Feb 18, 2019, 10:57 am
Last edit by: bhrubin
As of February 2019 this hotel no longer offers club lounge access to Marriott Platinum and higher guests, even if upgraded to a room category which would otherwise offer lounge access, so lounge access mentioned in older reviews would no longer apply.
The hotel also no longer participates in Suite Night Awards.
Breakfast offering for Platinum and higher is in restaurant, buffet plus made to order eggs.
Expert Review from May 2018 posted to the Luxury Hotels Forum: “Stunning hard product with great concierge and service”
https://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revi...d-service-2620
The hotel also no longer participates in Suite Night Awards.
Breakfast offering for Platinum and higher is in restaurant, buffet plus made to order eggs.
Expert Review from May 2018 posted to the Luxury Hotels Forum: “Stunning hard product with great concierge and service”
https://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revi...d-service-2620
The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, Japan, LC [Master Thread]
Mar 14, 2018, 1:04 am
#316
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: MEL
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat. WOH Glob. SQ Gold
Posts: 1,637
I know that I’m in the minority but I find this hotel pretty standard. No upgrade but that was not unexpected as looking at avaibility a week out I could see everything above the deluxe rooms sold out. Standard room is fine - the day bed by the window is the strongest feature but the room itself is noticeably smaller than other new builds in Tokyo. Except for the massive shower area the bathroom is actually quite cramped. Bed is great and the mattress is surprisingly soft for Japan - which I like.
Lounge has the potential to be nice but suffers from overcrowding. Breakfast at the restaurant is normal Asian Hotel fare - service is hampered by language issues.
Generally Service is quite poor by local standards (still good by international standards) I’d prefer things like assistance with my luggage over endless greetings and bowing.
No denying the public areas are striking, views are great and I like the hotel’s scent.
Certainly the best SPG option and would be happy to stay here again but view it as a nice but not great hotel. I find the current pricing to be fair reflecting that it is still a tier below the more established luxury hotels in Tokyo.
As a tourist I much prefer the location of the Westin but also recognise I’m in the strict minority with that opinion as well.
Lounge has the potential to be nice but suffers from overcrowding. Breakfast at the restaurant is normal Asian Hotel fare - service is hampered by language issues.
Generally Service is quite poor by local standards (still good by international standards) I’d prefer things like assistance with my luggage over endless greetings and bowing.
No denying the public areas are striking, views are great and I like the hotel’s scent.
Certainly the best SPG option and would be happy to stay here again but view it as a nice but not great hotel. I find the current pricing to be fair reflecting that it is still a tier below the more established luxury hotels in Tokyo.
As a tourist I much prefer the location of the Westin but also recognise I’m in the strict minority with that opinion as well.
Mar 14, 2018, 7:10 am
#317
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,548
For an SPG property, this is the best choice right now. I still prefer Grand Hyatt or Conrad level of service and to a certain extend, the decor. This hotel, to me, is a level or two below the true luxury hotels in Tokyo such as RC, Shangrila, or Aman.
Mar 14, 2018, 7:19 am
#318
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CAN, LAX, TPE
Programs: AA, AS, CI, DL, UA
Posts: 2,898
I know that I’m in the minority but I find this hotel pretty standard. No upgrade but that was not unexpected as looking at avaibility a week out I could see everything above the deluxe rooms sold out. Standard room is fine - the day bed by the window is the strongest feature but the room itself is noticeably smaller than other new builds in Tokyo. Except for the massive shower area the bathroom is actually quite cramped. Bed is great and the mattress is surprisingly soft for Japan - which I like.
Lounge has the potential to be nice but suffers from overcrowding. Breakfast at the restaurant is normal Asian Hotel fare - service is hampered by language issues.
Generally Service is quite poor by local standards (still good by international standards) I’d prefer things like assistance with my luggage over endless greetings and bowing.
Lounge has the potential to be nice but suffers from overcrowding. Breakfast at the restaurant is normal Asian Hotel fare - service is hampered by language issues.
Generally Service is quite poor by local standards (still good by international standards) I’d prefer things like assistance with my luggage over endless greetings and bowing.
Breakfast I would just go to Oasis if the lounge is too crowded, but other times I find the lounge not that busy.
I have been offered help over shopping bags that look needed help from 2F all the way to the room, if the bell boy is there that is. Sometimes they also exist on 36F and will help you through.
Mar 14, 2018, 8:47 am
#319
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: Delta Diamond, Bonvoy something good; sometimes other things too
Posts: 5,050
Personally I disliked the Westin's location for a couple of reasons: it's a longer walk from the train station, you have fewer and somewhat less useful lines to choose from, and perhaps most significantly, the fastest way to many destinations involves taking the Yamanote line to a Metro transfer, or the Hibiya line to the Oedo line, both of which require paying a second fare for the transfer -- it's only a few more dollars, but the expense gets annoying. (I guess you could argue that the Yamanote line goes nearly everywhere of importance, which is true, but it is also a slow and indirect way to get to many places. If you were traveling with a JR Rail Pass, it would certainly have more value, though.)
I don't think there is any one perfect location in Tokyo for being a tourist, since the city is so huge, but the Prince Gallery has the double advantage of being located more in the center of Tokyo, and with close proximity to a greater number of subway lines.
I liked the Prince Gallery a lot, but I can see the merit of your other complaints. Obviously many of the other hotels that would be better can only be bought with cash, not points, which is a significant consideration, though at typical current rates the PG isn't a very good value with points anyway, so maybe that advantage is moot.
Mar 14, 2018, 9:03 am
#320
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,052
Aman might have great hardware but the soft product is still a work in progress. I don't think I've ever been so disrespected by staff and a GM as Aman Tokyo. I've never had a problem with this PG Koicho but I'm sure SPG would do more than copy and paste a cookie cutter response to stay issues. I think this LC is a step under the Tokyo ultra luxury chains and the general price point reflects that. You really can't beat the value here for Plats and Ambassador 100s.
Mar 15, 2018, 12:40 am
#321
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: MEL
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat. WOH Glob. SQ Gold
Posts: 1,637
Well to be fair to the hotel service recovery was above and beyond. Amongst other things now in a Koi Suite which has been discussed at length here. As a solo traveller don't have any need for the seperate living room part of the suite so may list it on air bnb 
Agree the JR line from the Westin is not ideal - the big loop takes a while compared to intersecting subway lines and for public transport Prince location is perfect. But it's only a quick cab ride to many places from the Westin, but for me, I really like the quiet surrounding suburbs. Plenty of little restaurants, bars, cafes, galleries etc, I'm often quite happy to spend days just wondering around the vicinty. Do agree sometimes after a long day the trek from the subway to Westin can feel like a chore.
Curious to hear more on why you say this?
Personally I disliked the Westin's location for a couple of reasons: it's a longer walk from the train station, you have fewer and somewhat less useful lines to choose from, and perhaps most significantly, the fastest way to many destinations involves taking the Yamanote line to a Metro transfer, or the Hibiya line to the Oedo line, both of which require paying a second fare for the transfer -- it's only a few more dollars, but the expense gets annoying. (I guess you could argue that the Yamanote line goes nearly everywhere of importance, which is true, but it is also a slow and indirect way to get to many places. If you were traveling with a JR Rail Pass, it would certainly have more value, though.)
I don't think there is any one perfect location in Tokyo for being a tourist, since the city is so huge, but the Prince Gallery has the double advantage of being located more in the center of Tokyo, and with close proximity to a greater number of subway lines.
I liked the Prince Gallery a lot, but I can see the merit of your other complaints. Obviously many of the other hotels that would be better can only be bought with cash, not points, which is a significant consideration, though at typical current rates the PG isn't a very good value with points anyway, so maybe that advantage is moot.
Personally I disliked the Westin's location for a couple of reasons: it's a longer walk from the train station, you have fewer and somewhat less useful lines to choose from, and perhaps most significantly, the fastest way to many destinations involves taking the Yamanote line to a Metro transfer, or the Hibiya line to the Oedo line, both of which require paying a second fare for the transfer -- it's only a few more dollars, but the expense gets annoying. (I guess you could argue that the Yamanote line goes nearly everywhere of importance, which is true, but it is also a slow and indirect way to get to many places. If you were traveling with a JR Rail Pass, it would certainly have more value, though.)
I don't think there is any one perfect location in Tokyo for being a tourist, since the city is so huge, but the Prince Gallery has the double advantage of being located more in the center of Tokyo, and with close proximity to a greater number of subway lines.
I liked the Prince Gallery a lot, but I can see the merit of your other complaints. Obviously many of the other hotels that would be better can only be bought with cash, not points, which is a significant consideration, though at typical current rates the PG isn't a very good value with points anyway, so maybe that advantage is moot.
Mar 18, 2018, 12:27 pm
#322
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: AC - SE, SPG - Platinum, HGP - Diamond
Posts: 369
Am debating between this property and the prince Sakura AC in shinagawa. Location doesn’t matter as I’ll be around the city (and a frequent visitor so know my way around). How do these compare for facilities and PLAT recognition?
Mar 18, 2018, 1:09 pm
#323
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: BKK
Programs: World of Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Bonvoy LTP; IHG Plat
Posts: 2,232
never stayed at prince sakura AC but im pretty sure that prince gallery kioicho is at least a notch above it (from price point)
Mar 18, 2018, 10:58 pm
#324
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,052
I think this Prince hotel is definitely a step above that one.
Mar 21, 2018, 2:55 am
#325
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: IAD
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,937
This property immediately became one of my favorite SPG hotels. There is convenient transportation to/from the airport via the Airport Limousine bus, and is a few minutes walk to the nearest subway station with great direct options to the tourist sights.
As the hotel was almost fully booked during my stay, I was not upgraded from my base room. However, the deluxe room was more than sufficient. I loved the day bed next to the window, the huge shower with massive pressure from the rainfall showerhead, and the St. Regis style bedside controls. Room functions and items such as room service could also be controlled or ordered via a supplied iPad. My only nit is that if you turn off the AC, it takes 10 minutes for it to stop (per the hotel).
The Executive Lounge is top notch. Breakfast offerings are solid, with made to order eggs. Afternoon tea is put out, and then small bites in the evenings with an excellent selection of alcohol. As others have commented, the offerings don’t change at all. Plats also have the option of taking breakfast in the main restaurant. There was a good variety of offerings, but I didn’t find it anything special surprisingly enough.
When checking in, I was given a voucher for a sake tasting flight. Macaroons were dropped off every evening for turndown service. The fitness center was large and open 24/7. WiFi was 60Mbps, and service throughout the hotel was excellent.
As with Tokyo hotels, one should book the room you want instead of relying on upgrades. I would literally come back to Tokyo just to stay here again!
As the hotel was almost fully booked during my stay, I was not upgraded from my base room. However, the deluxe room was more than sufficient. I loved the day bed next to the window, the huge shower with massive pressure from the rainfall showerhead, and the St. Regis style bedside controls. Room functions and items such as room service could also be controlled or ordered via a supplied iPad. My only nit is that if you turn off the AC, it takes 10 minutes for it to stop (per the hotel).
The Executive Lounge is top notch. Breakfast offerings are solid, with made to order eggs. Afternoon tea is put out, and then small bites in the evenings with an excellent selection of alcohol. As others have commented, the offerings don’t change at all. Plats also have the option of taking breakfast in the main restaurant. There was a good variety of offerings, but I didn’t find it anything special surprisingly enough.
When checking in, I was given a voucher for a sake tasting flight. Macaroons were dropped off every evening for turndown service. The fitness center was large and open 24/7. WiFi was 60Mbps, and service throughout the hotel was excellent.
As with Tokyo hotels, one should book the room you want instead of relying on upgrades. I would literally come back to Tokyo just to stay here again!
Mar 21, 2018, 3:50 am
#326
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: Hyatt Discoverist, SEIBU PRINCE CLUB Silver, Marriott Gold
Posts: 20,434
I love Sakura AC, especially the view of the garden. Kiocho is objectively better, but yen for yen I think Sakura Tower is the better value.
Mar 22, 2018, 11:07 pm
#327
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: MEL
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat. WOH Glob. SQ Gold
Posts: 1,637
I actually ended up quite enjoying my stay. My meal in the onsite Japanese restaurant was pretty average but everything else was good.
A week since checkout they still haven’t billed my credit card which is a bit strange.
A week since checkout they still haven’t billed my credit card which is a bit strange.
Apr 3, 2018, 1:34 am
#329
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 337
Has anyone had difficulty getting timely responses from the concierge email address?
I have tasked this property with the (potentially impossible) job of getting a reservation at Sukiyabashi Jiro during my stay next month. The reservations open for this restaurant on the first of the month for the following month.
I originally contacted their concierge via email on the 27th March, to no response. I followed up on the 29th cc'ing in the front desk, and received a response shortly after asking me to complete a CC authorisation form, which I immediately completed and returned.
I asked for a follow up on the 2nd, to no response. It's now the 3rd and I have sent yet another email asking for a follow up.
Is this common to take multiple days to acknowledge emails at this property? I've read earlier in this thread that their comms are typically very prompt.
I have tasked this property with the (potentially impossible) job of getting a reservation at Sukiyabashi Jiro during my stay next month. The reservations open for this restaurant on the first of the month for the following month.
I originally contacted their concierge via email on the 27th March, to no response. I followed up on the 29th cc'ing in the front desk, and received a response shortly after asking me to complete a CC authorisation form, which I immediately completed and returned.
I asked for a follow up on the 2nd, to no response. It's now the 3rd and I have sent yet another email asking for a follow up.
Is this common to take multiple days to acknowledge emails at this property? I've read earlier in this thread that their comms are typically very prompt.
Apr 3, 2018, 2:39 am
#330
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: SPG
Posts: 713
Has anyone had difficulty getting timely responses from the concierge email address?
I have tasked this property with the (potentially impossible) job of getting a reservation at Sukiyabashi Jiro during my stay next month. The reservations open for this restaurant on the first of the month for the following month.
I originally contacted their concierge via email on the 27th March, to no response. I followed up on the 29th cc'ing in the front desk, and received a response shortly after asking me to complete a CC authorisation form, which I immediately completed and returned.
I asked for a follow up on the 2nd, to no response. It's now the 3rd and I have sent yet another email asking for a follow up.
Is this common to take multiple days to acknowledge emails at this property? I've read earlier in this thread that their comms are typically very prompt.
I have tasked this property with the (potentially impossible) job of getting a reservation at Sukiyabashi Jiro during my stay next month. The reservations open for this restaurant on the first of the month for the following month.
I originally contacted their concierge via email on the 27th March, to no response. I followed up on the 29th cc'ing in the front desk, and received a response shortly after asking me to complete a CC authorisation form, which I immediately completed and returned.
I asked for a follow up on the 2nd, to no response. It's now the 3rd and I have sent yet another email asking for a follow up.
Is this common to take multiple days to acknowledge emails at this property? I've read earlier in this thread that their comms are typically very prompt.
Normally it may take 3-5 working days as emails are answered in the order in which they are received.
So if you still have not received an update, please send us the details via email.
We can check your request with the hotel.
Kamal Taufiq
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
[email protected]