Originally Posted by
ElevatorEnthusiast
I stand by my previous claim - this is a fantastic and nearly-perfect property. In fact, it has probably been one of my favorites, if not my favorite, in Japan so far. Long gone are the previously reported days of a dated property, and instead, we have one of the nicest Westins I have seen in a long time. It's so refreshing that modern Westin design can still hold up to some of my favorite traditional iterations of my favorite hotel brand. Here are my pros, cons, and photos:
Pros:
- Arrived around 11:30 AM and asked if there were any upgrades (nothing was showing up on app, which seemed to be a bad integration as the mobile check-in also never went away as it can at some less-integrated properties) and was told that I had been upgraded to a Luxury Suite - nice! Even better, the suite was ready - though, I was asked to wait 15 minutes and was about to be escorted to the club lounge, the attendant got a call as we were walking to the elevator, and my room was ready (pretty sure they were putting the welcome amenity in)
- The Luxury Suite was a full two-room suite facing the gardens on the top floor (11) and was absolutely beautiful with modern design, lots of wood - please see the pictures below
- BED WAS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT - plush mattress, plush pillow, plush covers - this bed was as heavenly as heavenly can be
- Nice couch in the living room
- Internet TV OS (system consistent with several other Japanese Marriott properties) on both TVs
- Service was great
- Several associates met me at the front door as I walked from Keage Station
- Checked in by multiple agents - one was a trainee who was doing most of the work - language seemed to be a bit of a barrier, but she was very nice and well-assisted by more senior agents
- Escorted to my room and shown around
- Apologized to so many times for having to wait 2 minutes in line for check-out
- Asked about departure time - I asked for 2 PM (property is a resort, per Mobile check-in options and lack of late checkout) and was given that with no problem
- English newspaper waiting at my door in the morning
- Nice welcome gift of pastry bun, candies, tea (which I didn't try), and glass bottle of Kyoto spring water
- Bathroom was beautiful - fully automated toilet, dual vanity
- Shower pressure was good - worst I've had in Japan but still quite good relative to the globe - nice that controls are easy and through push buttons - I just used the wand head
- Lounge offering (afternoon and evening) was quite nice - lounge is pretty and well-sized on the 3rd floor - tasty small cakes, cheesecakes, and a really large selection of spirits (I mixed Bailey's and Kahlua - yum)
- Breakfast (served in the restaurant on the 2nd floor) was great
- Full buffet, but they had servers going around with coffee
- Large restaurant space - didn't feel chaotic or crowded despite being busy
- Paul the omelet chef from Australia was very nice - asking me where I was from, what my plans were for the day
- Tasty made-to-order omelet, yummy hashbrown sticks, tasty salmon, really nice pan-heated french toast and an ice cream bar (really really good rum raisin)
- Beautiful property - loved the Japanese gardens that take you from the 5th floor to the 7th floor
- Love the touch-sensitive elevator buttons
Cons:
- Lots of temperature checks - both at check-in and before breakfast
I look forward to my next stay at this wonderful property as I would like to stay longer in Kyoto the next time I'm in Japan (plus try some of the other properties in Kyoto, as well). I can't recommend the Westin Kyoto enough.
I thought you only liked old Westins
. I stayed in the floor below your suite!
I feel very validated of my review of this spot now. This hotel nailed everything for me. Can't imagine it getting better.. Well maybe if brekkie service can have a la carte along with buffet like Conrad Tokyo. and during our stay, if we chose the Japanese set, we weren't allowed to go to the buffet (but how will they track everything?).
I hope you didn't forget to take the Sothy's amenity kit sitting in the washroom. It's complimentary for suite guests! I only realized this while packing for check out. I thought it was one of those where they charge you if you took them like EDITION does with their full sized bottles.