Nov 1, 2022, 6:01 pm
Last edit by: RichardInSF
Please also see this outstanding thread in which KI-NRT has reviewed a number of luxury ryokan:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2095029&referrerid=14479
And here's a link to the main thread discussing luxury hotels in Tokyo:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1910955&referrerid=14479
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2095029&referrerid=14479
And here's a link to the main thread discussing luxury hotels in Tokyo:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1910955&referrerid=14479
Luxury hotels of Japan (outside of Tokyo)
Sep 27, 2018, 6:00 am
#601
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Join Date: Aug 2013
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@newfrequent, you make valid and cogent points.
However, I am getting the impression that the answers the RC concierge team are giving you are due as much to the fact that higher end Japanese restaurants don’t entertain the dietary restriction preferences and substitutions that are more expected in the USA and some locations in Europe. The RC concierge is not responsible for the fact that so many Japanese restaurants don’t always have clear guidelines or approaches to these vegetarian and vegan dietary preferences.
As a result, it feels like you’re not liking the answers and therefore blaming the RC concierge for being the messenger.
I’d be of the same opinion for anyone complaining about Kosher requirements in Israel or being surprised when the concierge at an Israeli hotel cannot give you the answers you want in that regard.
You perceive the concierge to be unhelpful. I’m not sure that I’d perceive the same thing given the nature of your queries and what you’ve so far shared here.
It is still possible the concierge could have handled the issue better, of course. But it is just as likely that you simply are upset that Japan doesn’t value or care about your dietary issues in the same way as in other nations. Therein lies the challenge here in this discussion, I think.
However, I am getting the impression that the answers the RC concierge team are giving you are due as much to the fact that higher end Japanese restaurants don’t entertain the dietary restriction preferences and substitutions that are more expected in the USA and some locations in Europe. The RC concierge is not responsible for the fact that so many Japanese restaurants don’t always have clear guidelines or approaches to these vegetarian and vegan dietary preferences.
As a result, it feels like you’re not liking the answers and therefore blaming the RC concierge for being the messenger.
I’d be of the same opinion for anyone complaining about Kosher requirements in Israel or being surprised when the concierge at an Israeli hotel cannot give you the answers you want in that regard.
You perceive the concierge to be unhelpful. I’m not sure that I’d perceive the same thing given the nature of your queries and what you’ve so far shared here.
It is still possible the concierge could have handled the issue better, of course. But it is just as likely that you simply are upset that Japan doesn’t value or care about your dietary issues in the same way as in other nations. Therein lies the challenge here in this discussion, I think.
Sep 28, 2018, 12:59 am
#602
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: LAS ORD
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The RC explicitly told me bluntly that they won’t be able to accommodate me in their Tempura restaurant as a vegetarian. However the restaurant reservation team at the RC corrected the concierge and offered a vegan menu without me even mentioning it. I had previously had this menu when I was in Kyoto in December.
Last edited by gengar; Sep 28, 2018 at 1:09 am
Sep 28, 2018, 2:51 am
#603
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 25
I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents as well. On a recent trip to Japan I stayed at the Tokyo Station Hotel.
A rather unique hotel, in that it is located within the historic Tokyo Central Station building, it has what has to be one of the most helpful concierge teams I've ever experienced.
They managed to get me reservations at some hard-to-get restaurants, such as Jiro, Sawada and Ryugin. Although they weren't able to get reservations at Saito, Den or Nanachome Kyoboshi (although the last 2 were my fault, requesting them rather late), they were able to find me some great alternatives, including lunch at a Michelin starred tempura restaurant for the next day.
They also spent a huge amount of time trying to locate my bags which had been lost on the journey over, making multiple calls to Narita airport until they were finally able to trace it (no thanks to the terrible service at Vueling).
Although I didn't really use them for anything else (apart from train booking etc), I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them (and the hotel in general)
A rather unique hotel, in that it is located within the historic Tokyo Central Station building, it has what has to be one of the most helpful concierge teams I've ever experienced.
They managed to get me reservations at some hard-to-get restaurants, such as Jiro, Sawada and Ryugin. Although they weren't able to get reservations at Saito, Den or Nanachome Kyoboshi (although the last 2 were my fault, requesting them rather late), they were able to find me some great alternatives, including lunch at a Michelin starred tempura restaurant for the next day.
They also spent a huge amount of time trying to locate my bags which had been lost on the journey over, making multiple calls to Narita airport until they were finally able to trace it (no thanks to the terrible service at Vueling).
Although I didn't really use them for anything else (apart from train booking etc), I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them (and the hotel in general)
Sep 28, 2018, 2:53 am
#604
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
The previous list that FS already provided is rather good. Although the number of stars a restaurant has is totally irrelevant if one is not eating what is being served. It’s not clear to me how that list could be improved upon, or how someone expects something from the concierge that is beyond the scope of what local restaurants both within and without the hotel are willing to do.
The all day/western dining venue surely is the better choice for special requests. Certain Japanese foods like Yudofu, soba noodles, etc... also come to mind as options.
Sep 28, 2018, 4:21 am
#605
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 6,433
It’s a language barrier thing. And in fairness to the concierge, it is rather unusual request, so they probably did not know what to say. It’s akin to wanting to eat sushi, but to expect to not be served fish. It’s not the concierge’s fault for being the messenger.
Sep 28, 2018, 5:33 am
#606
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
to have been rectified, so as far as I can see there is no issue.
Sep 28, 2018, 3:00 pm
#607
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 48
@bhrubin
The RC concierge wasn’t asked to book any restaurants that aren’t exclusively vegetarian other than their own tempura restaurant.
So it is the concierges responses that are frustrating me, their lack of knowledge of basic dietary requirements, the lack of knowledge of their own restaurants & them ignoring emails and requests.
The RC concierge wasn’t asked to book any restaurants that aren’t exclusively vegetarian other than their own tempura restaurant.
So it is the concierges responses that are frustrating me, their lack of knowledge of basic dietary requirements, the lack of knowledge of their own restaurants & them ignoring emails and requests.
@newfrequent, you make valid and cogent points.
However, I am getting the impression that the answers the RC concierge team are giving you are due as much to the fact that higher end Japanese restaurants don’t entertain the dietary restriction preferences and substitutions that are more expected in the USA and some locations in Europe. The RC concierge is not responsible for the fact that so many Japanese restaurants don’t always have clear guidelines or approaches to these vegetarian and vegan dietary preferences.
As a result, it feels like you’re not liking the answers and therefore blaming the RC concierge for being the messenger.
I’d be of the same opinion for anyone complaining about Kosher requirements in Israel or being surprised when the concierge at an Israeli hotel cannot give you the answers you want in that regard.
You perceive the concierge to be unhelpful. I’m not sure that I’d perceive the same thing given the nature of your queries and what you’ve so far shared here.
It is still possible the concierge could have handled the issue better, of course. But it is just as likely that you simply are upset that Japan doesn’t value or care about your dietary issues in the same way as in other nations. Therein lies the challenge here in this discussion, I think.
However, I am getting the impression that the answers the RC concierge team are giving you are due as much to the fact that higher end Japanese restaurants don’t entertain the dietary restriction preferences and substitutions that are more expected in the USA and some locations in Europe. The RC concierge is not responsible for the fact that so many Japanese restaurants don’t always have clear guidelines or approaches to these vegetarian and vegan dietary preferences.
As a result, it feels like you’re not liking the answers and therefore blaming the RC concierge for being the messenger.
I’d be of the same opinion for anyone complaining about Kosher requirements in Israel or being surprised when the concierge at an Israeli hotel cannot give you the answers you want in that regard.
You perceive the concierge to be unhelpful. I’m not sure that I’d perceive the same thing given the nature of your queries and what you’ve so far shared here.
It is still possible the concierge could have handled the issue better, of course. But it is just as likely that you simply are upset that Japan doesn’t value or care about your dietary issues in the same way as in other nations. Therein lies the challenge here in this discussion, I think.
Last edited by newfrequent; Sep 28, 2018 at 3:06 pm
Sep 28, 2018, 3:04 pm
#608
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 48
@mikefromtokyo The concierge wasn’t asked to improve on the list or do anything other than book 2 restaurants that I know can accommodate me.
One of the reasons I became a vegetarian is because of quite a bad shellfish allergy, therefore I take my requests quite seriously. Therefore I chose to dine at vegetarian only restaurants in Japan. However having eaten at the RCs tempura restaurant before I wanted to try it again and knew they could accommodate me.
I have now had the confirmation from the Kyoto RC restaurant team, which was informative, delightful and friendly.
It’s a language barrier thing. And in fairness to the concierge, it is rather unusual request, so they probably did not know what to say. It’s akin to wanting to eat sushi, but to expect to not be served fish. It’s not the concierge’s fault for being the messenger.
The previous list that FS already provided is rather good. Although the number of stars a restaurant has is totally irrelevant if one is not eating what is being served. It’s not clear to me how that list could be improved upon, or how someone expects something from the concierge that is beyond the scope of what local restaurants both within and without the hotel are willing to do.
The all day/western dining venue surely is the better choice for special requests. Certain Japanese foods like Yudofu, soba noodles, etc... also come to mind as options.
One of the reasons I became a vegetarian is because of quite a bad shellfish allergy, therefore I take my requests quite seriously. Therefore I chose to dine at vegetarian only restaurants in Japan. However having eaten at the RCs tempura restaurant before I wanted to try it again and knew they could accommodate me.
I have now had the confirmation from the Kyoto RC restaurant team, which was informative, delightful and friendly.
It’s a language barrier thing. And in fairness to the concierge, it is rather unusual request, so they probably did not know what to say. It’s akin to wanting to eat sushi, but to expect to not be served fish. It’s not the concierge’s fault for being the messenger.
The previous list that FS already provided is rather good. Although the number of stars a restaurant has is totally irrelevant if one is not eating what is being served. It’s not clear to me how that list could be improved upon, or how someone expects something from the concierge that is beyond the scope of what local restaurants both within and without the hotel are willing to do.
The all day/western dining venue surely is the better choice for special requests. Certain Japanese foods like Yudofu, soba noodles, etc... also come to mind as options.
Sep 28, 2018, 3:15 pm
#609
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 6,433
Sadly I’m having concierge issues at the RC Kyoto too.
The concierge is bordering on being rude, over some very simple dietary requirements. They can’t seem to understand the difference been a vegan and a vegetarian, this wasn’t an issue for the Four Seasons Kyoto or the peninsula Tokyo.
they're also forgetting requests for activities. What’s the best way to contact the GM?
The concierge is bordering on being rude, over some very simple dietary requirements. They can’t seem to understand the difference been a vegan and a vegetarian, this wasn’t an issue for the Four Seasons Kyoto or the peninsula Tokyo.
they're also forgetting requests for activities. What’s the best way to contact the GM?
Simon Finch
Guest Relations Manager
The Ritz Carlton Kyoto
[email protected]
He answers a lot of comments on tripadvisor, thanking people for positive reviews and asking for the chance to fix problems.
The general manager's name appears to be Mark Neukomm and I'd guess his email address follows the pattern.
Sep 29, 2018, 7:07 am
#610
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
@mikefromtokyo The concierge wasn’t asked to improve on the list or do anything other than book 2 restaurants that I know can accommodate me.
One of the reasons I became a vegetarian is because of quite a bad shellfish allergy, therefore I take my requests quite seriously. Therefore I chose to dine at vegetarian only restaurants in Japan. However having eaten at the RCs tempura restaurant before I wanted to try it again and knew they could accommodate me.
I have now had the confirmation from the Kyoto RC restaurant team, which was informative, delightful and friendly.
One of the reasons I became a vegetarian is because of quite a bad shellfish allergy, therefore I take my requests quite seriously. Therefore I chose to dine at vegetarian only restaurants in Japan. However having eaten at the RCs tempura restaurant before I wanted to try it again and knew they could accommodate me.
I have now had the confirmation from the Kyoto RC restaurant team, which was informative, delightful and friendly.
Yes, for dietary needs and any other F&B requests, speaking with F&B/hotel management is the way to go.
Oct 9, 2018, 2:15 pm
#611
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Platinum Elite, National Executive, United Gold
Posts: 1,181
Thank you for the wonderful review! Did you happen to try any of the meal add-ons?
Also, I assume it is easy to explore Hakone and Gora given proximity to the Tozan line? I presume most of the major tourist attractions are located by those stops. I would like to explore the area before catching a 5:30pm flight from NRT (looks like I'd have to leave around 1:30pm).
Also, I assume it is easy to explore Hakone and Gora given proximity to the Tozan line? I presume most of the major tourist attractions are located by those stops. I would like to explore the area before catching a 5:30pm flight from NRT (looks like I'd have to leave around 1:30pm).
Oct 11, 2018, 6:24 pm
#612
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,037
If the weather is decent, the Hakone Open Air Musuem is pretty much next to the Chokoku-no-Mori Station, which is the stop just before the end of the Tozan Line at Gora. I don't recall anything of interest at Gora itself other than waiting a long time for a lunch at a popular katsu restaurant and looking at some of the shops outside of the station before riding the cable car farther up the hill.
Oct 12, 2018, 12:09 pm
#613
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: SJC
Programs: AA 2MM PLT, HH Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 612
We spent 5 nights at the RC Kyoto last November and loved it so much that we intend to repeat the experience next year.
Like bhrubin, we initially had some real problems with the concierge but were compensated more than adequately and were very well looked after during our stay.
Like bhrubin, we initially had some real problems with the concierge but were compensated more than adequately and were very well looked after during our stay.
- Kichisen
- Miyoshi
- Tempura Matsu
- Sushi Matsumoto
as well as a couple of other places they recommended. I have no idea if the above are easy or not to reserve, but the concierge team also provided some valuable advice on the course offerings at these restaurants (helpful, since otherwise it's just a range of price options), as well as making sure that I'm comfortable with, for example, raw beef at Miyoshi.
Now I just need to see if the Conrad Tokyo staff can come through on any of my lottery picks there!
Oct 14, 2018, 1:34 am
#614
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 68
My experience with the RC Kyoto concierge team has been different from yours and a few others. I'm staying there in mid-November and contacted them about a week ago with some reservation requests. Through several emails, they have always responded quite quickly and courteously, and overall did what I'd regard as an excellent job in securing reservations. While they weren't able to get me into a couple of my first choices (Mizai and Kitcho), those were unicorns that I never expected would be possible in any case. They have booked me into:
- Kichisen
- Miyoshi
- Tempura Matsu
- Sushi Matsumoto
as well as a couple of other places they recommended. I have no idea if the above are easy or not to reserve, but the concierge team also provided some valuable advice on the course offerings at these restaurants (helpful, since otherwise it's just a range of price options), as well as making sure that I'm comfortable with, for example, raw beef at Miyoshi.
Now I just need to see if the Conrad Tokyo staff can come through on any of my lottery picks there!
- Kichisen
- Miyoshi
- Tempura Matsu
- Sushi Matsumoto
as well as a couple of other places they recommended. I have no idea if the above are easy or not to reserve, but the concierge team also provided some valuable advice on the course offerings at these restaurants (helpful, since otherwise it's just a range of price options), as well as making sure that I'm comfortable with, for example, raw beef at Miyoshi.
Now I just need to see if the Conrad Tokyo staff can come through on any of my lottery picks there!
I appreciate that not everyone has had such similar levels of service but did want to add my perspective as a very happy guest when I stayed there recently!
Oct 14, 2018, 5:49 am
#615
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
Without reading through this entire 600+ post thread, would any experienced FTs help with a recommendation for my son and his wife who just locked down their flight for a trip next Sept-October and will now be focusing on hotels.
They want to divide their stay between 3 hotels- 1 in Tokyo, 1 in Kyoto and 1 “to be decided.”
For their TBD they would like a Luxury Hotel in some beautiful and scenic location. Their first inclination was Amannemu- however after reading through that thread I wonder if their might be an even better choice.
Do any veterans here have a suggestion?
Thanks so much in advance.
They want to divide their stay between 3 hotels- 1 in Tokyo, 1 in Kyoto and 1 “to be decided.”
For their TBD they would like a Luxury Hotel in some beautiful and scenic location. Their first inclination was Amannemu- however after reading through that thread I wonder if their might be an even better choice.
Do any veterans here have a suggestion?
Thanks so much in advance.