Hotele Hot Springs w: 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.

Because our flight arrived late at Kansai, I chose the Almont Hotel which is close to Kyoto Station, and it turned out to be a very wise decision. We arrived at 1 AM, and the underpass from the bus stop through Kyoto Station was already closed, so we had to walk around from outside, which took about ten minutes. There was a young man at the front desk who spoke Chinese, making check-in very easy. The lobby is spacious and comfortable, and the self-service amenities downstairs are very comprehensive – you could say they have everything you need. Compared to the hotel we stayed at later in Osaka, this one was such great value. It might not be the most convenient if you're heading to downtown shopping malls, but I think taking public transport is also very quick. The bus stop for Sanzen-in Temple is less than a ten-minute walk away, and Yodobashi Camera is also super close and walkable. There's a convenience store right opposite, making it super easy to grab double skin milk.

One of my favorite hotels ever ♨️ This has to be one of the most comfortable hotels I've ever stayed in 🥹 During my stay, there were so many thoughtful complimentary services: popsicles, Yakult, coffee, matcha, and even free shoyu ramen for a late-night snack (though I found it a bit hard to appreciate – just salty, but you could take it back to your room 😂). The public bath is truly massive and incredibly clean. The room even thoughtfully provides a small basket 🧺 specifically for hot springs, perfect for holding towels and personal items. Downstairs, you can pick up beautiful bathrobes to wear for photos after your dip, and there are also hotel casual clothes in the room. There are 4 private baths in total, and you rarely have to wait in the morning or late at night. They offer great privacy and an excellent experience. The room has a wonderful classic Japanese feel, and for a hotel in Japan, it's remarkably spacious. It felt a bit luxurious for just one person 😂, the space is genuinely large. My favorite part is that the shower and toilet are separate, which is incredibly convenient for family trips. Breakfast was also a real surprise, with an incredibly rich selection: sashimi, roasted pork, salmon, wagyu curry, and a wide variety of other dishes. I was so full after eating that it lasted until evening 🤣. All the staff were also very polite and enthusiastic. This time, I'm especially grateful to the staff for helping me book the bus to Kansai Airport, which saved me a lot of hassle. The price is indeed a bit high 😂, but overall, the experience felt truly worth it. Some hotels you might stay at and just move on, but this is the kind of place where, once you've stayed, you'll want to come back again. I stayed alone this time, but next time I definitely want to bring my sister back to fully enjoy the hot springs, breakfast, and the leisurely pace here. ♨️🧺❤️ I will definitely be back.

My family and I all loved this place so much! This place is very authentic and surely gave a different experience. It’s definitely worth the money as you get welcome drinks, supper like ramen and ice creams and yogurts and also massage chairs

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 hotel is located right next to a subway exit. There are many restaurants and shops with various brands nearby. The onsen is good; they swap the men's and women's baths daily, and one of them offers a beautiful view of the river. In the evening, you can relax at the rooftop bar. The drink selection is small, but it's a nice place.

My Kyoto trip was particularly satisfying with this Kyoto townhouse. It had a garden, a private hot spring bath, and was brimming with Japanese charm. The breakfasts were especially delightful, with a wide variety and different dishes each day. After breakfast, there was also a traditional Kyoto matcha and carefully selected sweets; the owner even patiently explained the proper way to drink the matcha. It's a bit far from the subway, but there are several bus stops nearby, making it quite convenient. Strolling along Kyoto's charming streets and discovering hidden gems of little shops was also a delightful experience.

This hotel really captures the traditional essence of Kyoto. The staff were incredibly warm, attentive, and even proactively helped us with our luggage. Soaking in a sake bath in the wooden tub after a long day of sightseeing was absolutely blissful and such a memorable experience.

This Japanese-style guesthouse is very authentic. It has an open-air hot spring bath and the meals feature a delicious miso hot pot with plenty of vegetables. We visited during cherry blossom season, so it was crowded, but the customer service team was very helpful and actively assisted us in finding a better room type, which we really appreciated! It's surrounded by forest, and we heard that in autumn and winter, there are bear families around, but the owner seems quite used to it!

Our recent stay at Ujo Soan was, without exaggeration, the finest hospitality experience I have encountered in my 20 years of traveling across Japan. From the moment we arrived, the level of service was nothing short of superb. There are three highlights that made our stay truly unforgettable: 1. Exceptional Culinary Surprise: We were deeply touched by the hotel's generosity in providing a complimentary upgrade to the prestigious ”Tsuiyama Blue Label Crab” set. The quality of the crab and the meticulous preparation were world-class—a true gastronomic journey. 2. Breathtaking Sunset Views: Spending time at the Lounge ”AO” on the 8th floor of Bettei Fuka was a spiritual experience. Watching the sunset over the Kyotango coastline with a drink in hand is a memory we will cherish forever. 3. Outstanding Service (Sakura-san): A special mention must go to Sakura-san. Her professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail were exemplary. She anticipated our every need and represents the very best of Japanese Omotenashi. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Yasuhiko Okita and the General Manager, Mr. Nakanishi, for maintaining such an incredible standard of excellence. If you are looking for a sanctuary that combines luxury, nature, and heartfelt service, Ujo Soan is the only choice. We cannot wait to return.