An Unexpectedly Memorable Overnight Stay: What My 100th Stay at Hilton Naha Taught Me

I only intended to fly, stay, and return.

Flying back and forth to Naha is more of a routine than a trip.
As part of my airline status run, I visit Naha nearly 30 times a year. This time was supposed to be just another one of those trips.

Moreover, this was a whirlwind trip where I arrived at night and headed straight to the airport the next morning.
I had even forgotten until the last minute that I had booked Premium Class.
(Since I paid with SKY coins, I didn't really have a sense of the cost...)

I thought that as long as I could enjoy a relaxing flight, that would be enough. That was my mindset when I departed.

Mount Fuji and a Simple Pleasure

On the evening flight, the silhouette of Mount Fuji emerging against the backlight was so beautiful that I instinctively reached for my camera.
Encountering scenery like this is one of the simple rewards of air travel.

And, an Incident at Check-in

When I checked into my 'usual hotel' in Naha, the DoubleTree by Hilton Naha, I heard an unexpected remark at the front desk.

'Mr. Arai, this is your 100th stay. Thank you as always.'

I might have let out an involuntary 'Oh...'
I had only intended to come for a stay, but it turned out to be my 'memorable 100th time.'
I was overwhelmed with emotion that the hotel staff remembered such a moment and took the time to express it.

In my room, there were drinks prepared in the refrigerator and,
a gift of a storage pouch useful for travel.
A commemorative card was also included, which warmed my heart.

The Longing to Have a 'Regular Hotel'

Actually, ever since I was a child, I have longed to have a 'regular hotel' I visit.
A place like you see in movies, where you become familiar with the hotel staff and they call you by name.
I hoped to have a place where I could feel the warmth of accumulated interactions, even in small exchanges.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, my airline status runs have been exclusively on domestic flights.
I started staying at Hilton properties with a light heart, taking advantage of the Gold status that came with my credit card benefits.

I tried various places in Naha, including Marriott and local hotels, but,
once I realized that 'if I consolidate my stays, Diamond status might be within reach,' I found myself returning to Hilton Naha before I knew it.

The 75th Stay, and Other Milestones Before That

In the past, I have received thoughtful gestures at milestone moments.

For my 75th stay, there was a full bottle of champagne in my room.
The 'virtual drinking party' I had while messaging with friends is still a fond memory.

There was also a time when a card with handwritten messages from the staff was included,
and every single word warmed my heart.

Looking back like this, I realize that beyond the numbers, a great many memories and thoughtful gestures have accumulated.

And now, at the 100th

I intended it to be just a short stay.
In fact, I didn't go sightseeing in Naha, didn't go anywhere, just checked in, rested, and headed to the airport the next morning.

However, the place I headed to with the intention of 'just staying' had become 'my usual place' and 'a place that remembers me.'
This was an experience of great significance to me.

Travel Reveals Itself Through Accumulation

The 100th milestone was neither a goal I was aiming for, nor was it the finish line.
But looking back, I realize that within the travels I have gradually accumulated,
there were connections with people, a sense of security, and unexpected rewards.

That is why I cannot stop traveling, and
I believe I will continue to return to 'my usual place' again.

Related Links & Announcements

📚Click here for articles in this magazine

🗺Check all articles from the site map

🙌To those who read until the end
I hope this article provides hints for your own posts and activities. If you liked it, please support me with a
like, comment, or follow✨