VictorPowers

Although tipping alone has always been controversial, ANY tip is appreciated!
90% of my tips come in the form of Cash.
Some Non Cash tips I have received have been Gift Cards to places I like, roll of pennies, underwear, cologne, shopping trip, sunglasses.
 

I was going to start a new thread for this but I figure it would be better to just use this one.
 
I know most of the providers don't expect a tip but when you do, do you prefer cash or more personalized gifts? Also, what's the best, weirdest, or most suprising extra gift you have ever gotten?

That’s a good rule @lonely_john.
 
When I hired, I sent a polite email with all my info to enquire about availability. With the 2nd email, I checked that we were compatible (if it had not been clear in his first reply) and booked....and I always asked how and when he wanted me to confirm as I usually booked in advance.
 
Being prolix or sending several vague messages makes it seem as if you are not serious about meeting.
 
That said, I hired a lovely guy in LA who asked me to phone him from Europe just so we could “get to know each other“. I did so and called him 2x more in the 3 weeks before I visited LA. The date went very well indeed.

I’m sure some have inherited communicable diseases ?

Here’s my thought as I am one of the “30 5 star with no negative” people. I feel since this business is very personal in nature, negative experiences rarely get reviewed. Let’s say someonehad a 3 or 4 star experience. I bet they’d rather not negatively impact their providers reputation if thy just had an ok time.
 
I’ll admit not every experience I’ve provided has been 5 stars. Nobody can possibly be perfect in the service industry. As you said, some people you just don’t click with and that can happen on occasion.

Here’s my thought as I am one of the “30 5 star with no negative” people. I feel since this business is very personal in nature, negative experiences rarely get reviewed. Let’s say someonehad a 3 or 4 star experience. I bet they’d rather not negatively impact their providers reputation if thy just had an ok time.
 
I’ll admit not every experience I’ve provided has been 5 stars. Nobody can possibly be perfect in the service industry. As you said, some people you just don’t click with and that can happen on occasion.

Nah!
 
I prefer to make jokes about all sorts of topics. I thought my comment was witty. My humor may not be for everyone and I’m ok with that.

I appreciate everyone for concerns and PMs regarding Coronavirus. My primary reason for the trip is a concert on 3/29. A subsequent search using Delta Skymiles convinced me to go. I booked a flexible Hotel stay and I can cancel my flights for a full Miles refund anytime.
 
So basically I can cancel anytime for free and I’ll only be out my VIP Concert ticket cost.
 
I do have a day layover (By choice) In Seoul.

Interesting. That does make sense though.

I appreciate everyone for concerns and PMs regarding Coronavirus. My primary reason for the trip is a concert on 3/29. A subsequent search using Delta Skymiles convinced me to go. I booked a flexible Hotel stay and I can cancel my flights for a full Miles refund anytime.
 
So basically I can cancel anytime for free and I’ll only be out my VIP Concert ticket cost.
 
I do have a day layover (By choice) In Seoul.

I was in Tokyo many years ago with work (we have an office there), and it was the most amazing and simultaneously most surreal place I've ever visited... and the place I'd most like to revisit... when some friends were planning to visit I asked our Tokyo team where they took out of town visitors, and they didn't disappoint... I've found the original mail -- hope this helps.
 
Day trips from Tokyo,
 
· Hike/onsen in Hakone with views of mount Fuji
 
· Hiking and/or Temples in Nikko
 
· Hiking in Karuizawa
 
· Hiking from Mitake to Oku-tama (long hike and takes a while to get there, full day)
 
· Temples in Kamakura
 
 
 
Tokyo Restaurants
 
Tokyo is not just about Japanese food, all food is amazing. Small Japanese restaurants often don’t have English menus and the staff don’t speak English. If you’re open to trying new things, then don’t let this scare you, just point at things on the menu and play pot luck. Many more restaurants to choose from with maps and descriptions in english on http://www.bento.com
 
Some tips on food styles here http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/japanese-restaurants and here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_cuisine
 
 
 
Gonpachi, Nishi-Azabu
 
· English Menus. Nice restaurant, worth booking, the staff speak english. Famous as was the inspiration for Kill Bill set. Also has a good sushi restaurant on the top floor open very late. there is also one in Shibuya, but not as good
 
· http://www.bento.com/rev/1735.html link to map on website
 
Ahirusutoa, Shibuya
 
· Restaurant own by a brother and Sister who are making everything, form Sausage to bread. This is only open at night and have only 10 seats. It was the restaurant next to where we lived and loved it.
 
· http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1318/A131810/13051357/
 
Kaikaya, Shibuya
 
· Great Fish restaurant. Noisy, good fun. Again english menus. http://www.bento.com/rev/0211.html link to map on website
 
Fuku, Yoyogi-Uehara
 
· Simply the best Yakitori in Town, book ahead and stuff your face with things on sticks fresh from the bbq. English menus available
 
Toriyoshi, Nishi-Azabu
 
· Yakitori restaurant (chicken and veg on sticks), no english and no booking, but you can point to things on the counter to order.
 
Akanoren, Nishi Azabu
 
· Great late night Ramen place, open until 3am. Don’t miss the Siu Gyoza (Water Dumplings) to go with your Ramen
 
Bikkuri Sushi, Ebisu
 
· Loud, bright, great value Sushi, no booking required. Always try to sit at the counter. Has menus with pictures, so you can point. The 5 kinds of tuna set is my personal favourite
 
Gyoza Lou, Harajuku, http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/12853/Harajuku-Gyoza-Lou
 
· Dumplings, Beer, the cheapest meal in town. Long queues and no booking, but that’s part of the fun
 
Kitchen 5, Nishi Azabu
 
· The chef Kobayashi-san spends a couple of months a year travelling the world and the spends the whole day cooking an eclectic selection of recipes that she’s picked up along the way.
 
ANA Hotel Teppanyaki Restaurant, Akasaka
 
· Go at lunch time for good value set menus and a nice view from the 27th floor. Booking recommended
 
Jumbo, Yakiniku, Shirokanedai
 
· Excellent Korean BBQ, used to be a butcher’s shop and became a restaurant. Booking in advance essential
 
New York Grill, Shinjuku
 
· For a good view of Tokyo, the brunch at New York grill in the Park Hyatt in Shinjuku is good value with views from the 52nd floor over Tokyo. Booking essential. Was the hotel used in Lost in Translation. You can also upgrade to the Wagyu steak as a main course, but it’s not cheap
 
Atelier De Joel Robuchon, Roppongi Hills
 
· 2 star Michelin restaurant. They have these around the world but Tokyo is the best example. Dinner tasting menus are excellent and I love the counter seating and open kitchen
 
Gordon Ramsey, Conrad Hotel Shiodome
 
· Great Champagne Sunday brunch, haven’t checked current pricing
 
Aux Bacchanales
 
· Chain French bistro, with restaurants by the New Otani Hotel, in Ginza, Akasaka Ark Hills and a few others. Great Salad Nicoise, Steak Tartare and Frites. As much free bread as you can eat
 
Bar Two Rooms
 
· Nice place to enjoy a lovely cocktail with a beautiful view on Jinjuku
 
· http://www.tworooms.jp/en/
 
Le Savoy, Azabu-Juban
 
· Perfect Pizzas, they only make Margarita and Marinara, but they are really something else. Couldn’t find better in Napoli!
 
Cave, Takadanobaba,
 
· Great small counter restaurant with friendly staff serving excellent French food and lots of well-priced wines to match. A bit of the beaten track, but worth the trip for the atmosphere and the food. Don’t miss the escargot or the scallop risotto.
 
· http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1305/A130503/13001030/
 

 
Parks + To Visit
 
In Autumn, there are many lovely parks and gardens in Tokyo.
 
Shinjuku Gyoen
 
· Really beautiful gardens with loads of cherry trees short walk from Shinjuku station
 
Yoyogi Park
 
· Good spot to walk around on a sunny day. Nice colours in Autumn. Nice to enjoy as well on the Week end on the Harajuku gate the Elvis and the Rock and Roll. You need to go as well around Harajuku street to see what it’s look like. Really easy to work from there to Shibuya and even Shinjuku. From inside the park you can have a really nice view to Shinjuku
 
Asakusa + Hakihabara
 
· The first one is the temple area. You can have a great view on the Tokyo Sky Tree( never been). Near there on train you have as well Hakihabara which is the Otaku town. From electronic stuff to Made café. Worth trying it.
 
 
 
Museums, Clubs and Events
 
For nights out, museums and full event listings in Tokyo, check Metropolis magazine available at bookshops and some cafes and bars. It’s free and in English, also has a webpage at http://metropolis.co.jp/
 
 
 
Hotels
 
Not really the experts here unfortunately. If anyone has found good deals they would like to share, then please send them on.
 
· Lots of nice premium hotels, the Grand Hyatt and Ritz Carlton are conveniently placed in Roppongi.
 
· Air BnB has extensive listings for Tokyo for whole apartment or shared lets.
 
· Nice areas to stay are Roppongi, Shibuya for the younger crowd. Azabu-Juban, Meguro, Naka-Meguro and Daikanyama are more suburban but really nice with shops and restaurants
 
Granbellhotel, multiple locations
 
· there is 1 in shibuya, 1 in akasakamitsuke, 1 in shinjuku (shinjuku is in the back of kabukicho so maybe not really good area..)
 
· its a boutique/business hotel compact but very comfortable and good price.
 
· here is the link for shibuya one http://www.granbellhotel.jp/en/shibuya/
 
Tokyustay, Aoyama (Gaiename station)
 
· We use it in my company when some guests are visiting our office and we don't want to spend too much money like hyatt or cellulian tower in shibuya..
 
· All the guest always seem to be happy and I think you can get good deals if you book in advance . http://www.tokyustay.co.jp/e/hotel/AO/
 
Rosegarden Hotel, Shinjuku.
 
· My friends from Spain stayed before and they were happy because of the price and the location.
 
· As a hotel is really a business hotel so not much to expect but the location. http://www.hotel-rosegarden.jp/global-menu.html

Ok I’m just gonna put this out there. There is no way I would choose to travel to anywhere In Asia right now. I was just there for nearly a month on a Cruise.(I was not in Japan specifically) and I couldn’t get out quick enough due to the coronavirus threat. I felt very wary of being in Hong Kong at the end and finally returned to the US three days sooner than planned. I was so happy when the plane took off heading back to the US on January 26th. People are scrambling to get out of Asia right now....not wanting to fly in.
 
Obviously we all make our own decisions regarding the level of risk we are prepared to take in any given situation. I would recommend you carefully consider your decision to make this trip to Tokyo right now.

Nah!
 
I prefer to make jokes about all sorts of topics. I thought my comment was witty. My humor may not be for everyone and I’m ok with that.

Here’s my thought as I am one of the “30 5 star with no negative” people. I feel since this business is very personal in nature, negative experiences rarely get reviewed. Let’s say someonehad a 3 or 4 star experience. I bet they’d rather not negatively impact their providers reputation if thy just had an ok time.
 
I’ll admit not every experience I’ve provided has been 5 stars. Nobody can possibly be perfect in the service industry. As you said, some people you just don’t click with and that can happen on occasion.

Nah!
 
I prefer to make jokes about all sorts of topics. I thought my comment was witty. My humor may not be for everyone and I’m ok with that.

Here’s my thought as I am one of the “30 5 star with no negative” people. I feel since this business is very personal in nature, negative experiences rarely get reviewed. Let’s say someonehad a 3 or 4 star experience. I bet they’d rather not negatively impact their providers reputation if thy just had an ok time.
 
I’ll admit not every experience I’ve provided has been 5 stars. Nobody can possibly be perfect in the service industry. As you said, some people you just don’t click with and that can happen on occasion.

Nah!
 
I prefer to make jokes about all sorts of topics. I thought my comment was witty. My humor may not be for everyone and I’m ok with that.

Nah!
 
I prefer to make jokes about all sorts of topics. I thought my comment was witty. My humor may not be for everyone and I’m ok with that.

Nah!
 
I prefer to make jokes about all sorts of topics. I thought my comment was witty. My humor may not be for everyone and I’m ok with that.

Here’s my thought as I am one of the “30 5 star with no negative” people. I feel since this business is very personal in nature, negative experiences rarely get reviewed. Let’s say someonehad a 3 or 4 star experience. I bet they’d rather not negatively impact their providers reputation if thy just had an ok time.
 
I’ll admit not every experience I’ve provided has been 5 stars. Nobody can possibly be perfect in the service industry. As you said, some people you just don’t click with and that can happen on occasion.

Here’s my thought as I am one of the “30 5 star with no negative” people. I feel since this business is very personal in nature, negative experiences rarely get reviewed. Let’s say someonehad a 3 or 4 star experience. I bet they’d rather not negatively impact their providers reputation if thy just had an ok time.
 
I’ll admit not every experience I’ve provided has been 5 stars. Nobody can possibly be perfect in the service industry. As you said, some people you just don’t click with and that can happen on occasion.

I know and occasionally still meet a young guy who inherited $450k from a client. I went to his apartment a couple of times to go over the legal and tax ramifications of how he accepted the money (fortunately he was listed as the guy’s 401k sole beneficiary rather than in a will... there were family members and some ill feelings.)
The client was older and my buddy told me that his family never accepted him because of his orientation. Fortunately he is very well grounded and taking the advice to continue living a modest lifestyle.

To be fair, there are many of us who have fantastic repeat clientele who enjoy leaving multiple reviews.
 
It's not quite so black or white

I have to be honest, when I look for an escort I much rather see 10 five star reviews and a couple of negatives than all thirty reviews with 5 stars
Shows the escort is areal human and not a Fucking giving pleasure robot
I totally hate to judge on reviews alone
We all have encountered that certain person that as much as we try we just don’t click
What do you guys think???

When I was engaging regularly, I always preferred a favorite. It was a real plus for me to be able to skip past that awkward introductory period with a stranger. The tragic downside of having a steady favorite is the possibility of deceiving oneself into a one-way, being in-love fantasy.