How to Find Out Which Hotel Card Is Right for a Trip to Tokyo

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    Million Mile Secrets reader Jenny commented:

    Hi,

    I have a trip to Tokyo planned in December. Which cards would you recommend that I apply for to help with accommodations on that trip?

    Thanks!

    Which Tokyo Hotels Can Jenny Stay in for Free?

    Jenny wants to know which credit cards she should get to have Big Travel with Small Money for a trip to Tokyo, Japan.

    How to Find Out Which Hotel Card Is Right for You Series:

    Test Searches

    You should do dummy searches on the hotel websites before you apply for a hotel credit card to check:

    If you find it’s not possible to book a room with points, don’t give up!  If a hotel is not sold out, you might find award rooms closer to the time of your stay.  So keep checking back!

    Tokyo

    Let’s say Jenny is going to Tokyo in December and wants to use points to pay for hotel rooms.  Her 1st step is to see which hotels are in Tokyo, Japan.

    Best Western, Choice, Club Carlson, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG Rewards, Marriott, and Starwood, all have hotels in Tokyo, Japan.

    Wyndham does not, so you shouldn’t apply for a credit card from them IF your goal is free hotel rooms in Tokyo, Japan.

    Consider Wyndham for trips to other countries including the US, Mexico, Germany, and China.  

    Step 1 – Search for Hotels

    Jenny is staying 7 nights, from December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014.  She has the following choices:

    A.   Best Western

    There is only 1 Best Western hotel in Tokyo, Japan, the Best Western Shinjuku Astina Hotel Tokyo.

    The Best Western Shinjuku Astina Hotel Tokyo is 5 minutes from the subway and is in the Shinjuku district.  It is a 10 minute walk to the Takashimaya Times Square.

    Best Western doesn’t have traditional hotel categories, instead they offer 3 hotel types:

    The Best Western Shinjuku Astina Hotel Tokyo is a Best Western hotel and costs 28,000 Best Western points per night.

    The cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$104 per night including taxes for Visa and MasterCard holders.

    The Best Western Shinjuku Astina Hotel Tokyo Is a 5 Minute Walk From the Subway

    Best Western Card

    Jenny gets Gold elite status with the Best Western credit card and Diamond status after spending $10,000 in a calendar year.

    B.   Choice

    Jenny Has Many Choices When She Choose Choice Hotels

    The Choice website shows 4 Choice hotels in Tokyo, Japan:

    There Are 4 “Choice” Hotels in Tokyo, Japan

    Like Best Western hotels, Choice hotels don’t have traditional hotel categories.  Choice does NOT have a traditional award chart.

    Redemptions at Choice hotels range from 6,000 Choice points to 35,000 Choice points.  And the point cost can change depending on the time of year or hotel demand.  Jenny has to check each hotel to see how many Choice points are needed for her stay.

    1.   Comfort Hotel Tokyo Kanda 

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Comfort Hotel Tokyo Kanda costs 8,000 Choice points a night.  The Comfort Inn Tokyo Kanda is in the Chiyoda-ku district and a 27 minute subway ride to the Imperial Palace.  It will take Jenny 6 minutes to walk to the subway from the Comfort Hotel Tokyo Kanda.

    2.   Comfort Hotel Tokyo Higashi Nihombashi

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Comfort Hotel Tokyo Higashi Nihombashi costs 8,000 Choice points a night.

    The Comfort Inn Tokyo Higashi Nihombashi is in the Chuo-ku district and a 25 minute subway ride to the Ueno Zoo.  The closest subway is a 3 minute walk.  This hotel would be a good choice for Tokyo.

    3.   Comfort Hotel Tokyo Kiyosumi Shirakawa

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Comfort Hotel Tokyo Kiyosumi Shirakawa costs 8,000 Choice points a night.

    The Comfort Inn Tokyo Kiyosumi Shirakawa is in the Tokyo Kiyosumi-Shirakawa district and is a 28 minute subway ride to the Imperial Palace.  The closest subway is a 3 minute walk.  This hotel would be a good choice for Tokyo.

    In 31 Minutes Jenny Can Be at the Imperial Palace

    4.   Comfort Hotel Yokohama Kannai

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Comfort Hotel Yokohama Kannai costs 8,000 Choice points a night.

    The Comfort Inn Tokyo Yokohama Kannai is in the Minato Yokohama district and a 1 hour and 7 minute subway ride to the Ueno Zoo.  The closest subway is a 9 minute walk.  Because it’s in the city of Yokohama, if Jenny wants to go sightseeing in Tokyo, she should NOT stay at the Comfort Hotel Yokohama Kannai.  

    The cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$101 per night including taxes.

    Choice Credit Card

    Jenny gets Gold elite status with the Choice credit card.

    C.   Club Carlson

    There is only 1 Club Carlson hotel in Tokyo, Japan, the Radisson Hotel Narita.

    The Radisson Hotel Narita is a 20 minute drive to the airport and is in the Narita district.  The hotel provides a free airport shuttle.  This is NOT the best hotel if you want to be reasonably close to central Tokyo.

    The Radisson Hotel Narita is a Category 3 hotel and costs 28,000 Radisson points per night.

    The cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$70 per night including taxes.

    The Radisson Hotel Narita Offers a Free Airport Shuttle

    Club Carlson Credit Card

    Jenny gets free Gold elite status with the Club Carlson credit card and a free night when redeeming 2 or more nights at the same hotel.

    D.   Hilton

    Hilton Has 9 Hotel Brands, But There Are Only 2 In Tokyo

    The Hilton website shows 4 Hilton hotels in Tokyo, Japan:

    Jenny Has a Choice of 4 “Hilton” Hotels in Tokyo, Japan

    1.   Hilton Tokyo

    The Hilton Tokyo is a Category 7 hotel and costs 30,000 to 60,000 Hilton points per night.  Or Jenny can use Points & Money and use cash and Hilton points to pay.  Points & Money rates vary by hotel and dates and may not be available.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Hilton Tokyo costs 60,000 Hilton points a night.  Or Jenny could pay ~$97 and 24,000 Hilton points per night.

    But Points & Money isn’t available for all 7 nights of her stay, only the 1st 6 nights.  The Hilton Tokyo is in the Shinjuku district and a 45 minute subway ride to the Imperial Palace.  The hotel is connected to the Tokyo Metro subway making it a good choice for Tokyo.

    The advance purchase cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$324 per night including taxes.

    2.   Conrad Tokyo

    The Conrad Tokyo is a Category 10 hotel and costs 75,000 to 95,000 Hilton points per night.  Or Jenny can use Points & Money and use cash and Hilton points to pay.  Points & Money rates vary by hotel and dates and may not be available.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Conrad Tokyo costs 95,000 Hilton points a night.  Points & Money isn’t available for her stay.

    The Conrad Tokyo is in the Minato-Ku district and is a 17 minute subway ride to the Ginza Shopping district.  The hotel is an 8 minute walk to the subway making it a good choice for Tokyo.

    Jenny Would Be Close to Shopping If She Stayed at the Conrad Tokyo

    The cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$648 per night including taxes.

    3.   Hilton Tokyo Bay

    The Hilton Tokyo Bay is a Category 9 hotel and costs 50,000 to 80,000 Hilton points per night.  Or Jenny can use Points & Money and use cash and Hilton points to pay.  Points & Money rates vary by hotel and dates and may not be available.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Hilton Tokyo costs 60,000 Hilton points a night.  Points & Money isn’t available for her stay.  The Hilton Tokyo Bay is in the Urayasu district and a 16 minute walk to Tokyo Disneyland.  The hotel is ~50 minute subway ride from central Tokyo and a bad choice for Tokyo.

    The cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$325 per night including taxes.

    4.   Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport

    The Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport is a Category 3 hotel which usually costs 20,000 Hilton points per night.  Or Jenny can use Points & Money and use cash and Hilton points to pay.  Points & Money rates vary by hotel and dates and may not be available.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport costs 13,000 Hilton points a night.  Points & Money isn’t available for her stay.  The Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport is in the Narita district and a 2 hour and 15 minute subway ride to the Imperial Palace.  The hotel provides a free airport shuttle.  This is a bad choice for Tokyo because it is far from central Toyko.

    The advance purchase cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$151 per night including taxes.

    Hilton Credit Cards

    Hilton has more hotels than any other chain and there are a variety of Hilton credit cards available:

    Jenny can get the Citi® Hilton HHonors™ Reserve Card which gives her 2 free weekend nights at any Hilton worldwide and Gold elite status (free breakfast and internet) for as long as she has the card.  This is my favorite Hilton card.

    The Hilton Honors Card from American Express gets Jenny free Silver elite status. 

    And the Hilton Honors Surpass Card from American Express gives her free Gold elite status (free breakfast and internet) for the 1st year and Diamond status (free breakfast and internet) after spending $40,000 in a calendar year.

    Jenny gets Silver elite status from the Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature card. 

    And there are even more ways to earn Hilton points!

    E.   Hyatt

    There Are Several Hyatt Brands in Tokyo

    The Hyatt website also gives Jenny a choice of 4 hotels:

    Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills Is Near the Ginza Shopping District

    1.  Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

    The Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills is a Category 6 hotel and costs 25,000 Hyatt points per night.  Or Jenny can use Points + Cash and pay $150 and 12,500 Hyatt points per night.  To book a Points + Cash stay, Jenny has to call Hyatt at 800-228-3360.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills costs 25,000 Hyatt points a night.  Or Jenny could pay $150 and 15,500 Hyatt points per night.  The Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills is in the Minato-Ku district and a 17 minute subway ride to the Ginza Shopping district.  The hotel is an 8 minute walk to the subway making it a good choice for Tokyo.

    The cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$658 per night including taxes.

    2.  Grand Hyatt Tokyo

    The Grand Hyatt Tokyo is a Category 6 hotel and costs 25,000 Hyatt points per night.  Or you can use Points + Cash and pay $150 and 12,500 Hyatt points per night.  To book a Points + Cash stay, Jenny has to call Hyatt at 800-228-3360.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Grand Hyatt Tokyo costs 25,000 Hyatt points a night.  Or Jenny could pay $150 and 12,500 Hyatt points per night.   The Grand Hyatt Tokyo is in the Roppongi district and a 38 minute subway ride to the Ueno Zoo.  The hotel is a 3 minute walk to the subway making it a good choice for Tokyo.

    The Ueno Zoo Breeds Giant Pandas

    The cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$683 per night including taxes.

    3.  Park Hyatt Tokyo

    The Park Hyatt Tokyo is a Category 7 hotel and costs 30,000 Hyatt points per night.  Or you can use Points + Cash and pay $300 and 15,000 Hyatt points per night.  To book a Points + Cash stay, Jenny has to call Hyatt at 800-228-3360.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Park Hyatt Tokyo would pay 30,000 Hyatt points a night, but it isn’t available using Hyatt points.  Points + Cash isn’t available for her stay.  The Park Hyatt Tokyo is in the Shinjuku district and a 43 minute subway ride to the Imperial Palace.  The hotel provides a free shuttle bus to the subway making it a good choice for Tokyo.

    The cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$660 per night including taxes.

    4.  Hyatt Regency Tokyo

    The Hyatt Regency Tokyo is a Category 3 hotel and costs 12,000 Hyatt points per night.  Or you can use Points + Cash and pay $75 and 6,000 Hyatt points per night.  To book a Points + Cash stay, Jenny has to call Hyatt at 800-228-3360.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo costs 12,000 Hyatt points a night.  Or Jenny could pay $75 and 6,000 Hyatt points per night.  The Hyatt Regency Tokyo is in the Shinjuku district and a 48 minute subway ride to the Imperial Palace.  The hotel provides a free shuttle bus to the subway making it a good choice for Tokyo.

    The advance purchase cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$271 per night including taxes.

    If Jenny has chosen the Hyatt Regency Tokyo, it would only cost 84,000 Hyatt points (12,000 points x 7 nights).  And there are lots of ways to get Hyatt points.

    1.   Chase Hyatt Card

    The best card would be the Hyatt credit card which gives her 2 free nights at any Hyatt worldwide after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.

    There are lots of ways to get Hyatt points.

    Jenny Can Stay at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo for 12,000 Hyatt Points a Night

    2.   Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

    Jenny gets 40,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points when she spends $4,000 within 3 months on the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

    Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to certain airlines and hotels at a 1:1 ratio.  So 40,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points becomes 40,000 Hyatt hotel points.

    3.   Chase Ink Cards

    The Chase Ink Plus and Chase Ink Bold business cards each get Jenny 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $5,000 within 3 months.  You can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to Hyatt hotel points.

    Do you know the 3 ways you may qualify for a business credit card?

    Note:  Jenny can apply for 1 personal and 1 business card from Chase at the same time.  But she does NOT have to wait 6 months between Chase applications.

    F.   IHG

    Only 1 of IHG’s 11 Hotel Brands Are in Tokyo

    There are 4 IHG hotels in Tokyo, Japan:

    IHG Has 4 Hotels in Tokyo, Japan

     

    IHG does NOT publish their award chart but lets you check award rates online.

    1.  InterContinental ANA: Tokyo

    The InterContinental ANA: Tokyo is a Category 8 hotel and costs 45,000 IHG points per night.  Or Jenny can use Points + Cash and pay $40 and 40,000 IHG points or $70 and 35,000 IHG points per night.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the InterContinental ANA: Tokyo costs 45,000 IHG points a night.  Or Jenny could pay $40 and 40,000 IHG points or $70 and 35,000 IHG points per night.  The InterContinental ANA: Tokyo is in the Minato-Ku district and a 18 minute subway ride to the Ginza Shopping district.  The hotel is an 8 minute walk to the subway making it a good choice for Tokyo.

    The advance purchase cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$269 per night including taxes.

    2.  InterContinental: Tokyo Bay

    The InterContinental: Tokyo Bay is a Category 6 hotel and costs 35,000 IHG points per night.  Or Jenny can use Points + Cash and pay $40 and 30,000 IHG points or $70 and 25,000 IHG points per night.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the InterContinental: Tokyo Bay costs 45,000 IHG points a night.  Or Jenny could pay $40 and 30,000 IHG points or $70 and 25,000 IHG points per night.  The InterContinental: Tokyo Bay is in the Minato-Ku district and a 40 minute subway ride to the Imperial Palace.  The hotel is 2 minute walk to the subway and a choice for Tokyo.

    The advance purchase cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$193 per night including taxes.

    3.  InterContinental ANA: The Strings Tokyo

    The InterContinental ANA: The Strings Tokyo is a Category 9 hotel and costs 50,000 IHG points per night.  Or Jenny can use Points + Cash and pay $40 and 45,000 IHG points or $70 and 40,000 IHG points per night.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the InterContinental ANA: The Strings Tokyo costs 50,000 IHG points a night.  Or Jenny could pay $40 and 45,000 IHG points or $70 and 40,000 IHG points per night.  The InterContinental ANA: The Strings Tokyo is in the Minato-Ku district and a 37 minute subway ride to the Ueno Zoo.  The hotel is a 4 minute walk to the subway making it a good choice for Tokyo.

    The advance purchase cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$320 per night including taxes.

    4.  InterContinental: Yokohoma Grand

    The InterContinental: Yokohama is a Category 9 hotel and costs 50,000 IHG points per night.  Or Jenny can use Points + Cash and pay $40 and 45,000 IHG points or $70 and 40,000 IHG points per night.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the InterContinental: Yokohama costs 50,000 IHG points a night.  Or Jenny could pay $40 and 45,000 IHG points or $70 and 40,000 IHG points per night.

    The InterContinental ANA:Tokyo is in the Nishi-Ku ward of Yokohama and is a 1 hour and 12 minute subway ride to the Imperial Palace.  Because it’s in city of Yokohama, if Jenny wants to go sightseeing in Tokyo, this is a bad choice for Tokyo.

    The advance purchase cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$242 per night including taxes.

    IHG Credit Card

    Jenny can get the Chase IHG Rewards Club that gives her Platinum elite status and a free night on her card anniversary.

    G.   Marriott

    Will Jenny Find Her Perfect Room With Marriott?

    There are 5 Marriott hotels in Tokyo, Japan:

    But the Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Station and the Courtyard Tokyo Ginza Hotel don’t have rooms available for award nights for December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014.

    The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo Is a ~5 Minute Walk From the National Art Center, Tokyo

    1.  Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Station

    The Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Station is a Category 6 hotel and costs 30,000 Marriott points per night.  

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Station costs 30,000 Marriott points a night.  The Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Station is in the Chuou-Ku district and a 10 minute walk to the Ginza Shopping district.  The hotel is an 2 minute walk to the subway making it a good choice for Tokyo.

    The advance purchase cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$215 per night including taxes.

    2.  The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo

    The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo is a Tier 5 hotel and costs 70,000 Marriott points per night.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo costs 70,000 Marriott points a night.  The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo is in the Minato-Ku district and a 25 minute subway ride to the Ginza Shopping district.  The hotel is an 9 minute walk to the subway making it a good choice for Tokyo.

    The advance purchase cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$928 per night including taxes.

    3.  The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection

    The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection is a Category 8 hotel and costs 40,000 Marriott points per night.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection costs 40,000 Marriott points a night.  The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection is in the Minato-Ku district and a 18 minute subway ride to the Ginza Shopping district.  The hotel is a 3 minute walk to the subway making it a good choice for Tokyo.

    During the Spring Jenny Could See Cherry Blossoms In Bloom From Her Room at The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection

    The advance purchase cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$201 per night including taxes.

    4.  Tokyo Marriott Hotel

    The Tokyo Marriott Hotel is a Category 8 hotel and costs 40,000 Marriott points per night.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Tokyo Marriott Hotel costs 40,000 points a night.  The Tokyo Marriott Hotel is in the Shinagawa-Ku district and a 48 minute subway ride to the Imperial Palace.  The hotel is a 12 minute walk to the subway making it a good choice for Tokyo.

    The advance purchase cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$156 per night including taxes.

    5.   Courtyard Tokyo Ginza Hotel

    The Courtyard Tokyo Ginza Hotel is a Category 7 hotel and costs 35,000 Marriott points per night.  Or Jenny can use Cash and Points and pay a combination of cash and Marriott points for her stay. Jenny would choose to pay cash or use points each night unlike paying a reduced cash and point rate like Hyatt and IHG hotels offer.

    So, Jenny could pay a cash rate for 2 nights and use points for 4 nights. And Jenny gets the 5th night free when she redeems Marriott points for 4 nights, even when paying with Cash and Points. Cash and Points rates are only available on hotel stays of 2 nights or more.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Courtyard Tokyo Ginza Hotel costs 35,000 Marriott points a night. The Courtyard Tokyo Ginza Hotel is in the Ginza district and in the Ginza Shopping district. The hotel is an 8 minute walk to the subway making it a good choice for Tokyo.

    The advance purchase cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$251 per night including taxes.

    Marriott Credit Card

    The Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card has a sign-up bonus, a free night in a Category 1 to 4 hotel, a free night on her card anniversary, and 15 elite credits. 

    H.   Starwood

    There are 3 Starwood Sheraton and Westin Brand Hotels in Tokyo

    Jenny has a choice of 4 Starwood hotels in Tokyo, Japan:

    Jenny could call Starwood at 888-625-4988 to find SPG Cash & Points rooms even when the website says none are available.

    Sheraton Has 4 “Starwood” Hotels in Tokyo, Japan

    1.  Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo

    The Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo is a Category 4 hotel and costs 10,000 Starwood points per night.  Or Jenny can use Cash + Points and pay $75 and 5,000 Starwood points per night.  Starwood offers the 5th night free when Jenny redeems 4 nights.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo costs 10,000 Starwood points a night.  Or Jenny could pay $75 and 5,000 Starwood points per night.  The Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo is in the Shirokanedai district and a 32 minute subway ride to the Tsukiji Fish Market.  The hotel is a 4 minute walk to the subway making it a good choice for Tokyo.

    Jenny Can Wake Up Very Early and Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market

     

    The cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$266 per night including taxes.

    2.  Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel

    The Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel is a Category 6 hotel and costs 20,000 to 25,000 Starwood points per night.  Or Jenny can use Cash + Points and pay $180 and 10,000 Starwood points per night.  Starwood offers the 5th night free when Jenny redeems 4 nights.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel costs ~13,700 points a night because of the 5th night free.  Or Jenny could pay $180 and 10,000 Starwood points per night.  The Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel is in the Urayasu district and provides a free shuttle to Tokyo Disneyland.  The hotel is ~50 minute subway ride from central Tokyo and a bad choice for Tokyo

    The Magic Kingdom Is Everywhere

    The cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$414 per night including taxes.

    3.  The Westin Tokyo

    The Westin Tokyo is a Category 5 hotel and costs 12,000 to 16,000 Starwood points per night.  Or Jenny can use Cash + Points and pay $110 and 6,000 Starwood points per night.  Starwood offers the 5th night free when Jenny redeems 4 nights.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Westin Tokyo costs 25,000 Hyatt points a night.  Or Jenny could pay $110 and 6,000 Starwood points per night.  The Westin Tokyo is in the Meguro-Ku district and a 33 minute subway ride to the Tokyo Tower.  The hotel is a 12 minute walk to the subway making it a good choice for Tokyo.

    The advance purchase cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$298 per night including taxes.

    4.  Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers

    The Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers is a Category 4 hotel and costs 10,000 Starwood points per night.  Or Jenny can use Cash + Points and pay $75 and 5,000 Starwood points per night.  Starwood offers the 5th night free when Jenny redeems 4 nights.

    For Jenny’s travel dates of December 21, 2014, to December 28, 2014, the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers costs 10,000 Starwood points a night.  Or Jenny could pay $75 and 5,000 Starwood points per night.  The Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers is in the Nishi-Ku district in Yokohama and a 1 minute walk to the subway.  But because it’s in city of Yokohama, if Jenny wants to go sightseeing in Tokyo, this is a bad choice for Tokyo.

    The cash price for December 21, 2014 is ~$263 per night including taxes.

    Starwood Credit Cards

    Starwood has both a personal, Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express card and business, Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express.  Each card gives Jenny 2 stays or 5 nights towards elite status.  Starwood points transfer to ~30 airline partners so Jenny can use her Starwood points for hotels or flights.

    Note:   American Express may be limiting sign-up bonuses starting May 1, 2014.

    Step 2 – Check Out Your Options

    Jenny can narrow her choices by:

    Bottom Line

    Jenny wanted to know which hotel credit card she should get to visit Tokyo, Japan.

    After doing dummy searches on hotel websites, she would narrow her choices based on location using Google Mapsand how many points it would cost.  

    In her case, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo may be a good option.  So she’d apply for credit cards that would transfer points to Hyatt or earn Hyatt points directly.

    Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)
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