Hotel Hot Springs di 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.

This hotel is super convenient, right by Kyoto Station, just a 5-minute walk. Plus, there's a Lopia and Takashimaya nearby, which is a bonus. The room itself was really new. We stayed for four nights, and on the third night, we noticed the air conditioner was leaking a bit. I looked it up online, and it seems like it might be a clogged drain pipe. We had our child with us, and I had already disinfected so many surfaces in the room with alcohol wipes, so we just decided to stick with it rather than change rooms. I'd definitely choose to stay here again on my next trip to Kyoto. I've stayed at three hotels in Kyoto, and this one offered great value for money, especially at around 450 RMB during the summer. Oh, and there are tons of great food options around Kyoto Station! Just a heads-up: avoid Touyoutei. We ordered a set meal and then a cake, and after waiting 40 minutes for the cake, it still hadn't arrived. Our little one was practically falling asleep waiting!

Good location near by station Will be easier who use JR line Room is clean, enough big for 2ppl, kind staffs Food was good but little bit low rate than other ryokan. 교토역에서 한정거장 떨어진 곳에 위치해잇어요 욕탕도, 객실 상태도 다 좋아요 음식은 나쁘진 않지만 후쿠오카 료칸들에 비해 조금 아쉽고 조식은 뷔페식으로 살짝 정신없었어요

I initially booked for only two nights before my trip, and later when I wanted to extend my stay, I found the price had doubled, which I regretted. However, the actual experience was excellent. The hotel's hot spring was free to use and very relaxing. The complimentary matcha in the lobby was available anytime and was a lovely touch. The breakfast spread over three days was never the same, with a rich variety of seafood, hot dishes, and fruits that were all delicious. Looking back, even though the room rate increased, considering all these amenities included, it was still quite reasonable. Next time, I'll book for a longer duration in advance to avoid similar issues.

The buffet was quite crowded, offering a wide variety of food. The coin-operated laundry machines and smoking area were well-equipped. The room amenities included everything except a razor. You can wear yukata and slippers throughout the hotel, and there's a great drink bar available in the evening.

Excellent location in Central Kyoto, right in the heart of shopping district, plenty of food options, and a short walk to Gion on the East. Very near to Hankyu train station that goes to Osaka Umeda. Staff were so friendly, always smiling and ready to assist. Rooms on the smaller side, not sure if it's the layout that made it feel more cramped, but Japan hotel rooms are generally like that. Best thing about this hotel is the open air natural hot spring! Amazing view of the mountains and you can even see Kiyomizu Dera temple in the distance. The water temperature was also not burning hot like some other public baths. There are complimentary drinks (including alcohol) on the rooftop terrace everyday from 4.30 to 6pm. Also free drinks from coffee machine all day in the lounge. I did not take hotel breakfast as I saw it is only simple bento box instead of buffet, so you can get better food outside.

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.

Facilities: You have to walk through an alley to find the hotel entrance. Upon entering, you pass by the staff area. The lobby environment, facing a small courtyard, is quite pleasant. However, the quality of the Otowa Hall is mediocre. They claim to offer complimentary soft drinks and snacks, but in reality, there isn't much choice. The coffee machine area was cluttered with used coffee cups, making it look a bit dirty. Service: Hotel check-in time is 3 PM, but I arrived at 2:30 PM after some early shopping. The staff brought out some snacks and even knelt down to meticulously explain the hotel's layout and check-in procedures. Hygiene: I stayed in a Japanese-style room with a tatami mat. Overall, I was quite satisfied with the environment, but the bed sheets had a strong, stale odor. It felt like they weren't changed between guests... even perfume couldn't cover the smell. Overall, I felt this hotel prioritizes formality. The internal quality still has room for improvement!

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.