SIX SENSES Kyoto

What is your IHG Rewards Club status?
Diamond Inner Circle Royal Ambassador

Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Mixed feelings

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Superior King Room through OTA, received Deluxe King City View Room.

In 2025, the prices at this hotel were unrealistic due to the impact of the Osaka Expo. The situation is now gradually improving. In addition, this hotel is frequently offered on OTAs at rates around 40% lower than IHG’s advance purchase rate. This time, I booked through an OTA, only to be told at check-in that, because the reservation was made through a third-party channel, I would not be eligible for a suite upgrade. In other words, by booking directly with IHG, even the cheapest rate can sometimes qualify you for a suite upgrade as an RA.

How are the rooms?
42sqm. The only difference with Superior Rooms is the presence of a terrace. 60 inch SONY LCD TV, Marshall Bluetooth Audio, Sofa set, Nespresso, and Spacious bathroom. No workstation. Wall finishing is not a wall paper, but a Japanese Plaster. (This is so money spent finishing.)

View is not so attractive, especially for the City View. Courtyard View does not get as much natural light. Garden View is not a true garden of the hotel, it was a part of Shrine that located the next to the hotel.

Video of the Deluxe King City View

Which Signature Amenity did you choose and how was it?
Sadly, this benefit is officially gone globally.

How was the mini-bar?
Very small selection. 1x demi bottle of Champagne, 2x Craft Beer, 2x Canned Gin Tonic, 2x Japanese Sake, 4x Fruits Soda Water, 2x Sparkling Water, and snacks. Soft drinks and snacks are free of charge.

What was your welcome gift?
Sweet assortment and Mandarin Orange (In addition, Matcha Bun provided as a turn-down amenity)


Welcome Amenities


Turn-Down Amenity

How was the free breakfast?
Excellent quality, but I was surprised basic selection has not been changed from the opening. it’s already been 2 years from the opening!

What was good?
++++++++++ Guest recognition (Even though reservation was made through the third-party channel.)
++++++++++ Product qualities of food and beverage
+++++ So many Japanese artworks in the hotel such as wall printings and ornaments
+++++ Activities to entertain the guests at the Earth Lab and Alchemy Bar (Even though the number of activities are declined)
+++++ Added razor and decent tooth paste as a bathroom amenity
+++++ TV Apps like Netflix or Amazon Prime are finally activated.

What was bad?
- - - - - - - - - - Breakfast selections has not been changed from opening phase.
- - - - - Despite being an expensive hotel, cost-cutting measures are conspicuous.

Value for $ or One Rewards Points?
Suspicious. Starting in March 2026, Kyoto city government will raise its accommodation tax. At this hotel, the rate will increase from JPY 2,000 per person per night to JPY 10,000 per person per night. Should the hotel persist with cost-cutting measures, it will no longer represent value for money.

Would you return?
Not sure. Depending on the price.