I flew PR a330 (direct aisle access) few months back on SIN-MNL and it was really underwhelming. At least I just a bid, I would be pissed if I paid full price. And not speaking about horrible lounge in SIN that PR contracts.
Fortunately the transit experience will be much better as all of Philippine Airlines' international flights are housed in Terminal 1. Eventually all of their flights including domestic flights will be moved to Terminal 3. I actually still remember one of your first trip reports on a Cathay Pacific 744 way back in 2009 and the lounge had a small First Class section. Yep, we go way back. Northwest was still around when this blog and community became an (healthy) obsession. I'm literally here everyday first thing in the morning!
I hope you enjoy your trips, and it'd be nice if you can share your modes of transportation to and from the airport. It really helped me you mentioning taking the train to and from Nagoya-Centrair to the Mariott 12 years ago.
The Bulgari Tokyo is now by far my favorite city hotel in the world. The service is what really sets it apart in small details. For one, the ability to order complimentary breakfast (if rate or booking includes it) at any point over 24 hours is super useful for early risers or those facing jet lag. Another data point, my partner and I asked for directions to a store for shopping and a ground floor receptionist physically walked us all the way to a station while provide detailed directions. Last as an example, the concierge was a huge help when we discovered we had no means of streaming Studio Ghibli films to our in room tv as it requires a VPN in Japan and that wouldn’t allow it to connect to the room TV. We told them that morning and upon returning to the room that night an AppleTV had been installed allowing us to watch without issue.
The other point I found appreciative is how not nickle and dimey it felt as a hotel (especially compared to anything in the Marriott or Hyatt portfolio or even Four Seasons while still not being as expensive for similar offerings like Aman). All soft drinks in room are complimentary, fresh full pastries and the ripest fruit are delivered each evening along with endless still and sparkling water, and even your welcome drink can be a cocktail at the rooftop bar.
Other strengths are definitely the spa. The facility is simply world class between the hot plunges. Sauna, steam room, and lap pool with views of Tokyo Tower. If I had a critique it’s that I wish they had a cold plunge as well as a hot but that is minor. Massages while pricey are quite nice with small touches like being allowed to select preferred oils.
The leadership team is definitely Italian and you can feel that and that they take immense pride in Their work. My morning espresso one time wasn’t up to snuff and it was immediately corrected (to the point the manager jumped when I even mentioned to him and came sprinting over) and I can say overall the coffee was excellent. The main restaurant I didn’t dine in For any other meals but did have a bite at the bar upstairs which I will say was probably the biggest weak point. That said prices were reasonable (by NYC standards) and again service was excellent. The crowd can definitely be sceney so I’d always recommend the spa area before 9:30 am to avoid instagram crowds but even then I was almost always the only person there.
All in all it’s a world class hotel so really curious to see your thoughts on it.
Nice review, @ChazzaBazza. I think that given the high room rates at Bvlgari Hotels and the no redemptions from Bonvoy policy, it's great to hear that they don't nickel and dime you. I have never stayed at one of these properties but have found myself at the bar in Ginza on a couple different trips. I agree that the prices weren't bad and the service very good. I actually liked the light Italian bites they offer. If we are talking about the same upstairs bar, I would add that it's architecturally stunning. It has become one of my favorite lunch stops in Tokyo, particularly if in Ginza anyway.
Oh it’s absolutely gorgeous, my pomodoro pasta was just a bit underwhelming as was a burger but such is life. The free light bites were excellent and yeah it’s a one of one space, albeit it can get very windy. All in all it’s definitely worth a stay and I find it at $1300-1700 far more worth it than the ritz, edition or park Hyatt at 1-1.2k, or the Aman at $2-3k plus regularly, especially if can save with Chase Travel.
Jeez Chaz, what were you thinking having a burger and pasta when the very best of Japanese cuisine is right in front of you??
@Ben don't leave us hanging - we need reviews of your positioning flights to LAX and from Toronto! I'm going to guess AA economy on one, and Southwest on the other?
Can you credit to Qatar Privilege for Avios?
Loved the WA Osaka! It's not very Japanese, but it is a beautiful hotel. Glad to see it crack this year's extended list of the World's 50 Best. Would love to see a head to head comparison between it and Patina or Four Seasons. Any insight as to why the Osaka hotel market is priced so much lower than Kyoto's?
How can you possibly be in Tokyo and not check out the newly refurbished Park Hyatt? Pls consider extending one more night!
Friends don't let friends transit in MNL. Prepare for disaster as was my transit in June.
Can you elaborate?
Flying PAL J with infant this month. Keeping fingers crossed for last minute Starlux J.
Will you be taking the shinkansen or JL F from Tokyo to Osaka?
JL operates an internationally configured 777 from HND to ITM on some frequencies which is a treat.
Last month, I flew business class one-way on PAL from Da Nang-LAX for $1,941. It was the cheapest business class fare I could find and well worth it. However, I also had the same issue where I assumed I would receive Alaska points but found out later I was ineligible because I booked through PAL’s website instead of Alaska’s
FRA can give you 3 bus rides (off plane, inter terminal and back on) for a transfer so MNL needs to up their game if they want to stay worst.
When you fly out of NGO, you should check out the Flight of Dreams complex next to Terminal 2. ZA001, the first ever 787 built, is on static display there. You can get very close and peek at the cockpit.
Luxury Flight in the same building and Centrair's own shop in Terminal 1 pre-security sell some very interesting aviation merch, possibly exclusive to NGO... that's how I ended up with a decommissioned runway light and a keychain made with upholstery from the old Japanese Air Force One 747.
If you can spare an afternoon, Osaka Itami airport has an ampitheater facing the foot of the runway. It's pinned as "Senri River Bank" or 千里川土手 on Google Maps. If weather permits, I recommend it over the more popular terrace at the "ma-zika" park since the planes are much lower, going right over your head, and you have an unobstructed view.