Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers - Yokohama, Japan [Master Thread]
Nov 30, 2004, 10:43 am
#16
Join Date: May 2001
Location: New York, New York
Posts: 1,602
Originally Posted by RTWSTARALLIANCE
Thanks for the compliment and those additional suggestions at the end for my next trip. Ramen Museum. That works.
We ate the next evening at the same restaurant. The cost for three adults was a little more than 3300 yen. We got efficiency somewhere. It was packed. I love that stuff also.
The continental breakfast at the Lounge was so so. We just came in from the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong so the spread at the Sheraton looked pathetic. The spread contains four juices, mile, teas, coffee, cereals, yogurt with strawberry sauce, pastries, salad with dressing, toasts and yes cold cuts. They do not look that good. In particular there is a piece that looks like a piece of carpet square. I asked my wife what it was and she commented ham. I told her there was already ham and then so got the puzzled look.
We were on 25. The carpet was nothing special as I remember. Did you have something unusual?
Another note. If you want to see a interesting Japanese store which has all the latest fashion trends in Japan check our- Vivre which is a short five minute walk from the Hotel. Floor 4 has it all.
Also. If you are visiting this Hotel try and use a SPG50. I found these very useful there. You always seem to get a rate which has a high floor. With Yokohama Station nearby I would think this would be important. The rates I have been getting also include tax and service. This is a great help with a falling US $.
If you like sweets and cookies in particular go to the bottom floor of Takashimiya and look for a cookie in the shape of a bird. My wife says this is a Kamakura treat. We went back for more after I ate one. They are nice treats and packed individual at around 84 yen each.
We are back home. Regards from the office.
We ate the next evening at the same restaurant. The cost for three adults was a little more than 3300 yen. We got efficiency somewhere. It was packed. I love that stuff also.
The continental breakfast at the Lounge was so so. We just came in from the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong so the spread at the Sheraton looked pathetic. The spread contains four juices, mile, teas, coffee, cereals, yogurt with strawberry sauce, pastries, salad with dressing, toasts and yes cold cuts. They do not look that good. In particular there is a piece that looks like a piece of carpet square. I asked my wife what it was and she commented ham. I told her there was already ham and then so got the puzzled look.
We were on 25. The carpet was nothing special as I remember. Did you have something unusual?
Another note. If you want to see a interesting Japanese store which has all the latest fashion trends in Japan check our- Vivre which is a short five minute walk from the Hotel. Floor 4 has it all.
Also. If you are visiting this Hotel try and use a SPG50. I found these very useful there. You always seem to get a rate which has a high floor. With Yokohama Station nearby I would think this would be important. The rates I have been getting also include tax and service. This is a great help with a falling US $.
If you like sweets and cookies in particular go to the bottom floor of Takashimiya and look for a cookie in the shape of a bird. My wife says this is a Kamakura treat. We went back for more after I ate one. They are nice treats and packed individual at around 84 yen each.
We are back home. Regards from the office.
As for the carpets, I think I'll never forget how dirty they were. The ones on our floor (19) were stained from heavy traffic, as well as what appeared to be many floods. If they were in our house, my wife would have immediately have them pulled up and replaced.
The hotel had an interesting feature that we never had seen before-non-allergic pillows that each weighed 4 kgs. They were so unusual that I had to take them into the bathroom and place them on the bathroom scale. My wife is allergic to a lot of foreign substances, among them, dust. Hence we asked for non-allergic pillows. When they arrived, I considered toughing it out, as these pillows were filled with small plastic material that appeared to be thick plactic drinking straws that were cut into strips about one half inch long. They reminded me of ditalini, the Italian pasta, that resembles thimbles. They were not very soft, but when I put my tired head on 2, I immediately fell asleep, as did my wife. We decided that they insured a restful night.
Hope you are over your jet lag.
We are planning to return to Japan for two weeks of cherry blossoms. We'll let you know if we manage to stay at the Westin in Tokyo.
Dec 2, 2004, 9:19 am
#17
Join Date: Apr 2004
Programs: Starwoods/ Marriott Life Time Platinum, Hilton-Diamond, and HP
Posts: 823
Great Post
Originally Posted by RTWSTARALLIANCE
Thanks for the compliment and those additional suggestions at the end for my next trip. Ramen Museum. That works.
We ate the next evening at the same restaurant. The cost for three adults was a little more than 3300 yen. We got efficiency somewhere. It was packed. I love that stuff also.
The continental breakfast at the Lounge was so so. We just came in from the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong so the spread at the Sheraton looked pathetic. The spread contains four juices, mile, teas, coffee, cereals, yogurt with strawberry sauce, pastries, salad with dressing, toasts and yes cold cuts. They do not look that good. In particular there is a piece that looks like a piece of carpet square. I asked my wife what it was and she commented ham. I told her there was already ham and then so got the puzzled look.
We were on 25. The carpet was nothing special as I remember. Did you have something unusual?
Another note. If you want to see a interesting Japanese store which has all the latest fashion trends in Japan check our- Vivre which is a short five minute walk from the Hotel. Floor 4 has it all.
Also. If you are visiting this Hotel try and use a SPG50. I found these very useful there. You always seem to get a rate which has a high floor. With Yokohama Station nearby I would think this would be important. The rates I have been getting also include tax and service. This is a great help with a falling US $.
If you like sweets and cookies in particular go to the bottom floor of Takashimiya and look for a cookie in the shape of a bird. My wife says this is a Kamakura treat. We went back for more after I ate one. They are nice treats and packed individual at around 84 yen each.
We are back home. Regards from the office.
We ate the next evening at the same restaurant. The cost for three adults was a little more than 3300 yen. We got efficiency somewhere. It was packed. I love that stuff also.
The continental breakfast at the Lounge was so so. We just came in from the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong so the spread at the Sheraton looked pathetic. The spread contains four juices, mile, teas, coffee, cereals, yogurt with strawberry sauce, pastries, salad with dressing, toasts and yes cold cuts. They do not look that good. In particular there is a piece that looks like a piece of carpet square. I asked my wife what it was and she commented ham. I told her there was already ham and then so got the puzzled look.
We were on 25. The carpet was nothing special as I remember. Did you have something unusual?
Another note. If you want to see a interesting Japanese store which has all the latest fashion trends in Japan check our- Vivre which is a short five minute walk from the Hotel. Floor 4 has it all.
Also. If you are visiting this Hotel try and use a SPG50. I found these very useful there. You always seem to get a rate which has a high floor. With Yokohama Station nearby I would think this would be important. The rates I have been getting also include tax and service. This is a great help with a falling US $.
If you like sweets and cookies in particular go to the bottom floor of Takashimiya and look for a cookie in the shape of a bird. My wife says this is a Kamakura treat. We went back for more after I ate one. They are nice treats and packed individual at around 84 yen each.
We are back home. Regards from the office.
After reading RTWSTARALLIANCE post I am planning on making this trip in March.
Dec 21, 2004, 10:45 pm
#19
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Riding the rails
Programs: Japan Forum, Skyteam Elite Plus, BW Diamond Select, HHonors Gold, NWA, DL, NH
Posts: 1,936
Hi there, I was researching this hotel when I came across your post. Glad to hear that the SPG50 is accepted at this hotel. Sorta dumb question, does the SPG50 apply to rates per night (2spg50's required for 2nights) or does it apply to the total?
Dec 22, 2004, 12:18 pm
#21
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Originally Posted by railroadtycoon
Hi there, I was researching this hotel when I came across your post. Glad to hear that the SPG50 is accepted at this hotel. Sorta dumb question, does the SPG50 apply to rates per night (2spg50's required for 2nights) or does it apply to the total?
5 nights, or less = 1 certificate
6 - 10 nights = 2 certificates
11 - 15 nights = 3 certificates
etc.
Sincerely,
William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services
[email protected]
Feb 28, 2005, 4:57 pm
#22
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Wow! What a perfect thread!
We MET, literally, at the feet of the great Daibutsu and walked around Enoshima in 1965! (I am originally from Mexico, Lady JDiver from Connecticut USA...) We will be returning there (and to Nikko and Lake Chuzenji-ko) in October (already have the AA SJC - NRT r/t FC award seats.)
We weren't sure whether we should make Kamakura / Enoshima / Enoden a day trip out of Tokyo (maybe an award stay there for a couple of days) or stay in Yokohama (after three weekdays at Nikko / Chuzenji.)
Thanks all for such great contributions, including very explicit directions!
We MET, literally, at the feet of the great Daibutsu and walked around Enoshima in 1965! (I am originally from Mexico, Lady JDiver from Connecticut USA...) We will be returning there (and to Nikko and Lake Chuzenji-ko) in October (already have the AA SJC - NRT r/t FC award seats.)
We weren't sure whether we should make Kamakura / Enoshima / Enoden a day trip out of Tokyo (maybe an award stay there for a couple of days) or stay in Yokohama (after three weekdays at Nikko / Chuzenji.)
Thanks all for such great contributions, including very explicit directions!
Mar 1, 2005, 7:16 am
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
FYI. If you are interested in Japanese history and the Kamakura period in particular please be advised this years NHK drama is based during the Kamakura period. My wife is watching the series in Japanese and says it is great. I have to wait a couple months before the series plays with English subtitles. Now that being said how can you watch it. The series is broadcast via sat. as JTV. I have also viewed the channel in Hawaii. Now I know that is a great big tease but if you have access it is well worth watching. FYI IMHO
Apr 9, 2005, 4:06 pm
#24
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Riding the rails
Programs: Japan Forum, Skyteam Elite Plus, BW Diamond Select, HHonors Gold, NWA, DL, NH
Posts: 1,936
Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers trip report
Its been a while but I wanted to report on my fantastic stay at the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Yokohama, Japan.
I used my SPG50 which came out to be slightly cheaper than if I were to use their internet special rates.
Hotel Location:
Fantastic, right next to the West Exit of Yokohama Station (about 30minutes by Train from Tokyo, very convienent location).
I used the crosswalk/overpass from Yokohama Station which leads to the 2nd floor of the Hotel, took the escalators downstairs to the main lobby. Large fantastic lobby, with large open spaces, and restaurants.
I came in a little early, was told checkin was at 2pm, so I checked my bags. Came back at 2pm, was promptly checked-in, hotel staffer came over with my bags and escorted me to my room on the 16th floor. Hotel staffer asked if I needed anything, I asked if he could find me a map to a location I needed to go to, he came back a few minutes later with a map and detailed directions, very nice service. And of course it being Japan, no tipping required.
Rooms had heavy solid wooden doors, my room was nothing special in terms of size. When you enter there's a cardkey reader where you place your hotel keycard and it automatically turns on the lights and when you take it out when you leave the lights turn off. The closet had a motion sensor inside that would turn the light on and off when getting or retrieving an item, also located in the closet was a safe. The bathroom area was very nice and plush, marble floor, large shower/bathtub area, and of course one of those high tech japanese toilets. The bed was very nice, bed also had controls for the lights in the room, alarm clock etc.
The hotel does have a club level/louge and 1 or two suites, I did not stay in the upper floors where they are located to comment.
As mentioned, the hotel is right next to Yokohama Station, there are many department stores and restaurants in the area, there is a Citibank ATM right next to the hotel on the 2nd floor concourse, if you need to do your International ATM banking it works just fine.
I was only at the Yokohama Sheraton for one day, however as a base/preferred plus member I found it to be a fantastic property, with wonderful staffers, fantastic location (again right next to yokohama station, with easy access to Tokyo (about 30minutes away) and Narita Airport.) I left a letter for the GM and sent one to SPG as well.
If you're an average traveller on a budget like myself (and have SPG50's to use), I just need a nice bed, too much to do and see when travelling LOL, and can't stay at the Westin Tokyo, the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers gets 5 stars in my book.
I used my SPG50 which came out to be slightly cheaper than if I were to use their internet special rates.
Hotel Location:
Fantastic, right next to the West Exit of Yokohama Station (about 30minutes by Train from Tokyo, very convienent location).
I used the crosswalk/overpass from Yokohama Station which leads to the 2nd floor of the Hotel, took the escalators downstairs to the main lobby. Large fantastic lobby, with large open spaces, and restaurants.
I came in a little early, was told checkin was at 2pm, so I checked my bags. Came back at 2pm, was promptly checked-in, hotel staffer came over with my bags and escorted me to my room on the 16th floor. Hotel staffer asked if I needed anything, I asked if he could find me a map to a location I needed to go to, he came back a few minutes later with a map and detailed directions, very nice service. And of course it being Japan, no tipping required.
Rooms had heavy solid wooden doors, my room was nothing special in terms of size. When you enter there's a cardkey reader where you place your hotel keycard and it automatically turns on the lights and when you take it out when you leave the lights turn off. The closet had a motion sensor inside that would turn the light on and off when getting or retrieving an item, also located in the closet was a safe. The bathroom area was very nice and plush, marble floor, large shower/bathtub area, and of course one of those high tech japanese toilets. The bed was very nice, bed also had controls for the lights in the room, alarm clock etc.
The hotel does have a club level/louge and 1 or two suites, I did not stay in the upper floors where they are located to comment.
As mentioned, the hotel is right next to Yokohama Station, there are many department stores and restaurants in the area, there is a Citibank ATM right next to the hotel on the 2nd floor concourse, if you need to do your International ATM banking it works just fine.
I was only at the Yokohama Sheraton for one day, however as a base/preferred plus member I found it to be a fantastic property, with wonderful staffers, fantastic location (again right next to yokohama station, with easy access to Tokyo (about 30minutes away) and Narita Airport.) I left a letter for the GM and sent one to SPG as well.
If you're an average traveller on a budget like myself (and have SPG50's to use), I just need a nice bed, too much to do and see when travelling LOL, and can't stay at the Westin Tokyo, the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers gets 5 stars in my book.
Last edited by railroadtycoon; Apr 9, 2005 at 4:09 pm
Apr 9, 2005, 11:41 pm
#25
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, DL PM, Bonvoy Titanium (Plat Life), HH G, Amtrak, B6, MR
Posts: 1,548
I spent 5 nights there about 5 years ago. I had a great stay. Impeccable service! Very expensive food (but it is Japan, after all). The Concierge was invaluable in planning my day trips around Japan.
The only thing that I found very weird was there was no iron/ironing board in my room (stayed on the club level). When I asked for one, they brought me a setup that was not designed to be used on the floor, but rather on a table. Very inconvenient to use.
If anyone is interested here is my IGoUGo journal on that trip:
http://www.igougo.com/planning/journ...JournalID=7889
The only thing that I found very weird was there was no iron/ironing board in my room (stayed on the club level). When I asked for one, they brought me a setup that was not designed to be used on the floor, but rather on a table. Very inconvenient to use.
If anyone is interested here is my IGoUGo journal on that trip:
http://www.igougo.com/planning/journ...JournalID=7889
Apr 10, 2005, 3:34 pm
#26
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: MKE
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA Plat Pro, MR LTP, others from cards
Posts: 890
I had a very pleasant night there in January, at the end of a trip to Japan. It was around 16,000 yen for two people, about half the price of the Westin Tokyo. (Not that the Westin Tokyo isn't worth it -- they're both great choices). The Sheraton location is excellent for transport in the Tokyo metro area, restaurants and stores, and Yokohama has its own character.
With the plat upgrade I got a high floor and quite large room with a nice view of Mt. Fuji. Free drinks and table service in the lounge, together with special checkin desk and generally very helpful club level service. Room itself nice as described above -- not quite as big or lavish as the Westin Tokyo, but definitely nicer than most US Westins, let alone Sheratons.
Nice to hear that the good service is also extended to base members. I have to say, after trips to properties Japan and Switzerland in the past few months it's much harder to appreciate the U.S. Westins.
Only one issue: when I arrived with my wife the lounge staff said the reservation was only for one, and they would have to check how much extra to charge for a second guest. Half an hour later they called and said the rate was the same. However, when I later checked my email confirmation from spg.com it confirmed that the reservation really was for two people all along. I assume this is a systems issue.
With the plat upgrade I got a high floor and quite large room with a nice view of Mt. Fuji. Free drinks and table service in the lounge, together with special checkin desk and generally very helpful club level service. Room itself nice as described above -- not quite as big or lavish as the Westin Tokyo, but definitely nicer than most US Westins, let alone Sheratons.
Nice to hear that the good service is also extended to base members. I have to say, after trips to properties Japan and Switzerland in the past few months it's much harder to appreciate the U.S. Westins.
Only one issue: when I arrived with my wife the lounge staff said the reservation was only for one, and they would have to check how much extra to charge for a second guest. Half an hour later they called and said the rate was the same. However, when I later checked my email confirmation from spg.com it confirmed that the reservation really was for two people all along. I assume this is a systems issue.
I have not been there for two months, so I am missing it! 
Apr 11, 2005, 5:04 am
#29
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: JAPAN
Programs: NH-PLT/SFC, JL-JMG/JGP, SPG-PLT, HH-DIA, GP-DIA,PC/IC-P/RA,MR-GLD
Posts: 315
I guess that you would be offered a prefered room that is on the upper floor and on the Yokohama Bay view side. And also late-out (4pm) is available.
Apr 11, 2005, 5:53 am
#30
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Riding the rails
Programs: Japan Forum, Skyteam Elite Plus, BW Diamond Select, HHonors Gold, NWA, DL, NH
Posts: 1,936
One thing to remember is that rooms are relatively small about 23sqm -34sqm throughout the hotel, including club level rooms. I don't know what the hotel's record is on upgrading golds, I'm a no frills type of traveller so lol I enjoyed the service provided very much to base/non spg members and as mentioned the service provided was way better than any Sheraton i've stayed back at home.
Last edited by railroadtycoon; Apr 11, 2005 at 5:59 am