Last edit by: bhrubin
Expert Review (posted to Luxury Forum) from May 2018:
https://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revi...-recovery-2624
https://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revi...-recovery-2624
Ritz Carlton Kyoto, Japan [Master Thread]
#256
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
The last rather amusing thing I encountered at checkout was seeing some bratty DYKWIM (and only a lowly Platinum at that) throw a hissy fit at not getting an upgrade because this is the Ritz-Carlton, even pulling out some ...... OTA (which one isn't?) to show the front desk there's some room they demanded to be upgraded into, and generally unbecoming behavior at a place as nice as this. Absolutely shameful behavior...
But I agree—this is a spectacularly good RC. (Of course, as spectacular as it is, we still yearn even more for Suiran. You may wish to give that a try sometime, too.)
Last edited by bhrubin; Mar 20, 2019 at 1:11 am
#257
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: ATL
Programs: Bonvoy Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, AA EXP, UA Silver, former DL DM
Posts: 2,001
The last rather amusing thing I encountered at checkout was seeing some bratty DYKWIM (and only a lowly Platinum at that) throw a hissy fit at not getting an upgrade because this is the Ritz-Carlton, even pulling out some ...... OTA (which one isn't?) to show the front desk there's some room they demanded to be upgraded into, and generally unbecoming behavior at a place as nice as this. Absolutely shameful behavior on the part of the guest but the staff took it in stride and was gentle but firm with them.
"Platinum Elite Members and above receive a complimentary upgrade to the best available room subject to availability for the entire length of stay at the time of check-in. Complimentary upgrade includes suites, rooms with desirable views, rooms on high floors, corner rooms, rooms with special amenities or rooms on Executive Floors. At The Ritz-Carlton, suites are only included for Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite Members and rooms with direct Club access are excluded."
#258
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 297
a very kids friendly hotel
While the attitude/behavior sounds unacceptable, I wonder if the other guest had correctly identified an available room that they were eligible for an upgrade to? The program T&Cs do say that Platinum members are eligible for upgrades at Ritz properties, excluding suites (and excluding Club rooms, but not relevant at RC Kyoto).
"Platinum Elite Members and above receive a complimentary upgrade to the best available room subject to availability for the entire length of stay at the time of check-in. Complimentary upgrade includes suites, rooms with desirable views, rooms on high floors, corner rooms, rooms with special amenities or rooms on Executive Floors. At The Ritz-Carlton, suites are only included for Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite Members and rooms with direct Club access are excluded."
"Platinum Elite Members and above receive a complimentary upgrade to the best available room subject to availability for the entire length of stay at the time of check-in. Complimentary upgrade includes suites, rooms with desirable views, rooms on high floors, corner rooms, rooms with special amenities or rooms on Executive Floors. At The Ritz-Carlton, suites are only included for Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite Members and rooms with direct Club access are excluded."
From luggage handeling to checking in...etc, the service has been superb! Both of my toddlers were given a Ritz kids passport which they can collect stamps or stickers and redeem Pierrer Hermes ice cream/macarons...etc. Tonight, they already got the ice cream from Simon from front desk. Kids enjoyed their bath in the sakura themed bathtub and loved the dog bath sponge.
At 60000pt a night, it‘s a steal! We paid 50000 a night at Osaka Marriott the past 2 nights yet it’s nothing close to Ritz Kyoto. I am glad we took advantage of the 60000pt a night and booked for Jan 2020 as well.
#260
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: ATL
Programs: Bonvoy Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, AA EXP, UA Silver, former DL DM
Posts: 2,001
#261
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 297
Yes, we are staying here right now for 7 nights! You can choose from western buffet or Jap set breakfast each morning. You will also receive 20% off most restaurants here including the afternoon tea.
On a side note, the hotel has decided to stick with policy that they will ONLY honour the plat or any other elite benefits IF it‘s booked under the member’s name. The room reservation confirmed with me several times over email that they will honour my husband‘s titanium benefits even if the room was booked under my mom’s name (using points). But there was huge issue this morning at the restaurant becase they kept on asking me to pay for the breakfast for 1 room. Then the front desk still couldn‘t sorted it out until 2pm until I showed them the email...
On a side note, the hotel has decided to stick with policy that they will ONLY honour the plat or any other elite benefits IF it‘s booked under the member’s name. The room reservation confirmed with me several times over email that they will honour my husband‘s titanium benefits even if the room was booked under my mom’s name (using points). But there was huge issue this morning at the restaurant becase they kept on asking me to pay for the breakfast for 1 room. Then the front desk still couldn‘t sorted it out until 2pm until I showed them the email...
Last edited by musicscrip; Mar 21, 2019 at 11:23 pm
#262
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: SFO/YYZ
Programs: AC 25K, AS MVP Gold, BA Bronze, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,453
Staying here in a couple days on a 5 night award booking for 240K points. I noticed yesterday that they've pre-upgraded my room to the luxury river room which is very exciting given that when I inquired about the buy-up to this room they quoted me the difference in rate between it and the base room which was 24K yen per night. Based on some inventory patterns I've suspected for a little while that they oversold the base room, but I assumed in that case I would just maybe get a bump to the garden view room.
#263
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: ATL
Programs: Bonvoy Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, AA EXP, UA Silver, former DL DM
Posts: 2,001
Just spent 2 nights here on points. Received a Titanium upgrade from a Deluxe room to a Garden Terrace Suite (62 sq meters). The suite was amazing - elegant, spacious, beautifully appointed, with a private Japanese garden and terrace on the top floor overlooking the Kamogawa River and Higashiyama mountains. Possibly the best hotel room I've ever stayed in. In comparison, the Executive Suite and the Tower Suite at the Ritz Tokyo feel simply ordinary (aside from their skyscraper views).
Also happened to see a Luxury room (52 sq meters, river view) on the fourth floor. It was also beautiful and spacious, with a serene view of the river and mountains.
The property is beautiful inside and out, with the overall design in the style of a traditional Kyoto residence. The interior is decorated with dozens of custom art pieces commissioned for the hotel. The hotel feels quite special and distinctive compared to the rest of the Ritz properties. In many ways, the design aesthetic feels more akin to a Park Hyatt than a standard Ritz-Carlton (e.g., more of an elegant and understated boutique, less of a big corporate property).
Breakfast is included for Platinum guests and above. Choice of Japanese set breakfast at the Michelin-starred Mizuki (reservation required), or Western breakfast buffet at La Locanda. The Japanese breakfast is served in a kaiseki-style presentation, and I recommend trying it at least once - how often do you have a Michelin meal for breakfast?
The hotel offers a number of guided activities, including an art tour and cycle tour that were both excellent and complimentary. The guided hike was also tempting, but unfortunately I wasn't able to fit it in my schedule.
Service throughout the hotel was thoughtful and personal, with one hiccup at the Lobby Lounge addressed gracefully and proactively (we did not complain or request compensation, but accepted the kind gesture).
The only fault I can find with the hotel is the lack of a Club Lounge. However, the breakfast benefit for Platinum members is a nice mitigation.
Overall, we loved our stay and would highly recommend this property for a memorable experience in Kyoto.
Also happened to see a Luxury room (52 sq meters, river view) on the fourth floor. It was also beautiful and spacious, with a serene view of the river and mountains.
The property is beautiful inside and out, with the overall design in the style of a traditional Kyoto residence. The interior is decorated with dozens of custom art pieces commissioned for the hotel. The hotel feels quite special and distinctive compared to the rest of the Ritz properties. In many ways, the design aesthetic feels more akin to a Park Hyatt than a standard Ritz-Carlton (e.g., more of an elegant and understated boutique, less of a big corporate property).
Breakfast is included for Platinum guests and above. Choice of Japanese set breakfast at the Michelin-starred Mizuki (reservation required), or Western breakfast buffet at La Locanda. The Japanese breakfast is served in a kaiseki-style presentation, and I recommend trying it at least once - how often do you have a Michelin meal for breakfast?
The hotel offers a number of guided activities, including an art tour and cycle tour that were both excellent and complimentary. The guided hike was also tempting, but unfortunately I wasn't able to fit it in my schedule.
Service throughout the hotel was thoughtful and personal, with one hiccup at the Lobby Lounge addressed gracefully and proactively (we did not complain or request compensation, but accepted the kind gesture).
The only fault I can find with the hotel is the lack of a Club Lounge. However, the breakfast benefit for Platinum members is a nice mitigation.
Overall, we loved our stay and would highly recommend this property for a memorable experience in Kyoto.
#264
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TPA/DFW/K15
Programs: AA EXP, Mar AMB, HH LT DIA
Posts: 1,649
Just spent 2 nights here on points. Received a Titanium upgrade from a Deluxe room to a Garden Terrace Suite (62 sq meters). The suite was amazing - elegant, spacious, beautifully appointed, with a private Japanese garden and terrace on the top floor overlooking the Kamogawa River and Higashiyama mountains. Possibly the best hotel room I've ever stayed in. In comparison, the Executive Suite and the Tower Suite at the Ritz Tokyo feel simply ordinary (aside from their skyscraper views).
Also happened to see a Luxury room (52 sq meters, river view) on the fourth floor. It was also beautiful and spacious, with a serene view of the river and mountains.
The property is beautiful inside and out, with the overall design in the style of a traditional Kyoto residence. The interior is decorated with dozens of custom art pieces commissioned for the hotel. The hotel feels quite special and distinctive compared to the rest of the Ritz properties. In many ways, the design aesthetic feels more akin to a Park Hyatt than a standard Ritz-Carlton (e.g., more of an elegant and understated boutique, less of a big corporate property).
Breakfast is included for Platinum guests and above. Choice of Japanese set breakfast at the Michelin-starred Mizuki (reservation required), or Western breakfast buffet at La Locanda. The Japanese breakfast is served in a kaiseki-style presentation, and I recommend trying it at least once - how often do you have a Michelin meal for breakfast?
The hotel offers a number of guided activities, including an art tour and cycle tour that were both excellent and complimentary. The guided hike was also tempting, but unfortunately I wasn't able to fit it in my schedule.
Service throughout the hotel was thoughtful and personal, with one hiccup at the Lobby Lounge addressed gracefully and proactively (we did not complain or request compensation, but accepted the kind gesture).
The only fault I can find with the hotel is the lack of a Club Lounge. However, the breakfast benefit for Platinum members is a nice mitigation.
Overall, we loved our stay and would highly recommend this property for a memorable experience in Kyoto.
Also happened to see a Luxury room (52 sq meters, river view) on the fourth floor. It was also beautiful and spacious, with a serene view of the river and mountains.
The property is beautiful inside and out, with the overall design in the style of a traditional Kyoto residence. The interior is decorated with dozens of custom art pieces commissioned for the hotel. The hotel feels quite special and distinctive compared to the rest of the Ritz properties. In many ways, the design aesthetic feels more akin to a Park Hyatt than a standard Ritz-Carlton (e.g., more of an elegant and understated boutique, less of a big corporate property).
Breakfast is included for Platinum guests and above. Choice of Japanese set breakfast at the Michelin-starred Mizuki (reservation required), or Western breakfast buffet at La Locanda. The Japanese breakfast is served in a kaiseki-style presentation, and I recommend trying it at least once - how often do you have a Michelin meal for breakfast?
The hotel offers a number of guided activities, including an art tour and cycle tour that were both excellent and complimentary. The guided hike was also tempting, but unfortunately I wasn't able to fit it in my schedule.
Service throughout the hotel was thoughtful and personal, with one hiccup at the Lobby Lounge addressed gracefully and proactively (we did not complain or request compensation, but accepted the kind gesture).
The only fault I can find with the hotel is the lack of a Club Lounge. However, the breakfast benefit for Platinum members is a nice mitigation.
Overall, we loved our stay and would highly recommend this property for a memorable experience in Kyoto.
#265
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 85
Thinking about booking an award stay here next spring for 3 nights for a family trip (2 kids under 8). Looks like the way to go is to book for 2 adults and then message the hotel about the kids later.
Currently only Gold, with no chance to hit Platinum before the trip. Would any of you Platinum members still recommend this hotel if you didn't have Platinum status?
Currently only Gold, with no chance to hit Platinum before the trip. Would any of you Platinum members still recommend this hotel if you didn't have Platinum status?
#266
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: EDI/GLA
Programs: DL 2 MM Unobtainum | UA 1.1MM Gold | MR Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 2,267
Thinking about booking an award stay here next spring for 3 nights for a family trip (2 kids under 8). Looks like the way to go is to book for 2 adults and then message the hotel about the kids later.
Currently only Gold, with no chance to hit Platinum before the trip. Would any of you Platinum members still recommend this hotel if you didn't have Platinum status?
Currently only Gold, with no chance to hit Platinum before the trip. Would any of you Platinum members still recommend this hotel if you didn't have Platinum status?
#267
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,025
Thinking about booking an award stay here next spring for 3 nights for a family trip (2 kids under 8). Looks like the way to go is to book for 2 adults and then message the hotel about the kids later.
Currently only Gold, with no chance to hit Platinum before the trip. Would any of you Platinum members still recommend this hotel if you didn't have Platinum status?
Currently only Gold, with no chance to hit Platinum before the trip. Would any of you Platinum members still recommend this hotel if you didn't have Platinum status?
#268
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Bay Area, Ca
Posts: 543
Thinking about booking an award stay here next spring for 3 nights for a family trip (2 kids under 8). Looks like the way to go is to book for 2 adults and then message the hotel about the kids later.
Currently only Gold, with no chance to hit Platinum before the trip. Would any of you Platinum members still recommend this hotel if you didn't have Platinum status?
Currently only Gold, with no chance to hit Platinum before the trip. Would any of you Platinum members still recommend this hotel if you didn't have Platinum status?
#269
Thinking about booking an award stay here next spring for 3 nights for a family trip (2 kids under 8). Looks like the way to go is to book for 2 adults and then message the hotel about the kids later.
Currently only Gold, with no chance to hit Platinum before the trip. Would any of you Platinum members still recommend this hotel if you didn't have Platinum status?
Currently only Gold, with no chance to hit Platinum before the trip. Would any of you Platinum members still recommend this hotel if you didn't have Platinum status?
Not sure what kind of room type(s) you are considering, but one thing to note is that we stayed in a Garden View King room while our 2 kids stayed in a Garden View Double Room. The Double room was about 75% larger than the King so if you are planning on trying to fit everyone into one room I would definitely recommend a double room. The double room not only had two doubles but a large flat chaise style couch that a small child could easily sleep on.
#270
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold / OnBusiness, SPG Lifetime Plat 100, AmEx Centurion & BAPP, Superking Westin Heavenly Bed :)
Posts: 1,142
Hey guys, quick question if I may. I have a stay coming up here shortly. We will arrive from Tokyo via the bullet train (does that need to be booked in advance)?
My question really pertains to our last night. We have a 10am flight from Osaka. On that basis, would you suggest we spend the last night in Osaka, or is it fairly easy to find early (and reasonably priced!) transportation options from the RC Kyoto to Osaka airport? I imagine we'll have at least 2 reasonably sized suitcases for me to lug around, so want to try and avoid multiple train changes etc so early in the morning. I'm veering towards spending the last night in Osaka, but that said, feels a real shame to miss that last night at the RC given all the positive reviews of the property.
It's a 3-night stay, so even if we do go to Osaka for the last night, we'll still have enjoyed 2 nights at the RC Kyoto.
Cheers,
/JK
My question really pertains to our last night. We have a 10am flight from Osaka. On that basis, would you suggest we spend the last night in Osaka, or is it fairly easy to find early (and reasonably priced!) transportation options from the RC Kyoto to Osaka airport? I imagine we'll have at least 2 reasonably sized suitcases for me to lug around, so want to try and avoid multiple train changes etc so early in the morning. I'm veering towards spending the last night in Osaka, but that said, feels a real shame to miss that last night at the RC given all the positive reviews of the property.
It's a 3-night stay, so even if we do go to Osaka for the last night, we'll still have enjoyed 2 nights at the RC Kyoto.
Cheers,
/JK