As part of our 7-week family adventure, we spent 16 unforgettable days in Japan. I’m always highlighting the perks of mixing up your travel rewards, like using the American Airlines hotel booking portal (AAdvantage Hotels platform), which helped us rack up enough miles for two round-trip transpacific tickets! And, when it comes to making the most of your points and free night certificates, there’s no better way for families to travel comfortably while keeping more cash in your pocket for the next family vacation.
With the recent enticing co-branded credit cards sign-up offers from Marriott and Hyatt, I’d totally rethink my hotel stays in Japan and create a fresh game plan focused on Marriott and Hyatt properties in Tokyo and Kansai (Osaka and Nara Area). This week, let’s dive into my five Marriott Hotels in the “new” game plan (if I could plan it differently!)
Why These Five Hotels?
- Marriott’s got your back with 50,000 points and 85,000 points annual free night certificates if you have the co-branded credit cards. The latest buzz is the five 50,000 points free night certificate sign-up bonus. Plus, with their top-up feature (you can add up to 15,000 points), I could easily book stays worth up to 65,000 points per night. That’s a fantastic deal, especially when traveling to high-demand destinations like Japan. Hyatt can’t wait to join the game too with the same strategy.
- Marriott: New card applicants for Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express currently features a welcome offer of 5 Free Night Awards (worth up to 50,000 points each)
- Hyatt: New card applicants of Chase The World of Hyatt can now earn 5 free nights at any Category 1 ~ 4 Hyatt hotel / resort after meeting the minimum spending requirements.
- Family travel can get tricky when standard hotel rooms in Japan are small and often capped at three people. However, with Marriott’s Free Night Certificates or Hyatt’s Free Night Awards, you can score a free room when you need to book two for a family of four or more. It’s a huge win for families looking to stay together and save!
- I’ve stayed at most of these hotels, so I’ve scoped out the best spots for family travel. Think bigger rooms, more outdoor space, convenient locations, and breakfast options that cater to both picky kids and caffeine-needing parents.
Tokyo: The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection
Maybe I’m a little biased because I’ve stayed at The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo for years, but it remains one of my go-to spots in the city. It’s not the flashiest or most luxurious hotel in Tokyo, and the executive lounge isn’t extravagant, but it’s perfect for families seeking comfort and space.
All their rooms here are surprisingly big for Tokyo – over 450 square feet. That’s a big deal, especially when traveling with kids! Whether you book a king-bed room or two-queen-bed room, there’s enough room to open two full-size suitcases and still have space to move around. This kind of room size is rare among international hotel chains in Japan, making it ideal for family travelers.
The hotel is located in Shinagawa, one of Tokyo’s major transportation hubs (along with Tokyo Station and Shinjuku). From JR lines to the Narita Express, Keikyu Lines to Haneda and Shinkansen, it’s all easily accessible. Just take a short walk from the station via a footbridge, and you’ll find the hotel, nestled among other Prince Hotels.
One of my favorite features of staying here is the access to the executive lounges of the other two Prince hotels – the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa and the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa, as well as the stunning Japan Garden nestled between these three hotels. The Japan Garden is famous for its breathtaking cherry blossoms in the spring and vibrant autumn foliage in the fall. I was there last Christmas, and the park’s festive lights made for a magical evening stroll. It’s the perfect way for the families to unwind and experience a slice of Japanese culture.
Points redemption and value: Room can be redeemed for 45,000 to 65,000 points per night. Hotel room rates ranging from $450 to $550 per night, taxes included.
Tokyo: AC Hotel Tokyo Ginza
If you’re seeking the ultimate family shopping experience in Tokyo, look no further than the AC Hotel Tokyo Ginza – a hidden gem you can’t afford to miss! Nestled in the vibrant heart of Ginza, this hotel is the perfect base for fashion enthusiasts. From luxurious boutiques to trendy everyday brands like Muji and Uniqlo, everything you need is just a short stroll away.
While the hotel doesn’t boast a large shopping mall, it’s ideal for families like four of us wanting to take a breather from their shopping spree and recharge before diving back into the action. Ginza is a favorite destination for both tourists and locals, thanks to its exceptional railway and transport network, connecting us to various stations operated by different railway companies.
Though the hotel lacks an executive lounge, it does offer complimentary breakfast for Marriott Platinum members (for two guests). While this might not cover a family of four, you’ll find plenty of convenient stores and grab-and-go options within easy reach. The only challenge? With so many choices available, deciding where to eat can be a delightful dilemma!
Built in 2020, the hotel features stylish accommodations and modern digital amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Let’s talk about the rooms: they may be compact, averaging around 250 square feet, but they are thoughtfully designed and comfortable, providing a cozy retreat after a busy day of exploring.
Points redemption and value: You can redeem from 48,000 to 58,000 points for a standard room. Hotel room rates range from $480 to $750 per night, taxes and fees included.
Nara: JW Marriott Hotel Nara
The club lounge at the JW Marriott Hotel Nara instantly captured my attention with its bright and spacious design when we first stayed there. Like other JW Marriott locations worldwide, this hotel offers an exceptional lounge experience. With a spacious Executive Lounge that can be accessed by Marriott members with Platinum Elite status and above, the family will feel right at home.
Thoughtfully catering to families, the JW Marriott Hotel Nara features a variety of immersive experience programs designed for both kids and adults. We enjoyed unique activities such as Deer Calling at Nara Park. There are some other activities like a fun Picture Treasure Hunt Challenge right at the hotel, or you taking a break from being busy moms and dads participate in relaxing Morning Yoga sessions every day.
Points redemption and value: Rooms can be redeemed for 42,000 to 61,000 points per night. Hotel room rates ranging from $330 to $520 per night, taxes included.
Nara: Shisui, A Luxury Collection Hotel
The Shisui, A Luxury Collection Hotel in Nara is a brand-new luxury hotel surrounded by stunning World Heritage Sites like Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple, and Todaiji Temple. That said, it is easily accessible from Nara Station, Osaka and Itami Airport.
This hotel offers a wealth of engaging experience programs suitable for both adults and kids. While the details are primarily in Japanese and may come with a small fee, I recommend reaching out directly for more information. Plus, the surrounding area is perfect for families looking to experience the beauty of the mountains and lush greenery from Kasugayama Primeval Forest, Mt. Yoshino, to Yoshikien Garden.
Points redemption and value: Rooms can be redeemed for 55,000 to 66,000 points per night for a corner room. Hotel room rates ranging from $530 to $680 per night, taxes included.
Osaka: The Osaka Station Hotel, Autograph Collection
The Osaka Station Hotel, Autograph Collection is a newly opened hotel in 2024, featuring spacious rooms that average 430 square feet. These thoughtfully designed accommodations provide plenty of room for families to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the vibrant city. Situated just steps from Osaka Station’s JR West Gate via KITTE Osaka, this hotel boasts a super convenient location, making it an ideal choice for families on the go, rain or shine. We did travel on a day trip between Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe before – and I don’t we would do it again.
While many travelers might choose other Marriott properties in Osaka, don’t overlook the signature restaurant Teppanyaki Mizuki right inside this Autograph Collection hotel! This delightful dining spot is perfect for celebrating those special family moments, serving up an unforgettable culinary experience. And hey, It does remind me of Mizuki at the Ritz Carlton Kyoto? We did celebrate our anniversary with our kids where we visited Kyoto first time a while back!
Points redemption and value: Rooms can be redeemed for 55,000 points per night. Hotel room rates ranging from $300 to $500 per night, taxes included.
How many hotels above have you stayed at? If you’re eyeing Japan or planning your next vacation, how would you use those five coveted Free Night Certificates at Marriott properties?
Next week, I’ll be back with an exciting new game plan focused on Hyatt awards – I’m diving into the world of Category 1 ~ 4 redemptions in Japan. Get ready for some game-changing tips to help you maximize your travel rewards and make your dream trips a reality!
Further tips: How family travel in comfort and style—start small by making smart choices in our daily lives
Check out 5 Apps I Can’t Live Without For Points & Miles Perks
Whether you’re stretching every dollar or planning your first family trip with points + miles, don’t miss out on golden opportunities. Start using these tools now and take action – all in one place!
