@@MandyRoams haha it was, and also thanks for also including the points. How far in advance did you book to get availability? I’m going in October and there’s no spots left 😔
IIRC, we booked a month or two out. Make sure to look 1 night (or maybe 2) at a time, since it could be specific dates that work and others that don't. I feel like hotel hopping in Kyoto isn't too bad vs. other cities.
Okay had Sebby look right now and we see following dates (where date is the night you start, for 1 night): 14, 15, 17, 24... so if you're fine with last minute (and maybe staying somewhere else if needed) then might be worth a gamble?
This is another dream hotel I want to stay at in Kyoto. Enjoying the reviews of your Kyoto stays. By the way, it’s called Ramen Miyako, which I’m putting on my list for next trip.
After watching the lunch reveal, I'm thinking Sebby isn't wearing glasses, they're protective eyewear for meals with you.🤣 The lunch looked like a great meal and the hotel looked excellent too.👍
My husband and I stayed at the PH Kyoto on our honeymoon (on Hyatt points collected from SUBs and UR transfers) and LOVED it. I think it's our favorite hotel in the world. This video was so fun to watch, it was interesting to see how the hotel's service has evolved since we visited in early 2023. Random, but where did you get the jumpsuit you're wearing in most of the video? It looks like a great travel outfit!
Thank you so much for this video, I’m excited for my stay there too coming up this October, but I choose the In Room Japanese Breakfast..yes, I booked it 13 months in advance for 40,000 hyatt points…dang, it’s just 30k before…
Love seeing the hotel review and room, super helpful! Please figure out how to properly zoom in on the food, many shots were blurry, this would help your review! (Even b-roll with voiceover would allow you to focus and not worry about the description!)
Which shots or time in the video? :) For some of it, the "focus point" is definitely not ideal and needs to be improved (i.e., 12:59 is a definitely bad focusing on Sebby's end). Other ones (11:58 12:50 12:52 etc.) are intentional through the camera. For reference, we're shooting with a Sony FX3 and usually either a 16-35 GM2 or 24-70 GM2. Same setup as a lot of other food creators: th-cam.com/video/5kqLw96xOJA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=xpvX5UnUaF2E2W-l&t=335 I know other creators use their phone for the close up shots, so maybe that would be preferred? th-cam.com/video/TzfplBTCy2Y/w-d-xo.htmlsi=sFUh5XR1mbUOIAt4&t=591 Figured we would do the "artistic" way though but LMK :)
Thanks for this informative video. I unfortunately didn't get availability at 13 month release for my upcoming Japan trip, so I will have to try and book the PH Kyoto at the cancellation window. Not holding out hope for it though since my dates are peak Cherry Blossom season next year. Did you have trouble with restaurants in Kyoto? Are reservations really a must do? Do the restaurant workers speak English there?
Cherry Blossom is going to be super tough. I would also check 1 month out as well, since they'll sometimes drop space if there's excess (but yeah, tough for your timing). English seemed fine for everything. Some good places are cash only, but English was fine. Lots of good food, so not really any "must eats" -- extra supplement breakfast at PH is worth it but yeah, tons of good ramen and matcha places (check Tablelog for 3.5+). Maybe unpopular opinion, but I would avoid Nishiki Market. It's fine to visit, but food is pretty meh outside of some items (egg, tofu, matcha). All the meat and seafood was overpriced and like... so-so quality.
Great video. Very informative and it helps with my planning for my upcoming 3 night stay in Oct. When you booked using points was there any additional services fees at check-in? Other than the Occupancy Tax.
🐕 Sweet video! My girlfriend and I are planning a trip for late 2025. Out of all the hotels bookable with points in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, which were your guys’ favorites? Debating on where and how to splurge with our Amex and Chase points 😅
PH Kyoto is worth it in my opinion, especially transferring from UR. I heard really good things about PH Osaka as well. Hopefully your stay is timed with the PH Tokyo reopening. For Marriott ones, I'd probably grab the Amex Bonvoy Brilliant (both get one) for the 85k certificates. Maybe too late for the 2025 trip but useful for future ones. I have a tough time transferring 85k Chase to Marriott, for 1 night at Ritz, when that's 2 nights at a PH. Probably Amex for your flights (to ANA).
thanks for the video/review! Out of curiosity, after seeing your other videos for hotels in Kyoto, how would you rank the PH/Hotel Mitsui/Ritz Kyoto? Thanks!
All of them are amazing it depends on the area you want to be in. I liked PH > Ritz > Hotel The Mitsui. Sebby liked PH > Hotel The Mitsui > Ritz. But they're all good :) Sebby's analogy was "you're comparing LeBron, Curry, Durant... can't really go wrong with any of them!"
🐕 You guys have done as many reviews of Michelin key hotels as anyone I’ve seen. What are you finding are the common threads for the Michelin key experience?
Amazing soft product (staff is friendly and happy). Good or unique locations. Strong hard products (nice lobby, gym, pool/spa). Lots of nice little touches that you notice even afterwards (when doing the edit!). Put simply, the hotel is part of the experience vs. just "somewhere to sleep at night" Same idea with how some meals are just meals to get full, while others are full on adventures for your mouth :)
🐕 I would love to stay there next year for our family trip to Japan. 1 Question , I know AmeX points will help with Hyatt but as far as flights to Japan from SFO, should I try to accumulate AmEx point or Chase UR points ? I have the AmEx platinum and gold and CSR and Ink Cash.
Chase points transfer to Hyatt. So that's the best bet on that side. Amex points transfer to ANA and easier to book ANA J (F is pretty much impossible for a family).
I think repeat visits, in general, never feel as great as the first time. We noticed this even with otherwise great hotels (Conrad Bora Bora, Miraval Arizona, etc.) We did Hyatt Regency for a night but it was pretty meh (basically just a place to sleep, more than anything) Will try the Hyatt Place next time :)
These videos make me want to travel soooo much. ❤
You should! :)
Great review👍
Your palate truly knows quality food. Another very nice video 👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Thanks 😋 Definitely on the pickier side but glad it's useful here haha
You and Seb really love to enjoy Japan. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for watching (DJ?) :)
Fantastic video, I like how you guys left part about hitting the screen door lol and behind the scenes/bloopers nice touch/finish
Yeah, was debating on removing the embarrassing parts lol. Glad it's entertaining at least 😅
@@MandyRoams haha it was, and also thanks for also including the points. How far in advance did you book to get availability? I’m going in October and there’s no spots left 😔
IIRC, we booked a month or two out. Make sure to look 1 night (or maybe 2) at a time, since it could be specific dates that work and others that don't. I feel like hotel hopping in Kyoto isn't too bad vs. other cities.
Okay had Sebby look right now and we see following dates (where date is the night you start, for 1 night): 14, 15, 17, 24... so if you're fine with last minute (and maybe staying somewhere else if needed) then might be worth a gamble?
@@MandyRoams sorry forgot to respond, you and Sebby are too nice to check for me. Thank you so much, looking forward to your next video
This is another dream hotel I want to stay at in Kyoto. Enjoying the reviews of your Kyoto stays. By the way, it’s called Ramen Miyako, which I’m putting on my list for next trip.
Solid ramen 😋
I was there in March. Definitely an experience and I left with a lot of toiletry kits. We got the custom gin😊
Awesome! :)
bucket list! love the video!
Thank you! :)
Fantastic video, thank you so much for the recommendation.
Glad you liked it :)
Mandy is so cute, 😂 I like you commentating 😊
😅 Hoping it's in a good way haha
After watching the lunch reveal, I'm thinking Sebby isn't wearing glasses, they're protective eyewear for meals with you.🤣 The lunch looked like a great meal and the hotel looked excellent too.👍
😅 Maybe I should have taken those out lol
My husband and I stayed at the PH Kyoto on our honeymoon (on Hyatt points collected from SUBs and UR transfers) and LOVED it. I think it's our favorite hotel in the world. This video was so fun to watch, it was interesting to see how the hotel's service has evolved since we visited in early 2023.
Random, but where did you get the jumpsuit you're wearing in most of the video? It looks like a great travel outfit!
Glad you loved it as well! Not a jumpsuit, but clothes are mainly from Athleta's Brooklyn Line :)
@@MandyRoams Thanks! I should've known, I love Athleta :D
Surprisingly underrated imo haha
Thank you so much for this video, I’m excited for my stay there too coming up this October, but I choose the In Room Japanese Breakfast..yes, I booked it 13 months in advance for 40,000 hyatt points…dang, it’s just 30k before…
Glad you locked it in :)
Love seeing the hotel review and room, super helpful! Please figure out how to properly zoom in on the food, many shots were blurry, this would help your review! (Even b-roll with voiceover would allow you to focus and not worry about the description!)
Which shots or time in the video? :) For some of it, the "focus point" is definitely not ideal and needs to be improved (i.e., 12:59 is a definitely bad focusing on Sebby's end). Other ones (11:58 12:50 12:52 etc.) are intentional through the camera.
For reference, we're shooting with a Sony FX3 and usually either a 16-35 GM2 or 24-70 GM2.
Same setup as a lot of other food creators: th-cam.com/video/5kqLw96xOJA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=xpvX5UnUaF2E2W-l&t=335
I know other creators use their phone for the close up shots, so maybe that would be preferred? th-cam.com/video/TzfplBTCy2Y/w-d-xo.htmlsi=sFUh5XR1mbUOIAt4&t=591
Figured we would do the "artistic" way though but LMK :)
🐕couldnt do the shibu emoji, but this makes me miss that breakfast and property such good service.
Loved the breakfast! :)
@@MandyRoams also those chips were good didn't sweat as much as sebby though I should have brought some back.
Haha, he bought a few spicy seasoning packs. Didn't realize that the Tokyo airports sold the same brand in the duty free shops.
Thanks for this informative video. I unfortunately didn't get availability at 13 month release for my upcoming Japan trip, so I will have to try and book the PH Kyoto at the cancellation window. Not holding out hope for it though since my dates are peak Cherry Blossom season next year.
Did you have trouble with restaurants in Kyoto? Are reservations really a must do? Do the restaurant workers speak English there?
Cherry Blossom is going to be super tough. I would also check 1 month out as well, since they'll sometimes drop space if there's excess (but yeah, tough for your timing).
English seemed fine for everything. Some good places are cash only, but English was fine. Lots of good food, so not really any "must eats" -- extra supplement breakfast at PH is worth it but yeah, tons of good ramen and matcha places (check Tablelog for 3.5+).
Maybe unpopular opinion, but I would avoid Nishiki Market. It's fine to visit, but food is pretty meh outside of some items (egg, tofu, matcha). All the meat and seafood was overpriced and like... so-so quality.
Great video. Very informative and it helps with my planning for my upcoming 3 night stay in Oct.
When you booked using points was there any additional services fees at check-in? Other than the Occupancy Tax.
No fees, outside of the breakfast surcharge (if you opt for the Japanese Breakfast).
🐕 Sweet video! My girlfriend and I are planning a trip for late 2025. Out of all the hotels bookable with points in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, which were your guys’ favorites? Debating on where and how to splurge with our Amex and Chase points 😅
PH Kyoto is worth it in my opinion, especially transferring from UR. I heard really good things about PH Osaka as well. Hopefully your stay is timed with the PH Tokyo reopening.
For Marriott ones, I'd probably grab the Amex Bonvoy Brilliant (both get one) for the 85k certificates. Maybe too late for the 2025 trip but useful for future ones.
I have a tough time transferring 85k Chase to Marriott, for 1 night at Ritz, when that's 2 nights at a PH.
Probably Amex for your flights (to ANA).
thanks for the video/review!
Out of curiosity, after seeing your other videos for hotels in Kyoto, how would you rank the PH/Hotel Mitsui/Ritz Kyoto? Thanks!
All of them are amazing it depends on the area you want to be in. I liked PH > Ritz > Hotel The Mitsui.
Sebby liked PH > Hotel The Mitsui > Ritz.
But they're all good :) Sebby's analogy was "you're comparing LeBron, Curry, Durant... can't really go wrong with any of them!"
🐕🦺looks pretty nice
Glad you like it David :D
🐕 You guys have done as many reviews of Michelin key hotels as anyone I’ve seen. What are you finding are the common threads for the Michelin key experience?
Amazing soft product (staff is friendly and happy). Good or unique locations. Strong hard products (nice lobby, gym, pool/spa). Lots of nice little touches that you notice even afterwards (when doing the edit!).
Put simply, the hotel is part of the experience vs. just "somewhere to sleep at night"
Same idea with how some meals are just meals to get full, while others are full on adventures for your mouth :)
🐕 I would love to stay there next year for our family trip to Japan. 1 Question , I know AmeX points will help with Hyatt but as far as flights to Japan from SFO, should I try to accumulate AmEx point or Chase UR points ? I have the AmEx platinum and gold and CSR and Ink Cash.
for flights we transfer from AMEX to ANA better odds of getting a business class flight from SFO
Chase points transfer to Hyatt. So that's the best bet on that side. Amex points transfer to ANA and easier to book ANA J (F is pretty much impossible for a family).
Yep, Amex to ANA is the best bet right now, especially given VS prices increasing.
Gion is pronounced with a hard g.
🐕🐕🐕
🐱🐱🐱
I liked it when it first opened, but the novelty has kind of worn off. In fact, location-wise, I almost like the Hyatt Place much better.
We have two days at the HP Kyoto coming up. Any tips?
I think repeat visits, in general, never feel as great as the first time. We noticed this even with otherwise great hotels (Conrad Bora Bora, Miraval Arizona, etc.)
We did Hyatt Regency for a night but it was pretty meh (basically just a place to sleep, more than anything)
Will try the Hyatt Place next time :)
Let me know how you like the HP Re3 :)
@@MandyRoams We just checked into PH Niseko. Got upgraded to the 1 BR residence with onsen. Is that a good upgrade?
@@MandyRoams And will do on the HP!