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)
Jun 26, 2018, 9:53 am
#556
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Jul 13, 2018, 6:24 am
#557
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,487
Is there a thread for luxury hotels IN Toyko anymore? The last one was closed and the final post appears to be a dead link? Or is this now the thread for all Japan?
Jul 13, 2018, 10:10 am
#559
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Tokyo luxury hotels (newer consolidated thread)
Aug 10, 2018, 9:39 am
#560
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Philadelphia
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Trying to decide where to stay for 3 nights in Osaka next month.
I'm currently booked at the Marriott Miyako. It looks super modern and sleek. Love the high ceiling lobby and the overall modern feel. It is also rated #2 on Tripadvisor.
However, after reading through some reviews here, it makes me wonder if I should stay at the St Regis instead. The price difference is only $120 for 3 nights, so $40 a night.
I'm traveling with my mother, so I want something nice, but at the same time she's told me many of the older/grand hotels we stayed at were too stuffy or dated. I'm also a little hesitant because the SR does not even have a Japanese restaurant.
Should I go with the SR given the small price difference?
I'm currently booked at the Marriott Miyako. It looks super modern and sleek. Love the high ceiling lobby and the overall modern feel. It is also rated #2 on Tripadvisor.
However, after reading through some reviews here, it makes me wonder if I should stay at the St Regis instead. The price difference is only $120 for 3 nights, so $40 a night.
I'm traveling with my mother, so I want something nice, but at the same time she's told me many of the older/grand hotels we stayed at were too stuffy or dated. I'm also a little hesitant because the SR does not even have a Japanese restaurant.
Should I go with the SR given the small price difference?
Aug 10, 2018, 10:04 am
#561
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I would suggest deciding based on personal preference, location, etc... This is a higher end Marriott, so I would not base the decision on branding.
But I will say that I have a friend who regularly gets upgraded to suites at StR Osaka as an SPG Platinum member, even on a low corporate rate. He raves about that as amazing value, and I believe it. I do not know how generous Marriott’s upgrade policies are.
But I will say that I have a friend who regularly gets upgraded to suites at StR Osaka as an SPG Platinum member, even on a low corporate rate. He raves about that as amazing value, and I believe it. I do not know how generous Marriott’s upgrade policies are.
Aug 10, 2018, 10:28 am
#562
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You should choose based on what matters most to you.
If amazing service and/or luxury ambience are a priority, the StR is the better bet. If more modern decor, the Marriott (actually the Conrad is incredibly modern and swank if you can get a great rate and also has the best, most incredible views in town). If location is an issue, pick the one that works best. If getting Platinum recognition is a priority, the StR is the obvious choice, especially for a mere $40.
If you’ve never stayed at a StR, this is a great one—and it’s more more modern than it is grand, while still having that classic impressive ambience.
The StR Italian restaurant may be Italian, but it’s sublime. Almost Michelin worthy.
If amazing service and/or luxury ambience are a priority, the StR is the better bet. If more modern decor, the Marriott (actually the Conrad is incredibly modern and swank if you can get a great rate and also has the best, most incredible views in town). If location is an issue, pick the one that works best. If getting Platinum recognition is a priority, the StR is the obvious choice, especially for a mere $40.
If you’ve never stayed at a StR, this is a great one—and it’s more more modern than it is grand, while still having that classic impressive ambience.
The StR Italian restaurant may be Italian, but it’s sublime. Almost Michelin worthy.
Aug 10, 2018, 12:28 pm
#563
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I do not know how Marriott upgrades Platinum members, but as SPG Platinum I think StR for $40 more per night is a no-brainer. Suite upgrade is likely.
It does not matter that there is no on site Japanese restaurant. You can have any Japanese cuisine you want in Osaka and its environs.
It does not matter that there is no on site Japanese restaurant. You can have any Japanese cuisine you want in Osaka and its environs.
Aug 10, 2018, 1:54 pm
#564
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Philadelphia
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Thanks for all the great advice. Sounds like St Regis it is! I doubt that I'll get a suite since I need two beds, but I don't really need a living room. I'd rather spend time in the outdoor garden or out an about in the city.
I have only stayed at the St Regis in Aspen and wasn't super impressed. But seems like this may be one of the better ones?
I just feel a little bad cancelling on the Marriott since the concierge is super helpful and already told me she's getting a small birthday surprise ;-)
Is the Japanese breakfast set option available for Platinum breakfast? or is there a surcharge for that?
I have only stayed at the St Regis in Aspen and wasn't super impressed. But seems like this may be one of the better ones?
I just feel a little bad cancelling on the Marriott since the concierge is super helpful and already told me she's getting a small birthday surprise ;-)
Is the Japanese breakfast set option available for Platinum breakfast? or is there a surcharge for that?
Aug 10, 2018, 2:48 pm
#565
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Thanks for all the great advice. Sounds like St Regis it is! I doubt that I'll get a suite since I need two beds, but I don't really need a living room. I'd rather spend time in the outdoor garden or out an about in the city.
I have only stayed at the St Regis in Aspen and wasn't super impressed. But seems like this may be one of the better ones?
I just feel a little bad cancelling on the Marriott since the concierge is super helpful and already told me she's getting a small birthday surprise ;-)
Is the Japanese breakfast set option available for Platinum breakfast? or is there a surcharge for that?
I have only stayed at the St Regis in Aspen and wasn't super impressed. But seems like this may be one of the better ones?
I just feel a little bad cancelling on the Marriott since the concierge is super helpful and already told me she's getting a small birthday surprise ;-)
Is the Japanese breakfast set option available for Platinum breakfast? or is there a surcharge for that?
Specific Plat questions are better directed to the StR Osaka thread in the Starwood Forum; this Luxury Forum isn’t the appropriate place for that.
Aug 11, 2018, 1:51 pm
#566
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I think you might be overestimating the effect of both trends and non-Japanese customers. In some well-known traditional Japanese restaurants, people have been booking a year ahead for decades.
Sep 18, 2018, 9:42 am
#567
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: Amex Plat, FHR, SPG
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July Trip to Japan
Hi All,
I've been following this thread (and all the others about luxury Japan [for years... really,]) and we're starting our planning for a July trip this summer. We're 2 families with small children 2yrs & 5yrs traveling for my sister's 40th bday. Based on all I've read here's what we're thinking about so far:
4 Nights Tokyo Aman
2 Nights Hakone - Hyatt or Gora Kadan
4 Nights Kyoto RC
4 Nights Amanemu
2 Nights Osaka StR
My biggest question is around Hakone, we'd like to do some hiking around Mt Fuji so Hakone seemed like the best place to do that. There's so much negativity around Gora Kadan but the Hyatt seems fairly corporate and lacking luxury. If you knew all of the negatives going into GK (the smell, the food.. etc.) and had reasonable expectations would it still have been as bad? It's also a uniquely Japanese experience. We're traveling with vegetarians (i understand they will accommodate food requests in advance.) and children (they are reportedly family friendly.) It just seems like a more interesting experience (and I think i'd prefer rolling the dice with GK rather than knowing HR will be mediocre.) Or do we scrap Hakone and pick somewhere else?
I open to suggestions on timing if we're spending too little or too much in some places. It's an ambitious trip, I know, especially with littles, but we are up for it (I think.) We are aware of the heat and possible rain, but we've got both in NYC and would rather be traveling.
Thanks for your advice in advance.
I've been following this thread (and all the others about luxury Japan [for years... really,]) and we're starting our planning for a July trip this summer. We're 2 families with small children 2yrs & 5yrs traveling for my sister's 40th bday. Based on all I've read here's what we're thinking about so far:
4 Nights Tokyo Aman
2 Nights Hakone - Hyatt or Gora Kadan
4 Nights Kyoto RC
4 Nights Amanemu
2 Nights Osaka StR
My biggest question is around Hakone, we'd like to do some hiking around Mt Fuji so Hakone seemed like the best place to do that. There's so much negativity around Gora Kadan but the Hyatt seems fairly corporate and lacking luxury. If you knew all of the negatives going into GK (the smell, the food.. etc.) and had reasonable expectations would it still have been as bad? It's also a uniquely Japanese experience. We're traveling with vegetarians (i understand they will accommodate food requests in advance.) and children (they are reportedly family friendly.) It just seems like a more interesting experience (and I think i'd prefer rolling the dice with GK rather than knowing HR will be mediocre.) Or do we scrap Hakone and pick somewhere else?
I open to suggestions on timing if we're spending too little or too much in some places. It's an ambitious trip, I know, especially with littles, but we are up for it (I think.) We are aware of the heat and possible rain, but we've got both in NYC and would rather be traveling.
Thanks for your advice in advance.
Sep 18, 2018, 9:58 am
#568
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: New York
Posts: 183
Is this the first time in Japan? Either way, Amanemu is a little out of the way and I'm not sure it's worth the distance. Sure it's an Aman, but with the number of amazing Ryokan's scattered through the Honshu, I'm not sure I would make the trek there. Perhaps consider Asaba instead? We had a great time there for our honeymoon (see trip report). I haven't stayed in Osaka, but I found with the JR Pass, it's very easy to get there from Kyoto. We initially just used Kyoto as a hub and visited Osaka for dinner/drinks/tourism, then returned back.
Sep 18, 2018, 11:49 am
#569
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MAN DXB ✈️
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 6,831
Hi All,
I've been following this thread (and all the others about luxury Japan [for years... really,]) and we're starting our planning for a July trip this summer. We're 2 families with small children 2yrs & 5yrs traveling for my sister's 40th bday. Based on all I've read here's what we're thinking about so far:
4 Nights Tokyo Aman
2 Nights Hakone - Hyatt or Gora Kadan
4 Nights Kyoto RC
4 Nights Amanemu
2 Nights Osaka StR
My biggest question is around Hakone, we'd like to do some hiking around Mt Fuji so Hakone seemed like the best place to do that. There's so much negativity around Gora Kadan but the Hyatt seems fairly corporate and lacking luxury. If you knew all of the negatives going into GK (the smell, the food.. etc.) and had reasonable expectations would it still have been as bad? It's also a uniquely Japanese experience. We're traveling with vegetarians (i understand they will accommodate food requests in advance.) and children (they are reportedly family friendly.) It just seems like a more interesting experience (and I think i'd prefer rolling the dice with GK rather than knowing HR will be mediocre.) Or do we scrap Hakone and pick somewhere else?
I open to suggestions on timing if we're spending too little or too much in some places. It's an ambitious trip, I know, especially with littles, but we are up for it (I think.) We are aware of the heat and possible rain, but we've got both in NYC and would rather be traveling.
Thanks for your advice in advance.
I've been following this thread (and all the others about luxury Japan [for years... really,]) and we're starting our planning for a July trip this summer. We're 2 families with small children 2yrs & 5yrs traveling for my sister's 40th bday. Based on all I've read here's what we're thinking about so far:
4 Nights Tokyo Aman
2 Nights Hakone - Hyatt or Gora Kadan
4 Nights Kyoto RC
4 Nights Amanemu
2 Nights Osaka StR
My biggest question is around Hakone, we'd like to do some hiking around Mt Fuji so Hakone seemed like the best place to do that. There's so much negativity around Gora Kadan but the Hyatt seems fairly corporate and lacking luxury. If you knew all of the negatives going into GK (the smell, the food.. etc.) and had reasonable expectations would it still have been as bad? It's also a uniquely Japanese experience. We're traveling with vegetarians (i understand they will accommodate food requests in advance.) and children (they are reportedly family friendly.) It just seems like a more interesting experience (and I think i'd prefer rolling the dice with GK rather than knowing HR will be mediocre.) Or do we scrap Hakone and pick somewhere else?
I open to suggestions on timing if we're spending too little or too much in some places. It's an ambitious trip, I know, especially with littles, but we are up for it (I think.) We are aware of the heat and possible rain, but we've got both in NYC and would rather be traveling.
Thanks for your advice in advance.
Sep 18, 2018, 12:12 pm
#570
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,859
Hakone is not that near to Fuji. There are hikes there, but they won't be up or around Mt. Fuji. Odds are that clouds will keep you from even seeing Mt Fui.
I agree that it makes much more sense to save a hotel move and spend an extra night or two in Kyoto, doing a day trip to Osaka. It is a 30 minute cheap train ride from Kyoto station and there are a LOT of trains each day. However, I wouldn't bother with Osaka at all; Hiroshima and Miyajima would be far more interesting,
Depending on when in July you pick, you could either run into the rainy season (which is very intense) or the beginning of summer (which is very hot and humid).
I agree that it makes much more sense to save a hotel move and spend an extra night or two in Kyoto, doing a day trip to Osaka. It is a 30 minute cheap train ride from Kyoto station and there are a LOT of trains each day. However, I wouldn't bother with Osaka at all; Hiroshima and Miyajima would be far more interesting,
Depending on when in July you pick, you could either run into the rainy season (which is very intense) or the beginning of summer (which is very hot and humid).