm a DL/SkyTeam flyer, so I don't really have good options out of KIX).

I personally prefer Kyoto but that is just my opinion. Kyoto is a better base for Nara and Nagoya, while Osaka is better for Kobe and the south. Osaka has a more vibrant nightlife scene, but I find Kyoto more relaxing. There will be a JW Marriott Nara opening this year by the Kintetsu Nara Line. I have also stay in the Hotel Granvia Kyoto. This is in the Kyoto Station Complex. It was very good to use as a base for transportation. Have not been to the Ritz but it is near to the Tozai Line which is the same line for the Westin. Going to be back in Kansai in April and hope to catch a Hanshin Tigers ballgame and wear my Cubs Fukudome jersey.

Be advised, if you use the Takuhaibin, overnight luggage delivery service, you need to drop it off the day before you check out, if you want it at the next hotel for your arrival. Ask the hotel what is the cutoff time. I usually drop off the luggage in the morning before I go out for the day so I don’t have to rsh back to the hotel. Keep your carryon with you as there overhead racks on the bullet trains for you.

At HND, there is the Edo-Koji shopping area, with a motif is that of Edo period. For future reference, near NRT is the City of Narita. It is a convent and a nice side trip for a long layover or day visit before the evening flights back to the States.

I've pretty much decided on Kyoto. Not into nightlife (I'm a woman traveling alone and don't plan on venturing out at night other than for dinner) and while I like cities, I'm thinking Kyoto might be a nice break after Toyko (and I do plan to make a day trip to Nara).
That's why I made the decision to base in either Kyoto or Osaka rather than doing a couple of nights in each - easier with the lag time in luggage delivery.
I don't see any western chain hotels around HND, so I'll either pay for one last night near the airport or overnight around Toyko Station - I still haven't booked anything yet for this trip, so that'll probably depend on train and flight times.

Kyoto is a large city, but it doesn't feel like one, and it's definitely more atmospheric than Osaka. Definitely go to Nara for an experience that is different from Kyoto.

Don't worry about staying in a Japanese chain hotel. Even the cheap ones are spotlessly clean and safe. You can't use your American points, but if all you need is a bed for the night and coffee and a bit of food in the morning before heading for HND, your choices are nearly limitless. I've been a budget traveler in Japan (usually as a single female traveler) for forty years, and I've found only one exception to the "clean and safe" rule.

If you're going in September, be aware that it could still be quite hot (Tokyo is on the same latitude as Chattanooga, Tennessee).

Much of Kyoto's "nightlife" is smaller niche bars (often focusing on a certain ingredient or theme) or speakeasy-type establishments where you should be fine as a solo female traveler. It can be a very relaxing scene and, to me, is one of the most charming aspects of Kyoto.

Western hotels are overpriced in Japan IMHO. Japanese chains seems to be consistently cheaper and their quality is fine. Anywhere else in Asia I try to stay in Marriott hotels but in Japan I just book Japanese hotels through hotels.com in the area I want to stay.

Some of the Japanese hotel rooms are a bit on the small side though so OP would have to decide if that's acceptable or not.

OP, the Ritz Carlton Kyoto is consistently mentioned as a wonderful experience. If you've got the points and you want to treat yourself, go for it. Nothing wrong with a little luxury at times. I stayed at the Hyatt Regency last year and thought it was a beautiful property though perhaps a bit of walk from some of the things you will want to visit.

For Tokyo, I'd highly recommend the Hilton Shinjuku. Shinjuku is my preferred area of Tokyo to base. Convenient access to the Tocho-mae subway line, literally just a 3 or 4 minute walk from the Hilton. Hyatt is also just across the street and at 12k points a night, is an absolute steal.

I know what you mean ... it took us a while (and getting lost a few times) to figure it out. There's a walkway on the second level of the Station that connects the two sides. As you enter the Station from the north side (opposite Kyoto Tower), the central gates are straight ahead. To your right, there's an escalator (and stairs) that take you up to the second level (and if you keep going up the escalators, all the way up to the 11th floor). When you get up to the second level, zig-zag to the left (past a couple of cafes on the left) and at the end of the short passageway, turn left into the central walkway. That will take you all the way over to the Hachijo side - when you get to the far end of the walkway, there's a short escalator back down. The Shinkansen gates will be on your left, the Kintetsu line gates on your right and the Hachijo exit straight ahead.

This page of Kyoto Station information provides some photos. The third photo shows the walkway. In the first photo, you can see that initial escalator towards the bottom right of the photo, with the zig zag to the left on the second level (so you don't continue on up the escalators). On the Karasuma (north) side of the Station, the walkway ends with stairs (and an escalator on each side) down to the Station forecourt (to the east of the central entrance opposite Kyoto tower).

I understand your pain. We made the mistake (several times...) of going down to try and get from one side to the other, only to get totally lost in the labyrinth underneath the Station.

For Tokyo, I think the Hilton Shinjuku is a bad location; it's surrounded by high rise modern government office buildings. Given your shopping interests and possible day trips, I'd try to stay near Tokyo Station, such as Ginza or Hibya. For many destinations, Shinagawa station also works, but you're farther from prime shopping or tourist areas. Think also about transportation to/from the airport (HND or NRT?) and try to pick a hotel that has direct limobus service at convenient times.

The Hyatt Centric in Ginza is quite central and you can easily walk to a huge variety of shops, department stores, decent proximity to Tokyo/Shinagawa for shinkansen to Kyoto, and several subway lines + JR Yurakucho station. It might be good for that last night before you head to the airport if you want to do some last minute shopping. I prefer staying along Shimbashi, Ginza, etc side of the city vs Shinjuku as I usually do more around the East side of the city. When weather in Japan is hot, my rule of thumb is to book as close to a subway station as I can get. A few extra blocks can feel like forever in humidity. Higashi Ginza station connects via underground walkways all the way to Hibiya station and several department stores have underground entrances.

It'll be HND, now that DL has moved operations there. And every time someone suggests a hotel, I look to see if it's served by the airport bus. :) Regarding the Hilton, so many people have suggested it but when I look at the area in Googlemaps, it didn't look like there was much right around the hotel, so your comment about the location makes sense.

I'll be there the beginning of September, so the heat and humidity will probably be an issue. Hyatt is usually my last choice since my low status doesn't get me anything but I'll take a look at the Hyatt Centric.

Interesting that you both mention Ginza; when I started planning, that was the location I thought would be most suited for me. But I wasn't finding much in the way of the western chain hotels I needed to use points (five or six nights in a Courtyard wasn't very appealing), so I started looking elsewhere. Now I think I'm swinging back to my original plan and putting location over status.

Hilton Shinjuku is serviced directly by the limo bus.

Tokyo is a very, very, very large city. It's not something where you're going to walk out your hotel door and have everything within a 10-15 minute walking distance. What you want to do is pick a hotel that is very close to a convenient line. And let me tell you something, the larger stations in Tokyo (and Japan) can be extremely confusing and bewildering, ESPECIALLY for a first time visitor. I'm telling you right now OP, no matter how good you are with subways (and even if you're using Google Maps which will provide you with the right lines to take), you will lose your mind at least once or twice during your trip. The tochomae station right by the Hilton is as easy as they come in Japan. It will get you where you need to go and then figuring it out from there is quite easy.

MSP probably just isn't a fan of Shinjuku. The Hilton, Hyatt, and Park Hyatt are all right next to each other. If you search other forums, Shinjuku is consistently mentioned as a great place to base, especially for a first time visitor.

Actually I've stayed in Shinjuku, several times at the PH and at least once at the HR across the street from the Hilton.

I've also stayed at PG (Starriott LC) when elites still had lounge access, Andaz a number of times, Westin a number of times, Palace, Imperial many times, one of the Washington business hotels, the old LM, a local hotel near Tokyo Station, and a NRT airport hotel (Japanese chain).

For shopping, I'd personally pick the Imperial. It's a nice mix of local and international and is attached to an upscale indoor mall where I've seen watches in the window with a (converted) price of over a half million dollars. It's a fun way to spend time if the weather is bad. There are also some good stores in the hotel itself for porcelain, kimonos, and bridal gowns. You can walk to the Tokyo station pedestrian street and major Ginza department stores (fascinating basement food halls) and my favorite, Wako, plus lots of smaller shops and some electronics display places, etc.

Well, I greatly appreciate everyone's comments but now I'm even more confused. :confused:

I had originally started thinking I'd book someplace in Ginza (CY Ginza isn't available, was considering CY Toyko Station), then was looking at the Westin, then the Hilton Shinjuku, then the Hyatt Centric but when I was looking at Hyatt, I noticed that the Hyatt Regency is available and I can book a Club level room with lounge access for fewer points than the Centric (and it looks like the HR is serviced by the airport bus but the CY and Centric are not).

Then I went back to look at the Hilton Shinjuku again, but it looks like the points increased since I last checked and I don't have enough for a room there with lounge access (although if I decide on the Hilton, I can just get the Amex for gold status). Lounge access isn't a dealbreaker, but it's nice to have a place for a light breakfast, beverages and maybe a snack in the evening and I've really grown accustomed to taking advantage of it, especially when I'm traveling by myself for an extended period and have a night or two where I just don't feel like heading out to dinner alone.

Sandeep1 , I hear you about the transportation. I'm a native New Yorker and have been taking mass transit my entire life but I know getting around Toyko will be a challenge (already I'm struggling to understand all the different lines, I'm so used to places like NY, London and Paris where it's all one transit system). When I travel, I'm usually pretty good about doing my research and targeting the area where I want to be, but I think I'm feeling overwhelmed with all the options.

I also still have to figure out Kyoto, where I have two different Marriott choices (Westin and Ritz-Carlton) and neither seem to be that well-located, which is my issue with most of the available Marriott choices I have in Toyko. I may need to broaden my search there as well but would like to get Tokyo sorted out first and I'm really struggling with making a decision.

I have Google Maps on my phone as I have internet access no matter where I am in the world. It tells me exactly what line to take and how long it should take. I've still lost my mind several times in the larger Japanese stations which can be extremely overwhelming. The Japanese are very, very, very friendly but communicating in English can be a challenge at times. They will want to help but there is a high likelihood that they will be unable to communicate in a way that you'll understand. And so you will have to rely on your own intelligence/ability to figure things out. Keep that in mind.

Shinjuku is a dead area, especially where the Hilton is. However, having the Tochomae station just an easy 3 minute walk away is worth its weight in gold.

And you're right, both the Hilton and Hyatt Regency are serviced by the limo bus while the Hyatt Centric Ginza is not. And the Hyatt Regency is also cheaper in points. I would never pay 20k for the Hyatt Ginza unless it was maybe cherry blossom season.

For Kyoto, if you've got the points, I'd go with the Ritz. Location is fine. 25 minute walk from both Nijo Castle and Gion which will both be must do's on your trip.

Google Maps, HyperDia | ???? ???? ??? ???? ??? ???????, mobile data, and a Suica card make this a lot easier. The stored value JR Suica or Metro Pasmo IC card works for both JR & city subways by tapping in and tapping out. You can literally go in on the subway, transfer at X point to JR train, and tap out at a JR station and the card handles all the calculations. If you happen to board a train in the wrong direction, which still happens to me after many years of visiting, just get off when you can and reverse the direction. It can sometimes require tapping out and back in if the platforms aren't connected but that's no big deal other than the small fare. Apple iPhone 8 and newer support digital Suica and recharging with a credit card in the wallet https://atadistance.net/apple-pay-suica/
For help: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japa...ed-thread.html Otherwise just top up with cash at the ticket machine.

It can help to go to google maps, star/save the things you want to see, and then decide on hotel based on proximity or transit lines. Tokyo neighborhood feels can differ a lot, similar to NYC. Shibuya and Shinjuku are recommended to first timers, but to be honest, I'd personally equate them a bit like Times Square. So.many.blinking.lights. So many tourists standing in the middle of the road/sidewalk or walking at non-city-dweller speeds. They can be convenient as a transit hub. I visit for a few specific specialty stores but generally head elsewhere for window shopping.

One of the unique things about Tokyo is that if you can think of a retail specialty, Tokyo pretty much has it. Natural bristle cleaning brush store, paper boutiques to design your own notebooks, and indie outdoor gear all exist within Tokyo in addition to the more famous "Only in Japan" stuff like Pokemon, anime, Muji, and various fashion genres.

Suica Card is huge, definitely get one OP and keep it loaded. Extremely convenient.

Location-wise, you can't beat the Park Hyatt Kyoto. Located in arguably the best tourism spot of Kyoto, with about two full days of sight-seeing within walking distance. And the hotel is stunning in its own right.

Take a look at the individual property thread, but I think you'll be happy with a club room at the HR. Frankly, I was less than impressed by the CY Ginza in both the food and room so imo, you dodged a bullet there.

It all comes down to personal preference and while I like to shop at specific places in Ginza, there's a lot of chain stores and very tourist heavy so isn't a pleasant place to stay for us. Ginza is accessible enough from Shinjuku. Or elsewhere.

Everyone has their own opinions. Mine is the the Grand Hyatt Tokyo (in Roppongi Hills) is my favorite hotel that I've ever been to.

Do you know what you want to see or do in Tokyo? I think that would help narrow things down by seeing if your activities are centered around one particular area. If you have a million things, see what are your top 10 must-dos.

I was only in tokyo for a 3 days, but was definitely going to the racecourse which was west of tokyo and watching a horseback archery demo near the sky tree, so I picked the Hilton Shinjuku as I'm a Hilton member and the Intercontinental ANA Tokyo as I had a free night certificate I had to use (IC ANA Strings didn't work with the free certificate - was booked full I guess). Either hotel were fine for getting around Tokyo. Shinjuku would add a bit more time for places in eastern/central Tokyo. Unless you're on a tight schedule or very limited budget, you can't really go wrong with a hotel with a subway stop nearby.

FWIW, I also stayed at the Crowne Plaza Kyoto and was upgraded to one of the renovated rooms as just a platinum member. Doesn't seem to be 100% guaranteed from the reviews in FT thread, so ymmv, my mini review is here - https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/inte...-thread-4.html

I lived in Manhattan and have visited Tokyo several times. Two subway tips:
1) Every exit has a code number and it is on all the signage in the station. I wish other systems (NYC and DC- I'm looking at you) did this! Remember the number that corresponds with your hotel and you'll rarely get lost once at your "home" station. If you can figure out what exit number you need on your way somewhere, it will save a considerable amount of confusion.
2) EXPERT MODE: If I understand correctly, there are even signs/guides as to what train car gets you aligned with a specific exit. I've never figured out exactly how to use it, but if I did, I'd feel like a god among mortals.

True, and if you look around, you will find a directory of exits, one that tells you to take Exit 1A for this office building, Exit 1B for that park, Exit 2 for that train station, and so on. The signs are in both Japanese and English, yellow plaques with black writing, on the walls of the station platforms.

It's funny, Tokyo is a city I've wanted to see for a long time but other than just walking around, I don't have much specific in mind. Usually when I travel someplace, I create an itinerary (I'm a tour operator by profession, I can't help it) and all I have so far is specific neighborhoods to explore. At least at this point, it's very vague, although I do have specific day trips in mind for when I'm in Kyoto (Nara and Osaka).
This is very helpful. I often use the CityMapper app when I travel and Toyko is one of the cities they cover but I doubt it will be this specific.

As of now, I have booked five nights at the Hyatt Regency in Tokyo, five nights at the Westin in Kyoto and then one final night at the Toyko Marriott (I was looking for something convenient for the Shinkansen that was also serviced by the airport bus). I know there won't be much right around the Hyatt, but the proximity to Shinjuku station will be convenient and I have enough points to book a room with Club access (and as far as point redemption goes, it's a great deal).

In Kyoto, I know the Westin isn't that central but the shuttle will help with that and my status will get me lounge access, late check out, etc. I would have booked the Hyatt but don't have enough points after using them in Tokyo (plus I may need the Bonvoy room nights).

Of course, these are all on points and the trip is still seven months away so there's plenty of time for me to change my mind. :D

I really appreciate everyone's helpful comments so very much. For some reason, I've been feeling out of my depth as I plan this trip so it's extremely helpful to have input from people familiar with the destinations and properties.

I think you missed that the OP is redeeming points at major hotel chains.

My Japan experience was 15-16 years ago and was similar (6 nights in Tokyo, 6 nights in Osaka). I also redeemed points (Hilton Tokyo and Hilton Osaka), though I did have Hilton status (useful for getting breakfast included, etc.). Yes, navigation of the subways can be a challenge, and back then, I didn't yet have a smartphone, but if I could manage it, then you'll probably do fine. ;)

One question (maybe you answered this but I missed it): did you consider an open jaw trip, i.e., fly into Tokyo/NRT and out of Osaka/KIX? I did that myself to save a train trip back to Tokyo.

That would have been my preference, but I'm a DL/SkyTeam flyer and the options out of KIX aren't good, so I need to return to Tokyo to fly out of HND.

Tokyo is definitely a city that rewards aimless serendipity. I had some memorable moments just wandering over the course of my visits.

That is poetic, I like it

I’m glad to see you chose Westin Kyoto. I’m heading there for three nights in April on points and then two nights at the RC Kyoto as Titanium. Why didn’t you pick Ritz? I could have got five nights at Kyoto but I just cannot pass Kyoto without staying at the best RC in the world (per flyertalk forum).

They are both very well located — not inside Gion, mind you, but walkable and honestly, having stayed at a Japanese inn last time right in Gion, I rather stay outside of it. It was a bit too touristy (as in way more tourists out on the street there than local folks).

Tokyo I would choose Hilton using points and I’m gold.

Osaka I’m probably choosing Hyatt using points (got no status though).

My entire Japan trip this April is on points, and I’m traveling alone too (a woman)!

There were a few reasons I picked the Westin. The RC is a lot more points and there's no lounge (although it looks like I would get breakfast as a Titanium). I know that shouldn't be a dealbreaker, but particularly when I travel alone, I tend to use hotel lounges most days for a drink, a snack or chatting with other guests. I just spent five nights in Paris at a hotel without a lounge and found I really missed having that option. Also, I'll be there in early September, which will be very hot and humid and I think the Westin, with a shuttle to the train station (and other drop off points) will mean less walking than if I stayed at the RC.

I was considering the Hilton but I have no status and booking a room with lounge access was a crazy amount of points and more than I have available, whereas at the Hyatt, I could book a club room for a very good redemption rate.

:) :tu:
I'd love it if you could report back after your trip; since all my hotels are booked with points, I can still change my reservations.

Hilton Diamond? Amex Aspire ... 150k points + 250 Airline Credit + $250 Hilton Resort Credit + Free Weekend Night ... a lot of value for $450 a year
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Note - Google Maps has updated their app to include the best entry/exit numbers (even highlighted in yellow to simulate the real world signs) for your route and they've also added the aforementioned EXPERT MODE, which will tell you the best train car to ride in to minimize time/distance to transfer lines or exit a station. Otherwise, each station will have charts on the wall to give you this information, but unfortunately they don't have English on them... YET.

Thanks for sharing that about Google Maps. I tend to do all my planning via the Google Maps website and will sometimes try to figure out which cars/platforms/exits beforehand, but it is nice to know ahead of time that they have added it to the app version.

The best exit number is absolutely huge. Paid attention to that on my most recent trip last week and it was just HUGE!