Hotel Tea Time

Light sleepers may want to consider which side they book. My Mt Inasa view balcony room faced the Shinkansen platforms and harbor, so the view was great, but each morning I heard platform guards calling out safety instructions over loudspeakers whenever a train approached, which happens very often. I can't say for sure, but I assume the other side of the hotel would be better insulated from the noise. The room itself was spacious and comfortable, with a large walk-in closet, a roomy shower and tub, toothbrushes and razors, and complimentary bottled water. WiFi was fast and steady. Staff at reception and on the first floor were consistently friendly and keen to help. This is a great Nagasaki hotel whether you're a Marriott member or not. It's practically next door to the main Nagasaki Station, with only a small alley between, and a large bus terminal nearby. The cable car station is a couple of minutes away on foot. Azurite's cocktails were really good too, though expensive since it's the hotel's bar. If 2000+yen for a drink is fine with you, I'd recommend trying their creations.

The Kamome corner suite on the top floor was enormous and comfortable, with a huge wraparound balcony bigger than you'd expect even in an actual apartment. As Bonvoy Titanium members, we were upgraded from a standard room. Our Amex Travel 'hotel collection' booking also included a $100 USD food/credit voucher for dining at the hotel. The modern, tasteful furnishings, rain shower, automated washlets, and auto-opening curtains were all great. We were impressed by the lounge: self-serve hot dinner food, plenty of gourmet desserts at cordial hour, and unlimited self-serve beer, wine, bubbles, and spirits. Breakfast at Harbella was excellent and extensive, with floor-to-ceiling views of the mountains and harbor to the West/South. The gym was modern and well equipped for a hotel, especially for Japan, with treadmills, dumbbells, and several Technogym cable machines. Asano-san at check-in was professional and warm. Antonio, the loyalty officer (?), greeted us by name in the lounge and shared interesting details about Nagasaki history and local places. The other lounge staff were great as well. The location is excellent by Amuplaza, Nagasaki station (JR train / shinkansen), and bus / tram stations. It's between Glover Garden and Chinatown to the south and Peace Park to the north, with a 20 minute walk to the Ropeway. On many dates the rates are competitive for a corporate branded Marriott in such a central spot. I've traveled internationally a lot for work over the last decade and often stay at hotels on weekend getaways with my wife. We've been lucky to visit some wonderful properties, and Nagasaki Marriott ranks among the best. I can't think of anything negative about the hotel; they're doing everything well. Nagasaki itself was an unexpectedly chill, uncrowded (very few Westerners), scenic city with great transit and amenities. I'm already talking with my wife about coming back later this year to see more of the city and surrounds.

The Executive Kamome Corner Suite I was kindly upgraded to was spectacular, with sweeping views of the city and river and a modern, high-tech feel. I also tried De Jima Teppanyaki, which was great value if you enjoy wagyu. The M Club serves local snacks and has seating with amazing city views. This has quickly become my go-to in Nagasaki. The location beside Nagasaki Station makes it easy to walk to major shopping centers and cultural sights, including the 26 Martyrs Monument, the Museum of History and Culture, and the Art Museum. For leisure or business, it's a convenient and luxurious base. Highly recommended.

What stood out most was the staff's customer service, from the downstairs entrance hall and front desk to breakfast and the M Club. Ms. Sun at reception happily called a local restaurant to get us dinner reservations, and Ms. Kanon Soekawa in the M Club was cheerful and attentive, making us feel welcome and comfortable. Thanks to you both! Our room was clean and modern, with detailed housekeeping each day. Breakfast buffet and M Club food were both very good, with a wide range of dishes and ingredients from the local Kyushu area. The hotel is centrally placed by Nagasaki train station, tram stops, and shopping malls. This is the best Marriott we've stayed at so far, and we'll definitely return on our next Nagasaki visit.