bocastephen

+1

I am looking at booking this hotel for a non-status client, so amenities are not important, but if the renovations are causing noise, dust and other disruptions I need to steer them to another hotel. Has anyone been at the hotel recently who can comment?

UAworldwide

I stayed here with my girlfriend for 2 nights in mid August. We heard absolutely no noise when we were in our room, or at any other time in the hotel. Dust not really either. But the lobby is in a temporary location, and to reach some rooms you have to take one elevator up, walk along the hotel, and then take another elevator up to your room. Everything is handled really well, very pleasant staff and walking with you and making sure your luggage is transported.

We were there also during the typhoon Krosa, so that could have been why less actual construction....

It does look like that when they are finished, the newly renovated hotel will be superb. We had already a remodeled room with a balcony over looking the city. The rooms maintain their 1970s large size, but updated with all modern amenities (power ports, USB charging, etc). Everything that can be expected of a lovely 5* Japanese hotel.

We got briefly lost coming back to the hotel from the metro stop, and we ended up walking through what will actually be the new entrance and lobby, even though now it is a construction site.

The lounge is open for evening snacks and drinks, in a suite room. Snacks are snacks, very tasty (but it's not dinner) and drinks are flowing later than snacks, I can't remember exactly, maybe until 10pm. Snacks are from 6 to 8pm.

Breakfast is in a ballroom with a nice view over Kyoto city. You can have breakfast there, if you should qualify for breakfast in the lounge (lounge is not open for breakfast). This is the only breakfast option during construction. You can take any of the options from the breakfast, they offer buffet or Japanese "set breakfast." I guess you could even do both, it's all available. Buffet breakfast has so many items from western and Japanese cuisine available.

There is a bar open, and another restaurant open for dinner.

The shuttle bus still runs to/from the train station with some additional stops.

tripmaster

Can someone post pictures and review the renovated rooms? I'd love to have another great Starriott option here!

s_yvr

No reservations available past March. Is this hotel leaving the program?

s_yvr

Still unable to book past March. Does anyone have an up to date email for this property? Are they closing next year?

Marriott Bonvoy Lurker II

Hi s_yvr,

We have called the hotel and the hotel advised that they had not yet set up the rate past March next year.

You may email the hotel at [email protected] and they are happy to offer a rate to you.

Best Regards,

Christina Zhou
Specialist, Social Media
Marriott International

[email protected]

s_yvr

Thanks!

JapanFlyerT

Used the free night from my Chase card for the first time to stay at the Westin (rate was around 38,000yen or $350).

Room had a garden view, which wasn't thrilling, as there is very little to see except some trees a few meters from the window. There were some signs saying the garden area was closed due to construction, but no workers that we could see or hear on a Saturday or Sunday.

When I asked they offered a city view, but that was a twin so we stayed with the room we had.

We were pleasently surprised that a very nice buffet breakfast was included (I am just a Silver). It was one of the best spreads I have seen in a while, with plenty of locally-focused dishes.

I suspect this benefit was due to the hotel nearing the end of it's extensive renovation, but I wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Our room was a typical Westin, large by Japanese standards. Everything appeared quite new, so I am guessing we got a renovated room.

We also got a 5,000 off coupon good for next year, once renovations are complete.

Shuttle to and from Kyoto station is quite helpful.

ORD-TGU

Can anyone please share some tips or experiences for use of Shuttle.
I will email hotel for more information, but I need transportation from Kyoto Train station to hotel. Then I will also use shuttle for sightseeing during my 3 night stay.
TIA!

JapanFlyerT

The shuttle runs 3 times per hour from the station to the hotel and back. I don't think they allow shuttle reservations.

On the way from the hotel to Kyoto station you can jump off the shuttle at Gion or Sanjo, but you cannot get on the shuttle to return to the hotel via shuttle.

From Gion, there are taxis for \1000 or so, or you can walk it in 45 minutes. Also the subway gets you close to the hotel.

Bicycles are a good way to get around the city too.

ORD-TGU

Great info, Thanks!

thesun

Just stayed for 4 days around New Year's.

We used the shuttle on checkout, they have a list to sign up for a spot as seats are limited, though we were the only guests using it when we left. Quick ride to Kyoto Station when there is no traffic.

When we arrived for checkin, we took JR from Kyoto Station to Yamashina, and then the Tozai Line to Keage which is just outside the hotel. Easy to do if you're familiar with taking the train in Japan. We didn't try to use the shuttle on arrival as when we arrived the transit time for taking the train was much shorter than the time to drive according to Google Maps.

We never used the shuttle for sightseeing trips. It was always easier and more flexible to walk (quite a bit is nearby), or take a train / train + bus, but we are also very familiar with Japan and Kyoto in particular.

northsideguy

Deleted

Msmcmotown

Looks like they're now taking reservations online through end of year, with mixture of standard and peak cat 5 rates.

eethan

Does anyone know the hotel's email address? I asked [email protected] whether I can forward my luggage directly to the hotel's front desk. No response after two days.