Greetings from Kyoto

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On March 1st, the Westin Miyako Kyoto is leaving its category 4 roots behind and upgrading to category 5 stardom. They have graciously upgraded me to a Luxury Suite for my 5 night stay this week (at category 4 pricing, of course). I’d love to see this Westin stay a category 4 hotel but let’s be honest, if you have your own helipad, you deserve category 5.

IMG_0926Category 4 Helipad? Not for long.

Kyoto is an incredible place. My first sight of the city was awaking to a beautiful light snow. I’m off to go eat my face off at the complimentary breakfast buffet as a SPG Platinum member. Please stay tuned for my upcoming Japan trip report.

IMG_0925Light snow falling out the hotel window in Kyoto

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About alex

Alex loves to travel and does so a lot. Logging 100,000 flight miles each year over the past 4 years, Alex uses points and miles to power his passion. Alex is continuously striving to experience the far reaches of the globe. In his day job, Alex is a Management Consultant frequently on the road advising Technology organizations. I love thinking about, reading about, and talking about all things travel. Feel free to reach me at pmmalex@gmail.com

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Comments

  1. Have a great trip! I’m jealous as Kyoto is absolutely one of my favorite cities in the world. Looking forward to your trip report.

  2. Enjoy your trip. May I ask how you booked your nights and the original room type? I’m going in April but have not been able to confirm room for 3 adults on C&P. I’m a lowly gold, trying to complete a challenge to Plt prior to the trip

  3. Same here. Would love to get your itinerary suggestion keeping in mind SPG hotels and airline alliances.

  4. We had a great stay at the Westin Miyako Kyoto last year. I love the location on the hill and the views it affords.

    Have dinner at Okariba. It is walkable from the Westin — not super close, but walkable. You’ll know you’re there by the signs with hedgehog and a boar with a gun. …Only go if you like meat.

  5. @MNY – I booked a Superior room for 5 nights which costed 40K points (5th night free) through SPG.com. I intentionally chose a week that I knew would be low occupancy and was automatically upgraded to a Luxury Suite on the top floor.
    April is Cherry Blossom season in Kyoto so I would expect securing award space to be more difficult.
    Good Luck! They treat Platinum’s very well at this hotel!

  6. @ErinPW – Thanks for the suggestion! We set out to find that place last night but inevitably got lost like we have every day on this trip. 🙂 We may give it another whirl tonight.

  7. Readers- if you are planning a trip to the Westin Kyoto, search and find ( or ask for help, its hard to find) the fantastic walking trail hidden behind the hotel. Steep in some places but the have walking sticks at the bottom. I’ve forgotten which floor you exit to find it, but its worth the search.

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