The Kitano Hotel

The following review is about an experience with a member of their registration staff – I’ve stayed at the hotel a few times and love the rooms. Unfortunately my experience with a member of staff has led me to take my business elsewhere.
I had tried to make a reservation using the hotel’s website for a same day stay but the website was down. I called the hotel, explained the problem, the room I was interested in and advertised rate. When the female member of staff learned that I didn’t have a corporate membership she said she couldn’t help me. Instead I had to make a booking through
–I always feel more comfortable making reservations directly through the hotel.
Then, when I arrived to check in nothing had been done about my registration or check in. I was asked to take a seat and was treated like I was not a priority. After being kept waiting for 7 minutes another hotel guest walked up to the registration desk. Even though other staff was available to help, the same female member of staff who had been «helping» me stopped what she was doing and began helping the other guest. I was outraged. I still had not been given a key. I have never been treated so badly by a hotel. Several minutes later the female member of staff asked an obviously less experienced employee to continue my check in. It took him at least 5 minutes and he acted as if he was doing me a huge service. In the end I walked into my room more than 30 minutes after I had given my name and confirmed my credit cards details with the staff.

Really decent Japanese food! A bit on the pricey side but service was nice and not pushy at all!

I love this hotel. The room was huge. Not very many people heard of it and when I asked why upon checkout, I was told they are boutique and really cater to Japanese travelers. All of the employees are fluent in Japanese. I am not Japanese but will gladly stay here again. Upscale amenities include towel warmers, fancy toilets, and removable shower head. Why not 5 stars? They charge for wifi (I really think if I’m staying there, it should be included), the bar area is very tiny, and there is no store in or close by for water and essentials. But the room was very impressive!

We had a great stay at the Kitano hotel. Our room was spacious and clean. The traditional Japanese touches were great! Love the toilet seat with bum warmer! :D You don’t have to go far for amazing food — the hotel restaurant, Hakubai, is an absolute must try! Impeccable service, lovely décor and the chef’s tasting menu exceeded our expectations. We’ll be back!

I’m pretty disappointed, especially after reading other reviews… The room is tiny and dark, but maybe that’s because we’re on the 4^th floor. The fancy toilet in the bathroom doesn’t even work (it flushes but nothing else even attempts to work) and there was a ton of someone else’s hair on the shower wall. The TV is completely static-​y as well.

Very clean! And some neat Japanese gadgets but expensive and the location is ok. The service is very good it’s probably better for the buisness professional not traveler

We booked a reservation through priceline that was non refundable and unchangeable. My father got extremely sick and we had to go see him so were unable to stay at the hotel. I tried calling the hotel to see if they would be reasonable and give me some consideration due to the situation, but they were extremely rude and just pawned the booking off on priceline and to deal with them.
I explained that I understand that the booking was for a reduced rate so it precluded the ability to change the date, but now they were guaranteed about $ 500 and also had the room available; I asked would they just give me a discount or reduced rate for a reservation a month from now or some reasonable agreement. They would not hear me out and so they are taking my $ 500 and they have the room available to rent out that day. No consideration for extreme circumstances or even some reasonable compromise. They just took my $ 500 for doing nothing and will rent the room out for another $ 500. Thanks for the great customer service.

Room was great and location was excellent. Staff was very nice and helpful. I would give a better review, but the beds were not that great. I do not understand why some hotels do not have common amenities for guests like snacks and drinks. We had to walk two blocks to get water, coffee, etc.
Overall good experience, but I will probably try another hotel for my next visit.

Had a fabulous stay here in February. Even though I used
to book my room the gentleman when I checked in treated me with so much respect and care.
My room was wonderful and even had a zojirushi in it for making tea! Comfortable, quiet and soothing room.
The bathroom was a wonder — great bath products, a toilet that even had a bum warmer and so much more.
The location is perfect and I hope to return.

Came here to see a jazz band which was incredible! Great ambiance very chic & trendy. The service was great and so were the drinks.

A friend and I stayed did a girl’s weekend here in March of 2013. I was able to score a great rack rate through BookIt, and up to the week of our departure I had scoured the internet for a better deal, as it was higher than what I’m used to paying for 4*, but it remained the best rate. The hotel was conveniently located to our bus stop and to Grand Central Station. We checked in early, and the front desk agent offered us a non-​smoking room on a smoking floor, with a view of the Empire State Building. We went to check out the room. The view was indeed very nice! Unfortunately, you can smell the cigarette smoke, even though the room itself is smoke-​free. If we were only staying a night, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but I decided I would wait a bit longer for a smoke-​free room on a non-​smoking floor to be available. We went out to Flushing and came back hours later. Our new room didn’t have as nice of a view as the previously offered room; in addition this room had a standard toilet, while the other one was a Japanese-​style toilet with heated seats. But it was clean, comfortable, and more important, smoke-​free.
My friend, who is semi-​fluent in Japanese, loved all the little Japanese touches in the room, including having NHK (the real NHK, not the English-​language version) and the little hot pot for brewing tea. I liked the idea of the towel warmer in the bathroom, but it didn’t work very well. The bed is comfortable and the hotel itself is very quiet. We had our room serviced once and Housekeeping did a good job.
As a person who works in luxury hospitality, I would say that the hotel is a bit dated and is in need of refurbishment. In terms of amenities, I would probably rank it at 3.5*. I have read some of the reviews for this hotel and I gotta say, guests hate paying a high rack rate and then having to pay extra for the following: coffee, internet, and parking. Especially Starbucks VIA. I get that VIA is expensive, and that Japanese people like Starbucks. But the hotel’s purchasing department can go to H Mart and buy the Korean brand Maxim instant coffee, which comes with creamer and sugar. A package of 100 will set you back $ 14.99 retail if it’s not on sale. If you figure out a way to get that wholesale, you can practically give away the coffee for free. (I’m sure there’s a Japanese brand of instant coffee but I can only think of Korean and Vietnamese ones at the moment.)
Anyway, as guests, my friend and I are pretty low-​maintenance. We needed a convenient location and quiet hotel and Kitano met our needs. If you read the 3* reviews and keep your expectations in check, you will enjoy your stay here.

I don’t think I’ve ever had a hotel experience as lovely as this one. The room was immaculate and bright, the desk and room service staff were courteous and attentive, and all the amenities were high quality.
This would be a five star review except for the attitude of housekeeping, who actually said tried to embarrass my date about a blood spot on the sheets. Accidents happen, and I thought it was unspeakably rude for her to bring it up. But it’s not something I blame the hotel for.

I was able to book this hotel at $ 180 base price, which is considered a good deal for 4* in midtown. I rarely say this, but I would not stay at this hotel again. Everything seemed to be an issue for them. First, we were given a room with one king bed even though we thought we reserved two beds. In NYC hotels, you usually have to pay more for two beds so we were confused about why we were given only one bed when we paid for two.
The floor smelled like cigarette smoke as soon as we got off the elevator. They told us it was non-​smoking room on a smoking floor, but the desk had an ashtray and matches in it. When I got home, my clothes smelled like smoke. The amenities book listed a rollaway bed, however when we called to ask for one they said they could not give us one due to fire code. We were starting to get annoyed at their lack of service, so at this point it was easier just to have someone sleep on the floor. I pressed the «Guest services» button on the phone, and it rang and rang with no answer. Then I got a message saying «You have to been transferred to voice mail, however this person does not subscribe to voice mail services.» Well that’s professional. Next I called the front desk and finally got my blanket. My colleague didn’t know that I had already called for a blanket, so on his way into the hotel he asked the front desk for one. He was told that all of the extra blankets had already been given out for the evening. Seriously? How many do they have? I’m hoping it’s more than one or two blankets. We never got the bed thing resolved because we were just so fed up with them. I paid to reserve 2 double beds, yet my friend had to sleep on the floor with only one blanket. That’s disgraceful.
One amusing thing that I haven’t seen written: the high tech Japanese toilet. As you sit down, the «deodorizing function» starts activating, and then there is a wash & dry function. Laughs for days, I tell ya.
Toilet aside, I’ve had better service at a Holiday Inn Express.

Came here to see a co-​workers husband play jazz (go see Carlos Cuevas!), was such a nice night.
Sin, our waiter, was so friendly and attentive. My water glass was never empty more than a minute. The pear martini was soooo delicious, and I felt a buzz even after one. However, I still had two :-)
Had some cheese and crackers, all very nice. Overall, a change of scene for me.
Felt very swanky and very mad men :-)
I’d come back for jazz nights!

I immediately was calmed entering the lobby (after my cab driver hit a passing bicyclist with his car door! The doorman didn’t blink an eye, helping me with my bag)…after asking the bicyclist if he was ok, I stepped into the zen lobby, took a breath and checked in.
My room overlooked an inner courtyard/​buildings, but I did have a glimpse of the Empire State Building. I was little disappointed that the room was kinda bland and beige. Small indications/​reminders that i was in a Japanese hotel were the green tea packets with hot water pot near the armchairs, and an overly fancy toilet with a control panel to wash and dry your nether regions. Room and bathroom was clean, plenty of towels, a couple robes to wear during the stay. Bathroom had great Gilcrest & Soames toiletries. The bed was not overly comfy but it wasn’t uncomfortable– after long days of traveling and sightseeing, the beds were a welcome respite to lay my head for the nights I was visiting.
One item of concern is the lack of security… most of the time, there was no doorman or easy access from the front door and no key card swipe was necessary in the elevator. However, while I was there, the elevator was always available and fairly fast, which isn’t always the case in older hotels.
Best thing about the hotel is the location… on a fairly serene quiet block in Murray Hill, a block or a few away from whatever you need (coffee, bagels, bars, restaurants, subway, ATM, Duane Reade). Would totally stay here again based on the location.
Stay here if you like:
Midtown East Side, quiet neighborhood that is convenient to alot of things including Grand Central, hotel room that isn’t a tiny closet, hotel slippers, free green tea bags, Japanese hospitality, fancy toilets.
Do not stay if you like:
Party hotels, Times Square environment, West Side or anyplace outside of midtown, free breakfast, free coffee.

It’s 8 am. Damn I’m anxious. I need to stop pacing around the damn room. It’s just an interview. C’mon man. You’ve been through this before. And it’s not the end of the world if you don’t land this job.
One more half-​hour to go. I wonder what they’re going to ask me this round. Crap. Forget it. Nothing I do now will help prepare me any more for the interview. Might as well put on my shoes and head out.
Hmm, where the hell are my dress socks? They’ve gotta be somewhere in my luggage. Are you kidding me? Shit, they’re not in the closet either. What the hell is wrong with me? I can’t believe I didn’t figure this out yesterday.
Where the hell am I going to find socks at this time? Stop freaking out man. Maybe someone in one of the rooms down the hall will have a pair to lend. Time to go knock on someone’s door…
Nice, there’s an old Japanese guy already waiting by the elevator. «Excuse me sir, I have a slightly odd request. I have an interview soon, and I forgot to bring my socks. I was wondering if you have a pair of socks that I can use?» He’s smiling and nodding, but does he understand what the hell I’m saying? I need socks damnit!!! Shit, the elevator door just opened and he’s still facing me and smiling, but he’s watching my every move and slowly backing into the elevator. Man, I’m not crazy — I just need some socks!
Time to change plans. Maybe the front desk can help out. I’m jumping in the elevator too. Damn, this feels like the longest elevator ride ever, probably for both of us.
Great, someone is free at the front desk. «Hi, I have an interview coming up and I forgot my socks. Are there any socks that you might have for me, even from the lost and found?» No? Are you sure? Oh man, I’m totally screwed. Why did I even fly out here?
I give up. I’ll just head back to the room. Maybe those white socks I brought won’t look so bad with the suit. No, those’ll look stupid. Better to just go without socks and pretend to be fashion forward, straight out of a Thom Browne ad. Maybe they won’t even notice, and if they do, I’ll just say everybody is going without socks these days. Don’t even think about your untailored suit from Macy’s — just think Thom Browne, Thom Browne…
Who can be calling me now? Huh, it’s the front desk. Interesting. Really? There’s actually a Banana Republic that’s open right now that’s only a couple of blocks from here. Are you sure? Oh my god!!! Thanks Kitano front desk for looking into this. You guys are the best. Time to run and get me some socks! I’m ready to rock this interview!

Got a steal on this one thanks to Priceline, but no interest in staying here otherwise. Is the lobby attractive? Yes. Are there dining options? Yes.
Things that make it good: pretty bathroom (though sans air vent), and bath products, and blowdryer, and towel warmer, and nice firm bed…
But so what? The Japanese lady who checked us in was warm and inviting. Everyone else we interacted with were coldhearted, unhelpful, nonsmilling, monosyllabic-​responsive dullards. If your hotel is going to have few amenities, then it better have exceptionally kind service.
Things look grand from the Web site, but in reality it’s rather plain. There’s no sense beyond the lobby and green tea-​in-​liu-​of-​coffee-​maker that this is supposed to be a Japanese-​styled hotel. And it’s empty. Is that an intentionally Buddhist thing? Very few guests. I don’t want a crowd, but the Kitano was a ghost town. There’s no energy in the place.
Walked into a few other hotels nearby for comparison… there was bustle! and greetings from staff! and unique stylings! and pools and gyms!
For the regular cost of this place, one has a right to expect more than a mere bed at night, and the Kitano falls far short of creating an experience for its guests to remember or tell their friends about. Who has to pay for internet these days? Guests at the Kitano, that’s who. There’s not even room in the mini-​fridge for your own food and drink because it’s chock full of $ 8 bottles of water and other crap.
Though I’m telling you, dear Unilocalfriends: you can do better. The End.

The Jazz Lounge @ Kitano — just saying it makes me feel cool but old school.
It’s on the second floor, just above the lobby, but you have to walk through the lobby first, as the stairs are at the other end. So you inevitably pass by the décor and serenity of Kitano and a statue of some kind of an animal that looks like it’s been sculpted by a japanese animation artist. (I may just be making this up, I’m no expert). They have a pretty regular schedule of various performances, so check it out if its your piece of cake.
I was invited to a special performance of a tango duo. There was a grand piano that fit very neatly in one of the corners. The performance lasted a little over an hour, as we cozied up to each other under dim lighting, around small lounge/​bar tables that are not meant to fit the large plates of food that they serve. I’m pretty sure that there is no «typical» crowd here, because the performers seemed to invite a possy of friends and dedicated most of the evening to them. We were probably one of the few non-​friends, there, yet still connected through 3 degrees of separation. So I would assume, each performance has its own kind of crowd.
There was no cover, but a $ 15 minimum, which basically buys you one drink (a martini). So unless you have excellent self-​control and can stop yourself from glancing over the menu and ordering a bite to eat or two, or another drink, you’ll be spending a lot more.
My choice of the evening was the asian pear martini with elderflower, which was lovely and thankfully lasted me through the entire performance so that I didn’t have to cash out for another one. It also helps that you sort of feel guilty for eating while the musicians are performing. It’s like you’re sneaking in the food, as if you’re not supposed to, even though it makes the waitress quite happy for extending the bill. You also end up sneaking in some texts, to let your friend who was late know where you are. So there was a lot of sneakiness going on taking the focus away from the food, no matter how ravenous you were, and so you don’t eat as fast. My three tiny crab cakes and a side of fries that we got for the table, again thankfully lasted me for the entire performance.
I would come back here to check out another performance, but would most likely stock up my stomach before doing so.

Not what I expected:
i was expecting a more modern hotel.
What I liked:
pillows were comfortable. free mouth wash. location was good.
What I disliked:
i was afraid to use anything in case i would be charged for it. it took a very long time to check in, there weren’t people to get cabs for us, the bell hop was hit or miss. towels were very rough. no comforter, just thicker than average top sheet/​blanket.
(note: I went here on a Jetsetter deal)

I didn’t realize a hotel could still have smoking rooms in this day and age, not have a pool, and still be considered a 4 star establishment.
Boyfriend and I decided at the last minute to extend our Memorial day vacation and stay in the city an additional night, and got the Kitano on Priceline. When we checked in, we were told our only options were a king room on a smoking floor, or two double beds on a non-​smoking floor. This was a risk we took knowingly when we booked last minute, but now we were torn between sleeping in separate beds or smelling like an ashtray. Stupidly, we picked the latter for the sake of sleeping in cuddle-​proximity. I have asthma, boyfriend has allergies, and though we thought we could give it a shot and open the window in the king room, it was just unbearable. We called the front desk and asked if there was anything else available besides the double bed room, but were told no.
Boyfriend had stayed here recently on business, and hadn’t had a great experience between a broken AC system and incompetent staff. He told the person on the phone the whole previous ordeal, hoping there was a chance they could accommodate us, only to be told sassily, «Since you booked through Priceline, there’s nothing we can do for you. You aren’t paying the full rate.» Again, as Priceline veterans, we know how this usually works. But having come from another Priceline reservation at Le Parker Meridien and having nothing but excellent service, we anticipated better.
The décor is outdated, but the internet is cheap and we ended up with a view of the Empire State Building from our window. Those are really the only upsides after spending a night straight out of the 1950s and sleeping across the room from your beau.