Hotels met spa in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

We stayed here for a family trip over Children's Day in May. Banyan Tree is such a renowned brand even in Korea, so I had high expectations when I booked our stay. However, we were hoping for a mountain view, but instead, we got a cemetery view – and on a dark, rainy night, it was quite enough to give us nightmares. If you're looking for a relaxing experience, like soaking in a Japanese cypress (hinoki) bathtub, you'll be satisfied, but I have to say the view was extremely disappointing. On the positive side, the Japanese tatami room vibe was very pleasing, and the aroma oil program at the spa was really interesting.

Our experience at Six Senses Kyoto was truly wonderful. As a new hotel opened in 2024, it exudes an elegant Japanese Zen style, and the public courtyard is particularly photogenic. The room was spacious enough at 42 square meters, and the attention to detail was impeccable. The breakfast selection was rich, offering both local Kyoto flavors and Western options, and the quality of the food was excellent. Its location isn't far from Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, making it very convenient for sightseeing. The only slight downside is that it's a bit of a distance from the subway, so I'd recommend taking a taxi for getting around. The service was meticulous and attentive, making for a very relaxing stay overall, perfect for those looking to slow down and enjoy a holiday.

Highly impressed with the quality of this hotel. The room design was modern and comfortable, housekeeping was excellent, and the facilities were well maintained. Staff were consistently friendly and professional. Everything felt seamless and enjoyable throughout the stay

The buffet was quite crowded, offering a wide variety of food. The coin-operated laundry machines and smoking area were well-equipped. The room amenities included everything except a razor. You can wear yukata and slippers throughout the hotel, and there's a great drink bar available in the evening.

The room layout wasn't particularly efficient; there were many awkward corners that wasted space, which meant a 2-meter bed couldn't fit. It felt a bit small, and not very family-friendly when traveling with kids. However, during our stay, it was my wife's birthday, and the hotel thoughtfully prepared a birthday cake, which was a lovely touch. They also provided lavender oil as an amenity to aid sleep. The hot spring was absolutely fantastic; soaking in it was incredibly relaxing, and all the amenities were excellent. The staff's service was also very pleasant. What made this hotel truly special was the direct access from the seventh floor to the Kachoen Garden on the back hill – a beautiful courtyard. You can even hike up and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto, and we even spotted two huge porcini mushrooms along the way! For transportation, there's a shuttle bus every half hour to Sanjo, Shijo, and the train station. They also offer luggage direct delivery service between the hotel and the train station, which is super convenient. For breakfast, my favorites were the onigiri and udon noodles. My little one could eat 5 onigiri in one sitting! Each topping for the udon noodles, though seemingly ordinary, was full of flavor and absolutely delicious – a definite thumbs up. The only downside is the daily queue for breakfast; the staff's efficiency is indeed quite low. A table would be empty for 5 minutes after guests left without being cleaned, then another 5 minutes after cleaning before new guests were led in. The staff also didn't proactively clear empty plates from guests' tables, so overall, service was very slow. I hope the hotel can improve this aspect.

The location is excellent, just a three-minute walk from the metro station. The rooms are spacious, and the bathroom has a separate shower and toilet. Right across from the hotel is the Culture Museum, which is housed in a beautiful old building itself. Downstairs, there are bars and restaurants with good food. Shin-Puh-Kan Hall and BAL are also within walking distance.

Location is probably the biggest plus for this hotel. Room is new and in good condition, with the basics included. However, do note that the hotel doesn't provide toothbrushes or other toiletries due to their environmental policy (toothpaste on request). Also doesn't have body lotion It's decent and sufficiently comfortable, but I expected more for the price.

A Truly Exceptional Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto Our family had a wonderful experience at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, and we left with nothing but gratitude and happy memories. From the moment we arrived, the service was flawless and heartfelt — the kind of genuine hospitality that makes a trip feel truly special. A huge thank you to Cecilia and Vinnie from the Guest Experience team, who went above and beyond to make our stay seamless and comfortable. Their warmth, attentiveness, and thoughtful gestures made us feel incredibly welcomed. A very special shout-out to Cecilia, who noticed my daughter’s love for Winnie the Pooh after our visit to Disneyland Resort. She prepared a beautiful card, a sweet message, and even a handmade Pooh origami and placed it in our room. It absolutely made our daughter’s day — such a thoughtful touch we will never forget. We also want to commend Yuki from the restaurant team for his warm and wonderful breakfast service each morning. His kindness and attention to detail set the perfect tone to start our day. The Ritz Kids adventure passport was a delightful surprise — engaging not only for our daughter but also enjoyable for us as parents. And of course, we loved the festive Christmas atmosphere, especially the beautiful Christmas tree and the amazing gingerbread house with the incredible aroma that filled the lobby. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto truly exceeded our expectations in every way. We felt cared for, welcomed, and genuinely appreciated. We can’t wait to return again. Highly recommended for families and anyone seeking an unforgettable Kyoto stay.

I really liked this hotel. The staff were friendly and helpful with everything. They provided food and drinks upon check-in. The room was cozy and had everything I needed. There was an air conditioning system, a master control panel, two sinks in the bathroom, a good mattress, and comfortable pillows. The hotel itself is very attractive from the outside and conveniently located, close to everything. You can get there by taxi in 10-15 minutes. If you don't use taxi-hailing apps yourself, the lovely staff, who speak excellent English, will do it for you. The hotel's style is a modern fusion of Japanese and Thai elements. I grew up in Thailand and have always loved Japan. I really enjoyed my stay. Thank you!

This hotel is super accessible, right by Keihan Sanjo Station. Once you step through the seemingly quiet entrance, you're greeted by a stylish modern Japanese interior and a lovely lounge area. The lounge is great – free water, a coffee machine, and complimentary snacks. I stayed in a double room with no view, but it was spacious and comfortable. Honestly, even in the nicest hotels, filling up a bathtub is a hassle, and shower curtains can sometimes smell, so a shower-only booth was perfectly fine for me. The loungewear, bathrobes, and towels were all plentiful and easy to use. Since they're committed to environmental protection, the amenities provided are just hand soap, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and a toothbrush, so I'd recommend bringing your own if you need anything else. Plus, there are two convenience stores just a 1-2 minute walk away.