Hotel in Tokyo
My wife and I will be traveling to Japan for our first time, and doing the Essence of Japan, starting 6/1. We want to come a couple of days earlier, so I called Tauck for help. The tour is booked at the Shangri-La of Tokyo hotel starting 6/1, but we're arriving on 5/30 (two days earlier). I called the Shangri-La and they have no rooms in the same category as the tour available. The only option was a "Deluxe Imprerial Garden" room at a nightly cost starting at around $850, so the two nights would cost us $1700, and we'd have to change rooms when the tour group arrives. Tauck apparently has no pull with the hotel, and can't recommend any other nearby hotels.
So it seems we have the choice of paying $1700, or finding another hotel on our own and hoping it's OK. I'm a little disappointed in Tauck and the lack of helpfulness. Surely we can't be the only ones who ever came in a couple of days early?
Does anyone have any suggestions for us here? Thank you - we've never been to Japan and don't really know much!
Comments
If you look at the new Sakura Seas Small Ship Cruise, Tauck also uses the Mandarin Oriental and Palace Hotel for that trip so you could look into those to see if they have availability. I don't know how far they are from Shangri-La but you can look that up. That said, I would recommend booking whatever Shangri-La has available to avoid the hassle of moving hotels. Maybe you will get lucky and they will allow you to remain in that room for the duration of your stay. If not, just don't fully unpack so you are able to move rooms quickly. You actually won't have to do much of anything as the bellmen will take the lead in transferring your things to the new room.
Thanks. Is it customary to tip the bellmen or other staff in Japan? In the US, we tip everyone (too much, but that's what it is!)
Best thing to do is reserve the pre-stay rooms at the same time you make the tour reservation with Tauck. I've never had a problem booking pre- or post- stays and have never had to change rooms. Timing is everything.............
Geneobrien. Is this your first Tauck tour? If not, you are entitled to a free pre or post stay at those hotels once you have taken one Tauck tour in the past. You must ask at booking and can add the extra day you mention too, so you can get it at the Tauck price which includes breakfasts. Of course too late now, As mentioned, you might remain in the same room. On land tours we rarely unpack anyway and we use packing cubes so it’s easy. If you want a cheaper hotel, try some of the Japanese hotels which will be cheaper…and no you won’t be sleeping on the futons, there are European style rooms.
There is no need for any tipping in Japan, it is just not their custom and if you try, it’s like an insult to them. It’s a good idea to read about Japanese life as it is nothing like ours. Japan is my favorite country, I’ve been there three times s and would go again in a heartbeat. I hope I can.
geneobrien
I would call Tauck again, one more time, maybe you get a nice agent that it is willing to help.
Another option would be to stay at the Tokyo train station Hotel across the street from Shangri- it looks very nice.
but if you want peace of mind, stay at the Shangri and pay the $1.7K -
You might want to check Booking.com and see if they have rooms avail. $$ will be less for sure.
You might also note it’s the start of the rainy season in Gokyo
From google
, it rains frequently in Tokyo during June, as it marks the start of the tsuyu (plum rain) season. Expect roughly 12 to 15 rainy days throughout the month, with high humidity and temperatures ranging between
While it is rarely an all-day downpour, persistent, light rain is common.
Key Takeaways for June:
Weather: It is hot, humid, and humid (above 80% humidity), making it feel warmer than the actual temperature.
Rain Pattern: The rainy season usually begins in early June and lasts until mid-July.
Packing: Bring a sturdy umbrella, waterproof shoes, and light, breathable clothing.
Highlights: Despite the rain, it is a beautiful time to see blooming hydrangeas (ajisai) in parks like Ueno Park and Takahata Fudoson Temple
Concur with Goddess that you always want to request extra days at the Tauck hotel as soon as possible. As long as you haven't made the final tour payment and it turns out you don't need them just call Tauck and have them removed at no cost.
Yes rainy season is fun in Japan. Lived there 2 years and rains would come with little warning. I used to walk between 2 offices a few minutes away and always carried an umbrella for sudden downpours.