The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto — Hotel in Kyoto

Our recent stay at the Ritz Carlton Kyoto for our second anniversary was nothing short of extraordinary, making it one of the top three hotel experiences for my wife and me. The service rivaled our honeymoon stay at the Four Seasons Bali, showcasing the Ritz Carlton’s dedication to excellence.

Location: Perfectly situated in the heart of Kyoto, this hotel is central to many attractions and fantastic restaurants, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. They always are able to grab a taxi for you as well, whenever you need it. There are also bicycles to rent (4000 yen a person) to utilize from dawn to dusk.

Check-in: The check-in process was the best we've ever experienced. We were escorted to our room immediately, where our luggage, including pieces forwarded from Andaz Tokyo, was already waiting. Shoku, who checked us in, was a highlight of our trip. She noticed my wife’s Kirby plushie and, days later, surprised us with a framed photo of us and an origami Kirby in our room. This personal touch was incredibly thoughtful and memorable.

Room: We stayed in the Grand Deluxe Kamogawa Room with a river view. Although we didn't receive an upgrade despite being Marriott Platinum members, the room was the perfect size and came with all the luxury amenities we needed. The massive California king bed was fantastic, and the view was stunning. The shower pressure was excellent, although the wooden boards on the floor could move around, which was slightly inconvenient. The room was cleaned twice daily, and the AC could go down to 15 degrees Celsius, which we appreciated. However, the TV felt outdated and would benefit from an upgrade, including Chromecast functionality.

Food: The food was the only slight downside. While it was good, it didn’t quite match the high room rates. The breakfast, although complimentary for Platinum members (including breakfast in room service), was not as impressive as that at Andaz Tokyo. However, the Pierre Hermé croissants were a highlight, and the Pierre Hermé shop in the lobby offered delicious macarons. We did not eat at any of the main restaurants in the hotel so we cannot comment on them.

Activities: We didn’t engage in many activities but did enjoy the complimentary electric bike ride to Fushimi Inari. The tour guide was really excellent, and we loved that this activity was free of charge. We even received a photo with frame at the end of the tour, delivered to our room!

Gym and Pool: The gym, although smaller than the one at Andaz Tokyo, was well-equipped and located in the basement. The pool area was beautiful, featuring both dry and steam saunas. However, it’s worth noting that you need to sign a guest form each time you use the facilities.

Service: Service was the standout aspect of our stay. Every staff member went above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect. Special mention to Shoku, whose knowledge and kindness made a significant impact on our experience. The thoughtful gesture of the Kirby origami and handwritten note was truly touching.

Overall, our stay at the Ritz Carlton Kyoto was one of the best of our lives. We've stayed at many high-end hotels, but this one is at the absolute top of our list. Highly recommended for an unforgettable luxury...

A Truly Unforgettable Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

From the moment I stepped into The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, I was completely mesmerized by its elegance, attention to detail, and luxurious touches. As a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, it truly lives up to its prestigious rating, offering an exceptional level of luxury, service, and hospitality that makes it one of the finest hotels in Japan.

I had the privilege of staying in the Ritz-Carlton Suite, and I can confidently say that it is the best of the best in Kyoto. The suite was incredibly spacious, beautifully designed, and offered breathtaking views of the Kamogawa River. Waking up to the peaceful sight of the river and mountains in the distance was truly a dream. Every detail in the suite, from the high-quality furnishings to the thoughtful amenities, reflected the signature Ritz-Carlton commitment to excellence.

Dining at La Locanda was another highlight of my stay. I had both lunch and breakfast here, and each meal was an absolute delight. The ingredients were incredibly fresh and seasonal, showcasing the finest local produce with a perfect balance of flavors. Every dish was presented with great care, and the service was, as expected, flawless.

In the afternoon, I indulged in high tea at the Lobby Lounge, featuring an exquisite selection of Pierre Hermé Paris pastries and desserts. Each bite was pure perfection, and the combination of refined flavors and the tranquil atmosphere made for a wonderful experience.

Beyond the stunning accommodations and incredible dining experiences, the service and hospitality at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto were nothing short of exceptional. Every staff member I encountered was warm, professional, and genuinely attentive, always ensuring that my stay was seamless and unforgettable.

The spa and wellness facilities were also outstanding. The heated indoor pool, well-equipped gym, sauna, and steam room provided the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploring Kyoto. The serene atmosphere of the spa made it an ideal place to unwind and indulge in some well-deserved self-care.

Another major advantage of this hotel is its perfect location. Situated right next to the Kamogawa River, it offers easy access to Kyoto’s most famous attractions while also providing a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re strolling along the river, exploring the historic districts, or visiting Kyoto’s renowned temples and gardens, everything is within reach.

With its Forbes Five-Star rating, world-class luxury, impeccable service, outstanding cuisine, and breathtaking surroundings, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto is truly one of the most exceptional hotels in Japan. If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime five-star experience, I highly recommend staying here. I will definitely...

Stayed two nights for a celebration and special attention was always paid to congratulating my wife for her birthday (in room fruit platter left during turn down service and after dinner at Mizuki). ||However, little attention was paid to my Japanese breakfast reservation which was made 2 months in advance. This was our third stay here and I had previously made reservations for a vegetarian Japanese breakfast with no issues. On our first morning, breakfast arrived and was absolutely perfect. I highly recommend it. On our second morning, they did not acknowledge my reservation, and even when I mentioned it, they still seemed to doubt my claim. About 40 minutes later, breakfast arrived but it was not vegetarian. I mentioned that I had made a reservation well in advance and they said I'd need to wait an additional 40 minutes. By that time we had been there for about an hour and my wife and daughter had already finished their breakfast. We decided to leave as we had to pack for check out. ||Upon returning to the room, we realized they had also forgot to bring the children's cupcake decorating activity which was also reserved a couple weeks in advance. ||I explained the situation through the Marriott Bonvoy app messaging system and received a call from the manager at La Loconda. After a long, wordy apology and overly verbose explanation, she said that she would bring the cupcake activity to our room. She asked if we wanted anything else, and I said a glass of milk would be nice. Several minutes later, the cupcake arrived but not the milk. ||I later received a follow up call from the manager with another wordy description about how they were doing an investigation regarding the matter. She asked if they could bring breakfast to the room and I accepted. Over an hour later, with check out approaching, I called to check on breakfast and was told she thought I didn't want it. No breakfast. ||I’ve previously experienced minor issues at Ritz-Carlton properties but they were always handled professionally, by limiting unneeded explanations and excuses, by listening attentively (I’d like to emphasize listening), and offering sincere apologies and resolutions. I felt in this case they were trying far too hard to make up for their mistakes, turning a deaf ear to my responses. The lack of attention paid to what I was saying was made especially clear with their unclear responses and disregard to my requests (for both milk and my breakfast). ||It’s been a month since our stay and I’m still bitter about breakfast. This has always been the highlight of my stays. But besides the cupcake and breakfast issues, the hotel is excellent, especially the special activities available, activities for children, and pool. I would highly recommend it, though I’d pay close attention to any special requests in the...