Hotele Hot Springs w: Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

When we chose this hotel, we saw pictures and videos that made us think it was a resort estate, but it's not. There's very little to see inside the hotel; I could walk through the entire property in 5 minutes. Secondly, the hotel advertises natural hot springs, but the public ones reek of disinfectant as soon as you walk in, which is very unpleasant. The room itself was okay and had character, and the bathtub was very large with a pleasant woody scent when bathing. Finally, the breakfast – honestly, the taste was just mediocre. I wouldn't choose this hotel again at the same price point.

The hotel boasts an excellent location, just a few minutes' walk from Kyoto Station (depending on your luggage size and amount). It's incredibly convenient for exploring various attractions from Kyoto Station, which also offers a wide array of shopping and dining options. The hotel's service and cleanliness are outstanding. You can pick up disposable amenities yourself from the right-hand corner of the lobby, facing the front desk. Both the hot spring bath and the laundry/drying room are located on the 10th floor.

We had a pleasant stay at Kyoto Umekoji Kadensho, mainly thanks to its excellent location—right next to the train station and just one stop from Kyoto Station, making it very convenient for getting around. The room was spacious and well-designed, especially with the separated shower and toilet areas, which made it more comfortable for multiple occupants. A highlight of the stay was the private baths. Although one of the five baths was out of order, the system worked efficiently—even at full occupancy, we never had to wait long for one to become available. The little touches after a bath were a nice surprise—we really enjoyed the complimentary ice cream and Vitagen. That said, there are a few areas that could be improved. The hotel relies heavily on disposable wares, which felt excessive. Drinks in the lounge were served in disposable cups, and even the complimentary ramen supper came in disposable containers. On top of that, seating for the supper was quite limited, so many guests ended up taking their food back to their rooms. Overall, a comfortable and convenient stay with great amenities, but the sustainability aspect could definitely be improved.

My girls declared this the best hotel we’ve ever stayed at! Their first impression of the room was just “okay”, it was clean, comfortable, and a decent size, with separate toilet and shower areas, plus a sliding door that could close off the sleeping area. But what really won them over were all the little extras that this dormy inn offers. We booked the room with breakfast, and it was absolutely worth it. The breakfast spread had a great variety, and although they have a queue system in place, we never had to wait. After walking close to 20,000 steps exploring Kyoto each day, the onsen became the highlight of our evenings. The girls would head straight for the complimentary ice cream afterwards, followed by the massage chairs (when they weren’t occupied, they’re very popular!). We would then end the night with the free late-night ramen. 😆 That became our nightly routine for all four nights, and it made our stay in Kyoto even more memorable before we moved on to Osaka. We’d definitely stay here again. The only question we had was, why doesn’t the women’s bath have a cool/cold plunge pool like the men’s? It would have been the perfect way to cool down after the hot onsen!

This hotel is absolutely wonderful! Tucked away in a bustling part of Kyoto, it surprisingly offers a peaceful retreat. The top-floor bar has a really stylish design and the night views are absolutely stunning. Our king room was spacious and comfortable, and a soak in the bathtub melted away all our travel fatigue. Staying here with my partner, we really got to experience Kyoto's relaxed pace – it was incredibly romantic!

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.

A Perfect Blend of Tradition and Comfort in Kyoto During my recent stay at Saka Hotel Kyoto, I was immediately struck by its peaceful surroundings and inviting atmosphere. Located in the charming Higashiyama neighborhood, it offers an ideal launching point for discovering Kyoto’s historic sites. Despite being so close to famous temples and shrines, the hotel maintains a tranquil setting that feels worlds away from the bustle of the city. From check-in onward, I was warmly welcomed by the professional and attentive team. Their devotion to creating a memorable guest experience was evident in every conversation. Whether offering sightseeing suggestions or promptly assisting with any need, they made me feel completely at home. My room showcased an attractive fusion of modern design and traditional Japanese elements. Soft earth tones, tasteful décor, and well-chosen furnishings created an atmosphere that was both chic and peaceful. The spacious bathtub, in particular, stood out as the perfect place to unwind after wandering Kyoto’s centuries-old streets. Although I didn’t have a chance to sample the hotel’s dining options, every other aspect of my stay was faultless. The exquisite decor, the serene environment, and the staff’s unparalleled service exceeded all my expectations. If you’re seeking a sophisticated, relaxing retreat that still allows you to easily explore Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage, Saka Hotel Kyoto is an excellent choice.

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.

We took a taxi to this location because it was a little too far by bus, and we had all of our luggage with us. The location is beautiful. If you're only staying for one night like we did, then you should check in at the earliest (3:00 pm) so you can explore the local area. There are some really nice shrines nearby. We were only able to do this after breakfast the next morning. We also had to be out by 10:00 am, which surprised us because it was listed as 11:00 am on Trip.com. You will be served traditional Japanese cuisine for dinner and breakfast. They do an excellent job of presenting all of the dishes, and the service is also incredible. But if you're not used to eating raw fish, or traditional Japanese cuisine in general, you should definitely bring your own snacks to eat in your room! We stayed in the Garden view room with tatami mats. The staff will actually rearrange the room for you during dinner and set up your beds if you select this room. That was a very nice touch, so make sure you don't leave your room a total mess before dinner! I have added a picture of the beds after they were set up. The garden view was well worth the money we spent for it. Very relaxing and beautiful. And surprisingly enough...the tatami beds were super comfortable and warm!