Originally Posted By Gone4Good After all these years I caught a break and made my first trip to TDL. Suffice it to say, I'm not wasting my money on WDW anymore. I split my stay between the Hotel Mira Costa (The. Best. Disney. Hotel. Ever.) and the Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay. The Sheraton was, as I expected, pretty much of a business hotel. Has anyone else had an experience with the other "Offical" Hotels? And how is the Ambassador? It seems to be in a strange location.
Originally Posted By leemac I tend to stay in the Hilton Tokyo Bay with work when I'm at TDR - but only if I have early starts - my preferred hotel these days is the Conrad Tokyo. I am a diamond Hilton HHonors member so tend to get upgraded accommodation anyhow but I really like the Hilton - it is kinda quirky. The new rooms are very modern but the rest are fairly tired and worn but still comfortable. They have Japanese touches like the window shades. The food though is usually very good and the service is exceptional. I haven't tried the Sheraton before although I am holding a reservation for that one for next month (although I suspect I'll revert back to the Hilton). It always seems a lot more hectic than the Hilton. I love the Ambassador - beautiful interpretation on the Art Deco theme and it really has everything including great food, service and amenities. The location is the only downfall - a schlep through the hell that is Ikspiari to TDL or a back road walk for TDS. Neither is right.
Originally Posted By Mr X Lee, you've mentioned the Conrad a few times now...may I ask you what is so special about that place to you? And also, where is it located (I've honestly never heard of it except for LP, thus the curiosity). I've got very limited experience with Japanese hotels, but just for the record I've stayed at the Brighton and the New Otani Makkuhari, so I'd be curious to learn why the Conrad is better/worse, or anyway why you feel it is so cool (ulterior motive, I'm always looking to recommend "the best" hotel to friends and family, and usually it ends up being the Urayasu Brighton all things considered).
Originally Posted By leemac I've found the Conrad brand to really be exceptional - it is effectively Hilton's take on the Four Seasons/Ritz-Carlton model and I find they really strike the right balance with hospitality, modernity and comfort. They aren't as stuffy as either the Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton IMHO - I spent months hunkered down in the Conrad Hong Kong around HKDL's opening and it really was home away from home. Conrad Tokyo only opened a few years back in the new Shiodome complex that is anchored by Dentsu and Panasonic. It is about the most tasteful modern hotel I've ever stayed in - think W without being over the top. Plus it has about the finest French restaurant I've ever eaten at in Asia - Gordon Ramsay's (he is an absolute master at the tasting menu). The view is also pretty astounding. It just all works - I tend to avoid Japanese hotels as I like Western service and hospitality and being a vegetarian I need to know that I can get food I like - asking for veggie in a Japanese hotel usually involves fish. I'd definitely recommend it - quick and easy to Maihama too without the hassle of dealing with tourists.
Originally Posted By Mr X Thanks for the informal review, Lee. Much appreciated! Sounds like a great place! **asking for veggie in a Japanese hotel usually involves fish.** This I can well imagine! As I truly hate fish (no allergy, just hate it), I often resort to saying "I'm allergic to fish) in an attempt to avoid seafood on my plate. But once they took away one fish dish (at an izakaya, the opening menu which I'm sure you're well aware), only to kindly replace it with another dish with REALLY TEENY TINY FISH (I guess they figured I wouldn't notice lol). It's pretty scary, if one were to really HAVE a fish allergy. I think being a vegetarian in Japan must be very, very difficult!
Originally Posted By Mr X **I often resort to saying "I'm allergic to fish) in an attempt to avoid seafood on my plate.** And even when I resort to screwy punctuation, it doesn't usually work!
Originally Posted By leemac ^^ It has definitely got easier over the years generally but TDR is an odd one - from one menu change to another the resort can go from having a veggie option on almost every menu to having nothing ('05 was particularly bad for some reason). I tend to snack a lot when I go to TDR as that is more veggie friendly than the full service places. I also don't find the food to be exceptional anywhere - nothing on the same scale as California Grill at WDW or Napa Rose at DLR. You should take a look at the Conrad. That whole Shiodome development is actually pretty nice - although no Roppongi Hills. And don't go dragging me into a certain other thread - I can feel my relationship with a certain poster being called upon.
Originally Posted By Mr X Eh? Not trying to drag anyone into anything, to be honest. I'm actually more getting less involved at this point (I chimed in here just because I was curious about that hotel). If I brought up your name (?) I apologize. Anyway, thanks much for the info!
Originally Posted By leemac <<Eh? Not trying to drag anyone into anything, to be honest.>> You mentioned in a certain other thread about the experience of one LP-er trying to arrange a meet at TDR with a former LP-er - I'm surprised no-one has mentioned my experiences with the same former LP-er.
Originally Posted By Gone4Good Thank you for the responses. I’ve heard good things about the Conrad hotels in general, but my points are in Starwood. Funny how easily those dumb customer loyalty programs work. Also I find commuting to TDR, even though I know it's easy, is far closer to “real life†then I want when I’m on vacation. I found the Sheraton to be a nice hotel. While I was staying the hotel hosted a huge sales conference. All those hundreds of young Japanese office workers running around in suits really gave the place an “office complex†feel. The advantages though include great views of Tokyo Bay or the parks and very easy access to Bayside Station (a two minute walk or a bus ride if it was raining). It’s funny that everyone brings up seafood as well. I too don’t eat it, no real allergies; I just can’t get it down. I found both parks food service to be varied and very good compared to Disneyland or WDW. The variety is so good that snacking is the best way to go just to enjoy all the different offerings. Although I wasn’t quite up to attempting theme park Mexican food in Japan… The only “fine†dining experience was in the SS Columbia Dining Room. I found it to be equal to or better than domestic “full service†Disney in-park restaurants and the service many, many times beyond even the best “resort†Disney restaurant.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<I find commuting to TDR, even though I know it's easy, is far closer to “real life†then I want when I’m on vacation.>> I find Tokyo and TDR so exciting that I really don't care much about the hotel. But also, I am poor, so I can't afford to stay at a real one. LOL. The last time I was in Tokyo, I stayed in what amounted to a prison cell, but it was less than $25.00/night. Next time I go, I think I'll try this place in Asakusa: <a href="http://kshouse.jp/tokyo-e/index.html" target="_blank">http://kshouse.jp/tokyo-e/inde x.html</a>
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<I also don't find the food to be exceptional anywhere - nothing on the same scale as California Grill at WDW or Napa Rose at DLR.>> I don't know about that. My experience at Magellan's was just as good as any I've had at Napa Rose. Victoria & Albert's may be the best Disney meal I've had when it comes to food. To be honest, I don't find any Disney restaurant to be exceptional anymore- especially not after partaking in a gourmet tour with an epicurean friend (he's a diehard foodie, I can tell you that). Once you've dined at a Michelin rated place, your perception of food really changes.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Not sure about that. I have dined in several Michelin restaurants, and the Napa Rose is still my fav restaurant in the world!
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan May I ask why it's your favorite? I love the Napa Rose, but it doesn't even compare to some of the best dining experiences I've had. The food, service, and quality are all top notch for a Disney restaurant, but they pale in comparison to Michelin starred restaurants in my opinion. Most food critics/foodies will agree with the statement that Napa Rose is the best restaurant in Orange County, but that's about it.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***You mentioned in a certain other thread about the experience of one LP-er trying to arrange a meet at TDR with a former LP-er - I'm surprised no-one has mentioned my experiences with the same former LP-er. *** Oh, I see. That actually hadn't even occurred to me. Don't worry, I won't be talking more about that situation I don't think (and I don't have any intention of bringing anyone else into it). Thanks for the info on the Conrad!
Originally Posted By Mr X ***I also don't find the food to be exceptional anywhere - nothing on the same scale as California Grill at WDW or Napa Rose at DLR.*** Yes, I'd agree that the food isn't particularly exceptional anywhere at TDR, however I think it is very consistant (quality-wise) and yummy, with good variety (I'm not a vegetarian though, so I don't need to contend with that). If you're looking for an exceptional experience as a vegetarian, you might want to try the Brighton steakhouse on the top floor (teppanyaki). SuperDry took some vegetarians there and he said it was great.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< If you're looking for an exceptional experience as a vegetarian, you might want to try the Brighton steakhouse on the top floor (teppanyaki). SuperDry took some vegetarians there and he said it was great. >>> So true. It's only one JR stop away from TDR, and is probably the best teppanyaki / Kobe beef experience I've ever had. I went with a group of about 8 or 9 people, and 3 of them were vegetarian to one degree or another. With the help of Mr X, we made reservations and I called the day before the reservation to go over the vegetarian issues. A lot of places aren't set up very well to deal with vegetarians, and sometimes you end up with just a vegetable platter of some sort, plus in Japan as has been mentioned, you can end up with fish. They seemed to know that from a Western point of view, "vegetarian" can mean many things, and all they could know for sure was "no beef." So, they asked lots of questions of the vegetarians in my group: Can you have fish? Can you have eggs? Can you have dairy products? The answers were a bit different for the different folks in my group, and they made note of the responses. The normal teppanyaki meal at the Brighton has several courses, and for the vegetarians they really made an effort to provide an experience as close to the regular one. Everyone got to participate in each course, and with something that was as close to the normal fare while still meeting their dietary requirements. They really did go the extra mile, and everyone in the group was impressed. And by Kobe beef / teppanyaki standards, it really wasn't that expensive either. It was probably half the price of what I paid before in town and was a better experience. I'd highly recommend this restaurant to any TDR visitor, but especially the vegetarians. Just be sure to call the day before and make reservations, as they might have to do special shopping for you.
Originally Posted By leemac ^^ Thanks for the tip SD! I haven't visited the Brighton before. When we are working we tend to go to the mall one stop away from Maihama or eat in town. Will definitely need to try that one. Not sure how long my stay is next month but it will be long enough that I will quickly run out of places to eat at TDR! <<Yes, I'd agree that the food isn't particularly exceptional anywhere at TDR, however I think it is very consistant (quality-wise) and yummy, with good variety (I'm not a vegetarian though, so I don't need to contend with that).>> It is just a shame that they don't have a real signature dining place. Magellan's is very average and I've never heard anyone rave about the food (obviously the setting is something very different). The MiraCosta places like Oceano and Silk Road are also overpriced and not particularly great. I also always find the service to be adequate but never exceptional. Plus wine is always cold - I hate cold red wine!
Originally Posted By leemac I always smile to myself when I hear someone use the term foodie and rely on Michelin stars. Personally I use Zagats - I would much rather hear from other diners than a select group of French reviewers that (surprise, surprise) tend to offer three stars to French restaurants disproportionately. Food is 100% subjective and the notion that any one particular individual whether civilian or professional reviewer would have any better viewpoint than another is nonsense. I love The Farmhouse Inn in Sonoma Co, CA. Incredible food in a rustic setting (it is also my favourite hotel in the region). But it will never compete with French Laundry which is overblown IMO. Michelin stars typically only equal tough reservations and overpriced menus. Per Se in NYC is a perfect example - although it is a Zagat and Michelin favourite c.$175 per menu is extortionate. And Napa Rose is that good - Zagat reviewers love it.
Originally Posted By leemac I always smile to myself when I hear someone use the term foodie and rely on Michelin stars. Personally I use Zagats - I would much rather hear from other diners than a select group of French reviewers that (surprise, surprise) tend to offer three stars to French restaurants disproportionately. Food is 100% subjective and the notion that any one particular individual whether civilian or professional reviewer would have any better viewpoint than another is nonsense. I love The Farmhouse Inn in Sonoma Co, CA. Incredible food in a rustic setting (it is also my favourite hotel in the region). But it will never compete with French Laundry which is overblown IMO. Michelin stars typically only equal tough reservations and overpriced menus. Per Se in NYC is a perfect example - although it is a Zagat and Michelin favourite c.$175 per menu is extortionate. And Napa Rose is that good - Zagat reviewers love it.
