Rihga Gran Kyoto — Hotel in Kyoto

From the sign next to the little towels in the lobby inviting us to dry ourselves of the rain, the doorbells on our front door to the traditional tea set in our room, the Japanese quality at Rihga Gran elevated in Kyoto.||I immediately put the kettle on to embrace the tea experience and immediately fell in love with the thin pouring sprout. We have had a water dispenser rather than a kettle at home for years but this makes me want one of these elegant pouring vessels just to make more of an occasion for making tea. And I’m a coffee drinker.||There wasn’t much rain on us anyway as this hotel is just a few minutes walk from the mighty Kyoto station. As so often in major train stations, most of the walking is just getting out of the station.||It’s a modern hotel that opened in 2020, and as is often the case when space is at a premium, the street-level entrance is small. However, the doors automatically slide open, and we are greeted by a long, invitingly lit escalator that takes us directly to the lobby. Subsequently, the ground floor lifts take us straight to our floor. ||Once we open the door, we are greeted straight away by that stunning tea set opposite which sets the tone for the comfort level of this room. The traditional sliding Japanese paper doors, the PJs on the bed and the basket filled with extra amenities confirm my deep love of Japan.||There is a small sofa, coffee, table and twin beds with a table in between. I mind twin beds less these days as I know they result in better sleep. The window opens for fresh air, even if the view looks internally.||There is an empty basket which we later learn is to transport our laundry to the mini laundrette on our our floor. We later learn that there are laundry facilities on other floors and that we can access their activity from our TV screen to save we know where there is one free. This is some effort to aid our comfort levels. As you know, we pick hotels that have laundry facilities so we can halve the amount of clothes we pack. And this hotel gave us several extra layers of convenience in this matter. The machines are inexpensive to use and automatically dispense laundry detergent. They are coin operated although staff can change notes. On the one occasion a machine wouldn’t start, we popped down and they came up straight away to fix it; the error was because we hadn’t shut the door firmly. ||Oh and on my return, I went straight to Muji and picked up a couple of fold-up baskets to use for laundry. Living in a one-floor dwelling, I didn’t think I’d ever need one but it has made such a difference to laundry days and it reminds me of this glorious hotel each time I use it.||AMENITIES||Laundrette (along the corridor)||Humidifier (‘Humidified air cleaner’)||PJs||Slippers||Safe||Bathroom basket: toothbrush, face cloth, hairbrush, skincare pack, body lotion sachet, razor, and cotton buds.||Tissues||Hairdryer||Fridge||Luggage rack||And there is ample lighting controlled only by the bedside.||BATHROOM||Japanese toilet||Good size bathtub with a handheld shower on the side||Luxurious bath, hand and face towels plus an absorbent bath mat||Foam soap||Two additional glasses (I generally use these for storage)||The towel rail beside the sink and on the bathtub door.||STORAGE||Wardrobe at the entrance||The cupboard above the tea area||Lots of little shelves around||Shelving in bathroom||No drawers so we used 2 of the little baskets for our underwear (the bigger one is used for laundry)||REFRESHMENTS||Japanese teapot, kettle, and two exquisite teas||Two cups||Two bottles of water||Ice bucket||Two glasses||There’s a complimentary hot drinks machine in the lobby lounge, which I used once or twice, given the fantastic tea facilities in our room. We took full advantage of the dinner credit we each had on our last evening. We had what equated to a fine dining dinner, which was inexpensive anyway, but with our generous credit, it cost us just a few pounds. This is another example of how much cheaper Japan seemed to us this time around.||A fabulous and well-located hotel that I would love...

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Rihga Gran Kyoto hotel, and I must say it was an outstanding experience from start to finish.

One of the highlights of my stay was the delicious breakfast offered at the hotel. The variety and quality of the dishes were truly impressive. Whether you prefer Japanese cuisine or more Western-style options, the breakfast buffet had something to satisfy every palate. It was a delightful way to start each day of my stay.

The rooms at the Rihga Gran Kyoto are exceptional. They are not only spacious and well-appointed but also extremely clean and comfortable. The attention to detail in the room's design and furnishings did not go unnoticed, and it made for a truly relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Now, let's talk about the bathroom - it was a luxury in itself. The bathroom amenities were top-notch, and the level of comfort and sophistication was beyond my expectations. It's safe to say that I had some of the most relaxing baths in the elegant bathtub during my stay.

As with all Japanese hotels, the bidet in the bathroom was a Godsend for a tourist like me. It's the little things that make a difference in one's travel experience, and this added convenience was greatly appreciated.

And here's a sweet surprise – the ice cream machine on the 4th floor! The ice cream it dispensed was not just your ordinary treat; it was some of the tastiest ice cream I've had in a while. It was the perfect way to cool off after a day of exploring Kyoto.

In conclusion, my stay at the Rihga Gran Kyoto was truly memorable. The combination of excellent food, clean and comfortable rooms, luxurious bathroom amenities, and thoughtful touches like the bidet and the ice cream machine made it a standout experience. I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again on my next visit to Japan. Kudos to the entire team at Rihga Gran Kyoto for making my stay so enjoyable...

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, the Rhiga Gran Kyoto exudes an air of timeless elegance and sophistication. From the moment you step into its grand lobby, you are transported to a world of refined luxury and impeccable service.The hotel's location is truly unbeatable, situated in the vibrant Shijo-Karasuma district, which is renowned for its bustling energy and historical charm. Guests are mere moments away from Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, including the majestic Kyoto Imperial Palace and the picturesque Kamo River.One of the highlights of our stay was the abundance of dining options surrounding the hotel. From traditional izakayas serving up mouthwatering yakitori to chic cafes offering artisanal pastries, there's something to satisfy every craving within walking distance of the Rhiga Gran Kyoto. For those seeking a taste of authentic Kyoto cuisine, the nearby Nishiki Market is a must-visit destination, offering an array of fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies.The hotel itself boasts an impressive array of culinary offerings, with multiple restaurants and bars serving up a diverse range of gourmet delights. Whether you're indulging in a lavish kaiseki feast at Hanagoyomi or sipping on expertly crafted cocktails at the stylish Sky Lounge, the dining experiences at Rhiga Gran Kyoto are sure to tantalize your taste buds.Beyond its culinary offerings, the hotel impresses with its spacious and elegantly appointed rooms, each designed to provide the utmost comfort and relaxation. From plush bedding to panoramic views of the city skyline, every detail has been carefully curated to ensure a memorable stay.In conclusion, our experience at the Rhiga Gran Kyoto was nothing short of exceptional. With its unbeatable location, diverse dining options, and luxurious accommodations, it is the perfect choice for discerning travelers seeking a truly unforgettable...