The Luxury Collection Hotels in Kyoto

My wife’s birthday trip at the Suiran was a dream come true. With successive Covid cancellations, it took us four years of planning, but it was worth the wait. With their traditional Japanese structures and landscaping, the Suiran was our oasis of calm during Kyoto’s busiest season (cherry blossoms). We enjoyed a wonderful dinner and the best breakfasts of our lives in their dining room, and blissful riverside happy hours in their cafe. Our comfortable room had all the amenities, and a soothing minimalist aesthetic. The Suiran staff is spectacular: thoughtful, gracious, attentive. Through our years of planning and days of enjoyment, we were guided by Suiran’s chief concierge, Hiromi Maruyama. Her kindness, patience, and expertise added greatly to the success of our time in Kyoto. Her suggestions and insights, and good spirits were a beacon shining our way. We are indebted to her for her efforts on our behalf.

We were a group of 6 people staying at the Hotel Mitsui on a trek through Japan. Suffice it to say, that the group was all pleased that we stayed here. Our initial check in process was a bit bumpy (no tea service) as it was clear everyone was checking into the hotel for a holiday weekend. However, within 30 minutes, we were all on our way to our rooms. Overall, the hotel and the rooms are designed in muted tones and a modern zen vibe. Where other hotels would simply have drywall covered with pictures, the Mitsui has clearly thought about every surface. We were in a room that looked out to the central garden, which is beautiful. The room had a nice long marble bench at the entrance which was nice for putting shoes on or setting things down to pack / unpack. Further in the room, there is a bar area, desk area and a nice long padded bench by the window. Controls for the room are near the bed and you can dim lights or raise and lower blinds with ease. The bathroom is a very clever design with two pocket door entrances, offering a closet area, double sink, a wet room with tub and shower and rom for the toilet. The room for the toilet is wide and very peaceful. Of course, it comes with the fancy Toto Neorest toilet that raises and lowers the seat automatically, has a heated seat, has a bidet feature and more. The shower offers both a hand held and a rain head that with a fine spray. Bathroom toiletries are crafted for the Hotel Mitsui. Of course, robes were available (just ask if you need a different size). Let’s talk about sleeping…. The bed was among the most comfortable that I have ever tried (firm, with just the right amount of softness). Down pillows and a duvet complete the scene. And course, should you not like your pillow, there is a pillow menu. The rooms at the Mitsui are quiet with blackout shades. At night, gentle nightlights illuminate the path to the bathroom. In all, the sleep experience is well thought out and devine. One of the stand out features of the hotel would be the Thermal Springs in the basement. The Thermal Springs are a modern version of a traditional Japanese onsen. Access is open to everyone in the hotel, but the number of people permitted in is managed to in more than 14 people at a time. You have to call ahead to make sure there is space, but in our case, we were always able to get in. Anyone who out touring in Kyoto, should make time in their busy schedule to visit the Thermal Springs between their tours and dinner - it is a great way to wash off the city and relax before dinner - very civilized. This review is particularly fun for me as our stay at the Mitsui ultimately caused us to break up with our travel agent. He was SO insistent that we stay at the Ritz , he could not imagine trying something new like the Mitsui (nor was he willing o have his team check it out). In the end, I feel vindicated, we loved our stay at the Mitsui and would happily return