Introduction
This was my FIRST ever Ritz Carlton experience. The hotel was fully booked due to cherry blossom season, but I was able to snag 2 nights for 70,000 Marriott points per night. Rack rate was over $1,000 USD per night, so a really great value.
Getting to hotel
We were moving from the Hyatt, so just took a cab. We also went to Nara for a day and we took the subway close to the hotel and walked ~10 minutes to the hotel. If you’re coming from the Kyoto station, I’d probably just cab it if you have luggage. If not, there is that subway line that runs north and stops at where we got off.
Checking in
When we walked up to the hotel (at night), it’s a bit unassuming from the outside. However, as soon as you turn the corner, you’ll notice the step waterfall. Then you’ll notice this nice balcony. Once you enter the hotel, you’ll notice the bonsai tree that I believe they told me was 50+ years old. Just magnificent! I went up to the checkin desk, and they told me to wait in the chairs. A few minutes later, a gentleman walked us up to our room, where he showed us all the buttons and proceeded to check us in. Even with Platinum status, we didn’t get an upgrade and got a city view instead of the better water view. I’m going to give them the benefit that the hotel was sold out and hence no upgrade. I was going to inquire about a club upgrade using points [for free breakfast,] but he said there was no club floors at the hotel. It wasn’t the end of the world that we had to get breakfast outside the hotel
Location
The location of the Ritz is actually pretty good. You’re 2-3 blocks from the Pontocho Alley. You’re also on the West side of town, where there’s a bit more nightlife and restaurants. If you need a cab from the hotel to Kyoto Station, it runs about $10-$12.
Wifi
No issues
Conclusion
I loved this hotel. Even though I didn’t do breakfast or even experience any customer service, I just loved the design of the hotel and the room. I liked the mini bonsai in the room as well. Man, if I had been upgraded to a water view, that would have just been even sweeter.
Pictures
How far out did you book the Ritz? I am trying to book a night in early April and all dates from March 15-April 15th say unavailable. Are they actually all booked up or are they just held on block until a later date?
They are playing games. Set up an alert with Hotel Hustle and hope you get it about a week before your stay.
We’re thinking either 4 nights at Hyatt Regency Kyoto (80k UR) + 1 night at a ryokan in Miyajima on cash (~$365) or 5 nights at the Ritz Kyoto (93,333 SPG) with a day trip to Miyajima. Which would you suggest? The Ritz seems like a better deal but I’m not sure how feasible a day trip to Hiroshima/Miyajima is from Kyoto. Most reviews I read recommend an overnight stay in Miyajima. Thanks!
Just to add to this, I’m Marriott Gold and Hyatt Globalist. Obligated to do the 5 nights vs 4 at the Ritz due to 5th night free.
I was gonna do HIroshima from Osaka and I think it’s nearly 3 hrs by train. From what ppl have told me and my Japanese friend, it’s better to spend the night in Hiroshima, so try to put the Hiroshima trip at beginning or end.
How’d you like Nara? Lots of deer?
Got a post coming later. spoiler – overhyped. the deer are wild so they’re nasty and dirty. after 2 minutes, i was good. haha
Oh damn, didn’t see that coming lol.