Hotele z: spa 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.

I stayed for 4 nights from January 4 to January 8, 2026. From the hotel, you can walk to Nijo Castle in about 10 minutes. There are many small convenience stores nearby (7-Eleven and the like), as well as two large supermarkets — Life is open until midnight, which is a huge plus. You can buy nice gifts for friends and family late in the evening without wasting daytime hours. The transportation access is great too: within a few minutes' walk there's a subway station and a JR line (convenient for coming from the railway station), and right next to the hotel there's a bus stop. This is important because Kyoto's sights are scattered all over the city, and you often need to use public transport or taxis. Speaking of taxis. Twice I asked the reception to call me a taxi, and both times the staff helped me — a huge thank you to them! It was especially important on the first day: thanks to a taxi, I made it to Kiyomizu-dera Temple in time and explored it without rushing. Check-in was very quick, and the staff explained where everything was. The room was quite spacious — or maybe it just felt that way. I comfortably unpacked my suitcase and took out everything I needed without feeling cramped. The room had all the essentials, and there were kettles near the elevator that you could take to your room if needed. I did, and had some tea before bed (on the first floor, you can grab a free tea bag if you don't have your own). The air conditioner worked for both cooling and heating — which was very useful on some evenings. Honestly, I only used the hotel to sleep, and it was perfectly fine. Every morning, breakfast is served on the first floor. To be honest, I expected something simple since the room rate was quite affordable. That's why the breakfast was such a pleasant surprise! My eyes wandered every morning at the variety of delicious food! A huge selection. Every day I had rice with various toppings, amazing salmon, cod, and various vegetables (the okra here was especially good). There's a small smoking room on the first floor with good ventilation. My overall impression of the hotel is extremely positive. I will definitely stay here again on my next visit to Kyoto.

The hotel's location is fantastic! The design is also very modern and forward-thinking. The front desk and concierge staff were all incredibly enthusiastic and always attentive to whether we needed any assistance. It was a very satisfying stay. We stayed in Japan for 7 nights and switched between 3 hotels, and this was by far the most satisfying five-star hotel experience!

Everything was good except the service in hotel restaurants, which was exceptionally bad: 1) breakfast: waited for food for 40 mins, reminded the server 2 times - still nothing; 2) bar: a too long wait for a cocktail. the server said that as apology said cocktail won’t be in included in the bill… but it was there; 3) afternoon tea: told the staff that I dislike dairy products, but have no allergy. So, for example I can eat most sweets, but not the ones with a strong taste of mascarpone cream. In the end they gave me just a plate of fruit and when I remninded them of the above they… did nothing ) I stayed at this hotel and had afternoon tea there last year too - everything was fine then. All of the above are 3 different restaurants inside the hotel, so I wouldn’t recommend going to any restaurant there. In all other aspects except services related to food the hotel is good.

This hotel exceeded my expectations! The room was larger than average and exceptionally clean, with a separate shower and bathtub. The Refa showerhead and hairdryer were a nice touch and worked great. The room had modern amenities, and the trash bins were emptied promptly. The hotel's location is super convenient. There are many designer shops and delicious restaurants nearby, and it's just a short walk to Nishiki Market. Karasuma Oike Station is also right next door, offering direct access to Shijo and Kyoto Station. I was really satisfied with my stay; it offers excellent value for money! I highly recommend the wagyu BBQ restaurant next to the hotel (Wagyu Yakiniku Horumon Sankichi). The owner and staff were very friendly, the wagyu quality was superb, and the set menus were great value, plus you can enjoy all-you-can-drink!

Anyone visiting Kyoto should be familiar with this hotel because it's located right in the heart of the shopping district, which is incredibly convenient. The location is excellent; you step right out to Takashimaya, and there's even a direct connection from the hotel's third floor! The hotel also boasts a cafe, a supermarket, and a gym... perfect for young travelers! The rooms are spacious, the bedding is comfortable, and the bathroom is also very roomy.

Located beside the Kamo River, the scenery is stunning, and the service is impeccable. Thank you Megumi and Shoko for arranging such an unforgettable gift and hospitality. It's a hotel I would definitely stay at again.

Great location with various transportation options nearby, making it very convenient for getting around. It's just a few minutes' walk to the shopping street in Sanjo. The room was clean and the bedding comfortable. Breakfast had limited choices, but both the service and taste were satisfactory. The bathroom only provided toothbrushes and shower amenities, unlike other traditional Japanese business hotels that offer a full range of personal items. The lobby has a lounge area with complimentary 24-hour coffee, tea, and snacks. The staff were friendly and spoke fluent English. A separate accommodation tax needs to be paid upon check-out.

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.

First off, the hotel's location is fantastic. There's a bus stop nearby with direct routes, plus a convenience store. I really enjoyed the hotel's large public bath; it was so relaxing to soak in the hot spring after walking 10,000-20,000 steps every day. The hotel is also very thoughtful – they provide fresh pajamas daily, and the room size is quite good. The front desk staff were very friendly and helpful. On the day we checked out, we even stored our luggage for a while before heading back. All in all, for this price during the off-season, it was an excellent value for money.