Jan 7, 2019, 8:06 pm
Last edit by: SPN Lifer
This thread is to discuss and compare the various Marriott branded hotels in the Tokyo, Japan area.
The below 2 threads contain pre-2019 discussions for Tokyo area Marriott and Starwood hotels:
Pre-2019 - Marriott-family hotels in Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Discussion Thread (Where should I stay? Which hotel is better? etc.)
The Westin Tokyo
Notes: Upscale location, walkable to station, generally good for couples.
Detailed thread:https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/713198-westin-tokyo-japan-2007-onward-master-thread.html
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo
Notes:
Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel
Notes: Good if your trip focuses on the two Disney resorts, great themed rooms that kids love, no lounge but good breakfast.
The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Notes: High rise hotel with views rivaling the Andaz.
Small but adequate lounge, onsen from the high floor is a novelty in itself. However lounge access is no longer provided to Marriott elites (unless booking a room that comes with access).
Detailed thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1728518-prince-gallery-tokyo-kioicho-japan-lc-master-thread.html
Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Notes: Decently large lounge with good high tea, conveniently located to Yokohama station, great upgrades for platinums.
If you have bags, don't use the train, since the Yokohama station is the "sagrada familia of tokyo" where construction never ends and passages are narrow and crowded.
Tokyo Marriott Hotel
Notes:
Courtyard Tokyo Ginza Hotel
Notes:
Courtyard Tokyo Station
Notes:
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
Notes:
The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection
Notes: Conveniently located in the vicinity of Shinagawa Station, a very short train ride from HND. Decent lounge. Big hotel rooms by Tokyo standards.
Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho
Notes: Botique hotel in a local neighbourhood outside of central Tokyo.
A'loft Ginza
Notes: very central location, small rooms, and a funky but nice rooftop bar with a hotdog stand.
AC Ginza
Notes:
The Tokyo Edition Toranomon
Notes:
Mesm Autograph Collection
Notes: Lounge based on status only available to Ambassador members. Otherwise need to book a room that includes lounge access.
The below 2 threads contain pre-2019 discussions for Tokyo area Marriott and Starwood hotels:
Pre-2019 - Marriott-family hotels in Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Discussion Thread (Where should I stay? Which hotel is better? etc.)
The Westin Tokyo
Notes: Upscale location, walkable to station, generally good for couples.
Detailed thread:https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/713198-westin-tokyo-japan-2007-onward-master-thread.html
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo
Notes:
Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel
Notes: Good if your trip focuses on the two Disney resorts, great themed rooms that kids love, no lounge but good breakfast.
The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Notes: High rise hotel with views rivaling the Andaz.
Small but adequate lounge, onsen from the high floor is a novelty in itself. However lounge access is no longer provided to Marriott elites (unless booking a room that comes with access).
Detailed thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/1728518-prince-gallery-tokyo-kioicho-japan-lc-master-thread.html
Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Notes: Decently large lounge with good high tea, conveniently located to Yokohama station, great upgrades for platinums.
If you have bags, don't use the train, since the Yokohama station is the "sagrada familia of tokyo" where construction never ends and passages are narrow and crowded.
Tokyo Marriott Hotel
Notes:
Courtyard Tokyo Ginza Hotel
Notes:
Courtyard Tokyo Station
Notes:
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
Notes:
The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection
Notes: Conveniently located in the vicinity of Shinagawa Station, a very short train ride from HND. Decent lounge. Big hotel rooms by Tokyo standards.
Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho
Notes: Botique hotel in a local neighbourhood outside of central Tokyo.
A'loft Ginza
Notes: very central location, small rooms, and a funky but nice rooftop bar with a hotdog stand.
AC Ginza
Notes:
The Tokyo Edition Toranomon
Notes:
Mesm Autograph Collection
Notes: Lounge based on status only available to Ambassador members. Otherwise need to book a room that includes lounge access.
Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Tokyo, Japan, 2019 onward
Jan 11, 2021, 11:29 pm
#107
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: SFO/YYZ
Programs: AC 25K, AS MVP Gold, BA Bronze, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,452
That would be covered by what I said was typical in Japan.
Also, AC Ginza does have rates loaded much further than that. I see standard room flex rate all the way in November. They haven't loaded in more detailed rates for all their room types. Again, this is not abnormal.
CY Ginza often doesn't load rates until a few months out. Prince Gallery often has only standard room loaded for a period and then suddenly the booking calendar fills with higher tier rooms and special rates, etc.
Also, AC Ginza does have rates loaded much further than that. I see standard room flex rate all the way in November. They haven't loaded in more detailed rates for all their room types. Again, this is not abnormal.
CY Ginza often doesn't load rates until a few months out. Prince Gallery often has only standard room loaded for a period and then suddenly the booking calendar fills with higher tier rooms and special rates, etc.
Jan 12, 2021, 2:41 pm
#108
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Programs: Marriott lifetime Titanium, Delta Platinum
Posts: 5,470
AC Ginza more
Our cruise line is comping a three night post-cruise stay at Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku. We have option of declining the stay and being compensated. We were thinking of using points for a five night stay (to get the bonus free night) at a Marriott property. Had narrowed choice to the new AC in Ginza, the newish Mesm Autograph, and the Prince Sakura Autograph. This is a first time trip to Tokyo for typical tourist stuff, and had concerns that Mesm and Prince Sakura Tower may not be well located for sightseeing as opposed to the AC in Ginza. All 3 properties appear fine point-wise and otherwise acceptable.
Would appreciate any recommendations/suggestions as to above. As to AC, guess will have to wait until October award availability is loaded.
Finally, if anybody has stayed at AC Ginza, would enjoy hearing their impressions.
Jan 12, 2021, 7:37 pm
#109
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: SFO/YYZ
Programs: AC 25K, AS MVP Gold, BA Bronze, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,452
Just did a search for dates in October and November without designating any particular rate or room or awards. Using Marriott flexible search, says nothing available in July/August/September/October at AC. But, in any case, am searching for October award availability, and no months after June have been loaded.
Jan 12, 2021, 8:56 pm
#110
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Programs: Marriott lifetime Titanium, Delta Platinum
Posts: 5,470
Don't want to get bogged down, just looking for some help on the above questions as to anybody with experience staying at the new AC Ginza, and/or whether that neighborhood would be superior for a first time Tokyo sightseer to the areas of the Mesm or Prince Sakura Tower. Thanks
Jan 12, 2021, 9:25 pm
#111
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,068
Thanks. But as mentioned, I'm searching for an award stay. And whether I search day by day (as I have) or flexible (as I have), as of now there is no availability for an AWARD stay after June at AC Ginza, which I'm guessing means those award rates have not yet been loaded. If that's incorrect, I'm all ears.
Don't want to get bogged down, just looking for some help on the above questions as to anybody with experience staying at the new AC Ginza, and/or whether that neighborhood would be superior for a first time Tokyo sightseer to the areas of the Mesm or Prince Sakura Tower. Thanks
Don't want to get bogged down, just looking for some help on the above questions as to anybody with experience staying at the new AC Ginza, and/or whether that neighborhood would be superior for a first time Tokyo sightseer to the areas of the Mesm or Prince Sakura Tower. Thanks
Jan 12, 2021, 11:05 pm
#112
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: SFO/YYZ
Programs: AC 25K, AS MVP Gold, BA Bronze, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,452
Thanks. But as mentioned, I'm searching for an award stay. And whether I search day by day (as I have) or flexible (as I have), as of now there is no availability for an AWARD stay after June at AC Ginza, which I'm guessing means those award rates have not yet been loaded. If that's incorrect, I'm all ears.
Don't want to get bogged down, just looking for some help on the above questions as to anybody with experience staying at the new AC Ginza, and/or whether that neighborhood would be superior for a first time Tokyo sightseer to the areas of the Mesm or Prince Sakura Tower. Thanks
Don't want to get bogged down, just looking for some help on the above questions as to anybody with experience staying at the new AC Ginza, and/or whether that neighborhood would be superior for a first time Tokyo sightseer to the areas of the Mesm or Prince Sakura Tower. Thanks
Just did a search for dates in October and November without designating any particular rate or room or awards.
To comment on your general question, like CPH-Flyer I have never cared all that much about where I stay unless it's really far out. I've stayed at the Conrad which some people feel is an awful location that isn't near anything, but ultimately you can basically get anywhere from anywhere in Tokyo and you're going to be walking and using trains so it doesn't much matter.
If I was booking with points I would do MESM over Prince Sakura every day. The latter didn't impress me even on a pre-Bonvoy 7nt Cat6 cert, I felt I wasted a very valuable award instrument. The hard product is just too dated there. MESM is a brand new development. However, it is more of a walk to get to a station, 8-10min walk to get to comprehensive transit connectivity.
By the way, if you're looking more in Cat5 range, the Aloft and AC are beside each other so you could secure something at Aloft which has loaded rates, and change to AC when they load theirs.
Last edited by nexusCFX; Jan 12, 2021 at 11:14 pm
Jan 12, 2021, 11:48 pm
#113
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,068
Oh sorry. When you mentioned this I thought you weren't seeing any results at all since you said you didn't specify an award rate.
To comment on your general question, like CPH-Flyer I have never cared all that much about where I stay unless it's really far out. I've stayed at the Conrad which some people feel is an awful location that isn't near anything, but ultimately you can basically get anywhere from anywhere in Tokyo and you're going to be walking and using trains so it doesn't much matter.
If I was booking with points I would do MESM over Prince Sakura every day. The latter didn't impress me even on a pre-Bonvoy 7nt Cat6 cert, I felt I wasted a very valuable award instrument. The hard product is just too dated there. MESM is a brand new development. However, it is more of a walk to get to a station, 8-10min walk to get to comprehensive transit connectivity.
By the way, if you're looking more in Cat5 range, the Aloft and AC are beside each other so you could secure something at Aloft which has loaded rates, and change to AC when they load theirs.
To comment on your general question, like CPH-Flyer I have never cared all that much about where I stay unless it's really far out. I've stayed at the Conrad which some people feel is an awful location that isn't near anything, but ultimately you can basically get anywhere from anywhere in Tokyo and you're going to be walking and using trains so it doesn't much matter.
If I was booking with points I would do MESM over Prince Sakura every day. The latter didn't impress me even on a pre-Bonvoy 7nt Cat6 cert, I felt I wasted a very valuable award instrument. The hard product is just too dated there. MESM is a brand new development. However, it is more of a walk to get to a station, 8-10min walk to get to comprehensive transit connectivity.
By the way, if you're looking more in Cat5 range, the Aloft and AC are beside each other so you could secure something at Aloft which has loaded rates, and change to AC when they load theirs.
Jan 13, 2021, 10:57 am
#114
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Programs: Marriott lifetime Titanium, Delta Platinum
Posts: 5,470
I've stayed at an AC in the U.S. and thought it was modern with nice and decent sized rooms. Thought the AC Ginza photos looked nice, with a spare contemporary style that almost looks Japanese inspired.
Last edited by ohmark; Jan 13, 2021 at 11:05 am
Jan 13, 2021, 11:11 am
#116
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Programs: Marriott lifetime Titanium, Delta Platinum
Posts: 5,470
To comment on your general question, like CPH-Flyer I have never cared all that much about where I stay unless it's really far out. I've stayed at the Conrad which some people feel is an awful location that isn't near anything, but ultimately you can basically get anywhere from anywhere in Tokyo and you're going to be walking and using trains so it doesn't much matter.
If I was booking with points I would do MESM over Prince Sakura every day.
If I was booking with points I would do MESM over Prince Sakura every day.
Last edited by ohmark; Jan 13, 2021 at 1:29 pm
Jan 13, 2021, 11:15 am
#117
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Programs: Marriott lifetime Titanium, Delta Platinum
Posts: 5,470
Thanks, good to know. But we are contemplating an award stay, and only the base room can be reserved in the reward inventory. I am Titanium, but don't know the property's upgrade propensity, and am reluctant to chance the possibility of a tiny room for 5 nights for two of us.
Jan 13, 2021, 4:03 pm
#118
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,068
Jan 13, 2021, 8:18 pm
#119
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: US/TYO/LON
Programs: Marriott Titanium; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 411
Neighbourhoods in Tokyo are not that important as you will in the end need to move around a fair bit during the day. Connections to public transport is really the key, and of those three Mesm clearly has the least public transport options, and is furthest from the stations. From a touristic perspective, the Sakura Tower is probably the one with the least things of interest close by. Shinagawa does not have much else than a lot of good food, not high end but good. Apart from Hamarikyu and Shibarikyu gardens, the Mesm does not really have much close by, my feeling is also not really in terms of food, but I don't know the area that well to be certain.
The only issue is that Shibuya and Shinjuku will feel like a little bit of a hike from the area. The only way to get to Shibuya is to take the looping way around via Yamanote and then beyond to Shinjuku. If you feel like you will want to spend more time in that area, then suggest you look for options in that location.
Jan 13, 2021, 9:27 pm
#120
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,068
Agreed on the locations, as long you are have reasonable transit options and are still somewhat in the central wards of Tokyo. That said, I don't think the connection options of MESM are bad at all. Inside of a 10 minute walk you are at Hamamatsucho which gives you Yamanote, Kehin-Tohoku (if you want to go down to Yokohama) and the Odeo and Asakusa lines at Daimon. You also have the Yurikamome to Odaiba next door at Takeshiba, as well as Monorail to HND there. Close proximity to Shimbashi and Ginza (without exactly being in it) are also not a bad deal. Easier access to lot of outdoor waterways and riverwalks by the Sumida river, in the Tsukiji and Tsukishima area are great. I love going for a run there regularly. Ginza can be an assault on the senses if in the middle of it all the time. I much prefer being in an area that is easily accessible to it but also away if i want some quiet around me.
The only issue is that Shibuya and Shinjuku will feel like a little bit of a hike from the area. The only way to get to Shibuya is to take the looping way around via Yamanote and then beyond to Shinjuku. If you feel like you will want to spend more time in that area, then suggest you look for options in that location.
The only issue is that Shibuya and Shinjuku will feel like a little bit of a hike from the area. The only way to get to Shibuya is to take the looping way around via Yamanote and then beyond to Shinjuku. If you feel like you will want to spend more time in that area, then suggest you look for options in that location.
The connections once you get to Hamatsucho are not bad, but in distance comparison, the others are better located. I should maybe have highlighted this. Of course by many standards 10 minutes to the station is not bad. But in this comparison, Mesm does not do too well.
