May 30, 2019, 9:14 am
Last edit by: bhrubin
Expert Review (posted to Luxury Forum) from May 2018:
https://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revi...-recovery-2624
https://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revi...-recovery-2624
Ritz Carlton Kyoto, Japan [Master Thread]
Oct 12, 2018, 9:01 am
#182
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Oct 17, 2018, 3:44 am
#184
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Accor Plat, IHG Diamond
Posts: 651
I just checked out as a gold member and got a drink voucher for 2 (valid on a small drink menu) and were told that we would need to check out at 12.
In the room there was a box of local waffles when we checked-in and a fruit plate with a letter from the GM was delivered later on. I am guessing that the fruit plate + letter was a gold specific benefit.
We didn't need late check-out so didn't ask about it, and we didn't get a worthwhile room upgrade (we might have received a courtyard view instead of a city view) or free breakfast.
The concierge team are now fully briefed on the "visitation permit" for sahoji/Kokedera temple now, I asked them to apply for me a couple of weeks before my stay, they sent me the temple requirements and upon check-in handed over the permit and 2 pens for writing the sultras at the temple and directions on how to get there. A much better experience than Jermyn had previously described on this thread.
In the room there was a box of local waffles when we checked-in and a fruit plate with a letter from the GM was delivered later on. I am guessing that the fruit plate + letter was a gold specific benefit.
We didn't need late check-out so didn't ask about it, and we didn't get a worthwhile room upgrade (we might have received a courtyard view instead of a city view) or free breakfast.
The concierge team are now fully briefed on the "visitation permit" for sahoji/Kokedera temple now, I asked them to apply for me a couple of weeks before my stay, they sent me the temple requirements and upon check-in handed over the permit and 2 pens for writing the sultras at the temple and directions on how to get there. A much better experience than Jermyn had previously described on this thread.
Oct 19, 2018, 9:17 am
#186
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 157
Will be plat when we get there on November 13th. Really hoping for this! Great to hear about the upgrade, hope you enjoyed.
Oct 19, 2018, 12:54 pm
#187
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 243
Was really surprised on the upgrade. It was a top floor suite, it had its own balcony with Japanese garden and views of the mountains and river. One of the best hotel rooms I have ever stayed in up there with the St Regis Maldives. Was also surprised with the included breakfast. The only downside is we had a much harder time leaving the room to go explore, but it was our 2nd time in Kyoto so we didn't feel as guilty spending a bit more time in the room.
Oct 19, 2018, 3:57 pm
#188
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 60
May I ask what type of platinum you are (platinum elite, platinum premier, or ambassador)? Wondering if the different level of platinum makes a difference of the type of upgrade/perks you receive.
Oct 19, 2018, 5:00 pm
#189
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 243
platinum elite. that being said I am also sure it has to do with capacity. it definitely was not a peak period.
Oct 20, 2018, 12:35 am
#191
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: SFO/YYZ
Programs: AC 25K, AS MVP Gold, BA Bronze, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,466
I'd imagine the only room upgrades at that time will be if the lowest rooms are oversold so people get pushed up based on status. The hotel itself being sold out is basically guaranteed. I do hope you can get your river view room though. I'm a PE visiting just after sakura season but I don't have any upgrade expectations because the rooms are still 150000 JPY during that time.
Oct 20, 2018, 1:54 am
#192
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,026
I'd imagine the only room upgrades at that time will be if the lowest rooms are oversold so people get pushed up based on status. The hotel itself being sold out is basically guaranteed. I do hope you can get your river view room though. I'm a PE visiting just after sakura season but I don't have any upgrade expectations because the rooms are still 150000 JPY during that time.
hotel itself is beautiful can't want to go back
Oct 20, 2018, 2:01 pm
#193
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 297
We have 2 rooms booked on rewards March 21-28 2019 and we are PPE. We are just happy to use the points for our stay and expect no upgrades and will be happy with the free breakfast!
Oct 20, 2018, 4:23 pm
#194
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 544
We have 2 rooms booked on rewards March 21-28 2019 and we are PPE. We are just happy to use the points for our stay and expect no upgrades and will be happy with the free breakfast!
Oct 20, 2018, 4:46 pm
#195
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,193
May I ask how you booked? App, if so, which one? Website, if so, which browser? Or did you call?
I'd be absolutely thrilled with 5 nights at that time on points with breakfast. I hope breakfast stays.