Sep 22, 2014, 11:36 am
Westin Miyako, Kyoto, Japan [Master Thread]
Jul 29, 2010, 6:05 am
#168
Used to be RichardKopf
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Sydney
Programs: SPG LTP/IHG Pl/Hilton D/Shang-Taj D/VA Plat/QFClub/Hertz Pres/Avis Pres
Posts: 932
November 23 (national holiday)
Labour Thanksgiving Day (kinro kansha no hi):
A national holiday for honoring labour.
Jul 29, 2010, 7:19 am
#169
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
It is very common for hotels in Japan to be booked solid during holidays let alone as would be suspected conferences. We had the same issue earlier this month the holiday where my wife needed a Friday night. It did eventually become available using free weekend nights. I never went back to see the rate or if available on cash and points. You may want to book the Hyatt with points then keep checking back to the Westin if that is the hotel you prefer in Japan. Enjoy Kyoto.
Jul 29, 2010, 7:25 am
#170
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,548
Is it foolish of me to change my planned 2 night Kyoto stay to Osaka, instead? The new St Regis looks pretty interesting. Since we have been to Kyoto before (staying at Hyatt and loved the town and hotel), but not to Osaka, I thought it could be an option...
Jul 29, 2010, 2:27 pm
#171
Used to be RichardKopf
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Sydney
Programs: SPG LTP/IHG Pl/Hilton D/Shang-Taj D/VA Plat/QFClub/Hertz Pres/Avis Pres
Posts: 932
We usually spend 5 days in either Osaka or Kyoto, each trip,and make the train trip to the other once or twice. This year it's Kyoto, but mainly because I could get a five night stay there on points.
Jul 29, 2010, 6:06 pm
#172
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
Sounds like you might be using FWNs for either hotel. If that is the case book the SR then move to Westin if it becomes available. If you are being a Kyoto tourist of course the Westin is preferred. Remember also the SR will not have a Lounge. In Osaka being a tourist for culture is very limited versus Kyoto.
Sep 5, 2010, 7:35 pm
#173
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,041
We're planning a trip to Japan and I see that the Westin Kyoto has a "Recharge" rate for the nights we're looking for at 15,000 yen (incl. taxes) that includes breakfast and late checkout for a King Deluxe room. I am fairly tempted by this but haven't stayed at the Westin in many years and am still a little traumatized by memories of the unrenovated rooms. Neither my fiance nor I have any SPG status, so we will need to (gasp) pay to get what we want.
Booking a Deluxe should pretty much mean I get a decent room, right? (The same rate for the Superior is only 1,000 yen less so it definitely seems worth it to pay up a little.) And while the reservation only shows smoking as a choice, I'm assuming I have a pretty decent chance of a non-stinky room if I write a preference for non-smoking in the comments, and don't check in too late.
Thoughts/advice?
Booking a Deluxe should pretty much mean I get a decent room, right? (The same rate for the Superior is only 1,000 yen less so it definitely seems worth it to pay up a little.) And while the reservation only shows smoking as a choice, I'm assuming I have a pretty decent chance of a non-stinky room if I write a preference for non-smoking in the comments, and don't check in too late.
Thoughts/advice?
I took a status match to obtain SPG Gold and asked for the reservation and points to be credited to my account upon checkin. We were given a room on the 8th floor, overlooking the courtyard.
The room was on the small side and had a queen-sized bed and older 20" CRT TV. I'm not sure if this room constituted any sort of upgrade but it was unremarkable but clean and quiet.
The breakfast was exceptional and we enjoyed the Japanese and Western offerings. The staff were all very friendly and courteous and the free shuttle to/from the train station and Gion was a nice benefit.
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Sep 19, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Oct 17, 2010, 11:57 am
#174
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 26
Likelihood of getting upgrade as SPG Gold at Westin Miyako Kyoto
Traveling to Japan in early til mid December and am wondering about gold benefits at Westin Kyoto. Is breakfast automatic? Also odds of getting onto executive floor. Our stay should be before Xmas high season. Would it be worthwhile to email the GM? Haven't had much luck previously with SPG properties and special treatment even when we were plat. Although am loathe to say it, HH treats us better.
Would like to hear about others' experiences and advice to maximize our chances. Most interested in lounge access to save $$ on food.
Would like to hear about others' experiences and advice to maximize our chances. Most interested in lounge access to save $$ on food.
Oct 17, 2010, 7:58 pm
#175
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
I HIGHLY recommend contacting the Hotel via e-mail. At least you will know in advance what to expect as a Gold. Having just been in touch with the Hotel I can assure you they remain attentive and timely. There very soon.
Oct 19, 2010, 7:06 am
#176
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 26
No gold upgrade at westin kyoto......sad
well i wrote to the westin miyako kyoto to inquire about gold privileges and i almost wish i hadn't; no bennies and no chance of upgrade. i can use 15k points PER NIGHT to get onto the executive floor but i don't want to blow thru all our points as we will go to kauai in the spring and i have my eye on the st. regis princeville.
can any golds tell me if they have EVER gotten a nice upgrade at this property?
can any golds tell me if they have EVER gotten a nice upgrade at this property?
Oct 19, 2010, 11:19 am
#177
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 27
Thanks
Oct 20, 2010, 1:08 am
#178
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
[email protected]
This e-mail address gets quick response. In terms of contact that seems to change regularly here. So I just always start with this e-mail address. I think some golds have reported upgrades. A courteous request even at check-in always helps. No sure it will get you Lounge access.
This e-mail address gets quick response. In terms of contact that seems to change regularly here. So I just always start with this e-mail address. I think some golds have reported upgrades. A courteous request even at check-in always helps. No sure it will get you Lounge access.
Oct 20, 2010, 10:03 am
#179
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 27
Thanks, RTW.
Booked 2 Kasuien rooms (at 32,000Y and no breakfast!) for a family of 4. Had to convince them to spend a night in Kyoto. They originally intended to spend the whole trip (5 days) in Osaka.
Hoping Westin Kyoto would at least let them pop into the lounge at 10/11 th floor to take in the beautiful city view of Kyoto.
Booked 2 Kasuien rooms (at 32,000Y and no breakfast!) for a family of 4. Had to convince them to spend a night in Kyoto. They originally intended to spend the whole trip (5 days) in Osaka.
Hoping Westin Kyoto would at least let them pop into the lounge at 10/11 th floor to take in the beautiful city view of Kyoto.
Oct 20, 2010, 10:48 am
#180
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Japan
Programs: SPG>P & STARWOOD Privilege
Posts: 207
Hope your family enjoys their night stay in a great city...