For the last few days of my five-week trip to Japan, I chose the Aloft Tokyo Ginza hotel. Thanks to its proximity to the JR Tokyo central station, I could easily reach Narita airport in less than an hour for my return flight. It was also an opportunity to do my last-minute shopping in Ginza to fill my suitcase with souvenirs from Japan!
Aloft Tokyo Ginza – Booking
The Aloft Tokyo Ginza hotel is one of the Marriott Bonvoy group’s most affordable hotels in Tokyo. Prices range from 40,000 points or between 30,000 and 50,000 JPY in cash.
The free night in question was worth 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, which seems like an excellent price since I can’t find any availability in 2024 for less than 40,000 points.
The annual one-night free certificate allows you to book a room of up to 35,000 points, but you can combine up to 15,000 points to pay for a higher-value night.
In addition to the exceptional welcome bonus on both cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases and 5 points per dollar at Marriott establishments. And each year, you’ll earn a certificate for one free hotel night (35,000 point value) and 15 Elite nights toward your Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.
$990ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreⓘApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.
New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.
This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.
Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.
To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.
The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.
You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.
Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.
Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.
You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.
The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.
Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
Legal
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$120
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
2xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312
Travel insurance
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
$990ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreⓘApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]This credit card has been the Best Business Credit Card in Canada for hotels for many years.
For a limited time, you can earn 50,000 points as a welcome bonus.
With this Card you can earn:
5 points per dollar on Marriott Bonvoy purchases
3 points per dollar on gas, dining and travel purchases
2 points per dollar on all other purchases
Also, as a Cardmember, you get many benefits such as:
An Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points
15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year for your Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status membership
Finally, you are covered with reliable insurance for your travels and purchases.
Like most American Express Credit Cards, there is no minimum income required to apply for this Card.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Legal
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card is the best credit card for the self-employed, professionals and small business owners who travel.
With this welcome offer, you can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points:
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $10,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 30,000 Points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.
This exceptional offer ends on September 22, 2026.
It’s a card we recommend you keep, because each year at renewal, you’ll get an Annual Free Night Award for up to 35,000 points, plus 15 Elite nights per year, counting towards your Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.
With this Card, you earn 5 points per dollar for all your spending at Marriott Bonvoy establishments, and you can earn 3 points per dollar for :
Gas
Dining
Travel
And 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.
Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.
Annual fee
Primary card$150
Additional card$50
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
3xTravel
3xGas & EV
3xRestaurants
2xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,520
2nd Year Value$347
Travel insurance
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
Aloft Tokyo Ginza – Location
The hotel is located in Tokyo’s elegant Ginza area (which literally means « seat of money »). This shopping district is renowned for its high concentration of department stores, luxury boutiques, restaurants and world-famous cafés. It is considered one of the most expensive and luxurious districts in the world. Think Champs-Élysées de Paris, Japanese version.
Another Marriott Bonvoy hotel, the AC Hotel Tokyo Ginza, is located in the building next door.
Aloft Tokyo Ginza – Around the hotel
The nearest station is Higashi-ginza, with a subway entrance 150 meters from the hotel doors. Yurakucho is the nearest JR station, 850 meters away.
To reach JR Tokyo Central Station (Tokyo Station), allow around 20 minutes’ walk or a few minutes by cab if you have a lot of luggage (around JPY 1,300).
Tokyo-Haneda airport is less than 40 minutes by train from Higashi-ginza (550 JPY) or 15 minutes by cab (8,500 JPY).
For Tokyo-Narita airport, which is much further away, allow at least 1 hour 15 minutes from Higashi-ginza by subway (JPY 1,410) or 50 minutes by Narita Express train from JR Tokyo station (JPY 3,070). I don’t recommend taking a cab, as you’ll be at the mercy of Tokyo’s dense traffic and the fare will be exorbitant (over 30,000 JPY).
Attractions within a ten-minute walk of the hotel include:
Tsukiji fish market (550 m)
Uniqlo (270 m) and MUJI (700 m) flagship stores
GINZA SIX luxury shopping center (140 m)
As you can see, this is truly a shopping district. The Lawson convenience store or kombini is just a few steps away, but note that it’s not open 24 hours a day (which is quite rare for a kombini in Tokyo).
When it comes to restaurants, you’ll mainly find establishments serving upscale Japanese cuisine such as sushi or kaiseki.
Aloft Tokyo Ginza – Check-in
For the holiday season, the hotel lobby was decorated with a pretty purple Christmas tree.
Check-in was hassle-free, with smiling, helpful reception staff. With my Marriott Bonvoy Elite Gold status, I was able to get an upgrade to a room on a higher floor.
Next to the reception area, open at all times, is the Re:FUEL corner, where you can buy drinks and snacks. There’s also a cash dispenser to convert your currency, and a scale to weigh your suitcases.
Aloft Tokyo Ginza – Room
The bedroom is designed as a mini loft, with the vanity, dining area and beds all in the same room.
Although small, my room is comfortable and functional. I used the dining area as a work corner with a beautiful view of Tokyo.
All the essentials are provided: mini-refrigerator, kettle, hairdryer, safe, telephone and a large smart TV.
Aloft Tokyo Ginza – Breakfast
The breakfast buffet (JPY 3,000) is served on the second floor in The Warehouse restaurant.
On the menu: hot and cold Japanese dishes and a wide range of Western options. Eggs are also served on request.
A beautiful coffee machine will prepare your morning energy dose in your favorite way (cappuccino, espresso, latte, americano).
Aloft Tokyo Ginza – Other services
Aloft Tokyo Ginza – The Warehouse
After breakfast, the hotel restaurant serves an all-you-can-eat salad bar for JPY 2,600. In the evening, the menu features Western dishes such as steaks, jambalaya, pasta, ribs and fish and chips.
Aloft Tokyo Ginza – W XYZ Bar
Open from midday to midnight, the W XYZ bar offers a trendy, hushed atmosphere. It sometimes hosts musical performances.
In addition, the Happy Hour promotion runs from 4 pm to 7 pm, with a selection of drinks at JPY 777. Finally, the bar also serves snacks such as nachos, nut mix, burgers and salads.
Aloft Tokyo Ginza – Roof Dogs
Nestled on the roof, the Roof Dogs bar serves hot dogs and sparkling wine in the great outdoors. The view over Tokyo is superb, as is the decor. Unfortunately, the food truck is closed in winter, but you can still bring your food and drink from the W XYZ bar to enjoy the view.
Aloft Tokyo Ginza – Fitness room
On the second floor is the Re:CHARGE fitness room. Equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers and stationary bikes are available. What’s more, you’ll find free weights and everything you need for your workout. The gym is open at all times.
Aloft Tokyo Ginza – My overall impression
The Aloft Tokyo Ginza hotel proved to be a convenient choice for my final days in Japan. Its proximity to the JR Tokyo central station made it easy for me to get to Tokyo-Narita airport. Although the room was compact, it offered everything needed to work and sleep comfortably.
Although Ginza is a beautiful part of Tokyo, it’s not my favorite place as a base to visit the city. If you’re looking for a more dynamic, cultural district with an active nightlife and restaurant options to suit all budgets, I’d recommend Shibuya, Shinjuku or even Ikebukuro.
Read our other reviews of Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Tokyo:
$990ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreⓘApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.
New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.
This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.
Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.
To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.
The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.
You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.
Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.
Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.
You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.
The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.
Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
Legal
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$120
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
2xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312
Travel insurance
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
$990ⓘMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Milesopedia first-year estimateⓘFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreⓘApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.
New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:
Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.
This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.
Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.
To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.
The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.
You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.
Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.
Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.
You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.
The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.
Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.
Legal
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, we may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Annual fee
Primary card$120
Additional card$0
Annual income required
Individual$0
Household$0
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
2xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312
Travel insurance
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days
Our editorial integrity
Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.