May 30, 2019, 9:08 am
Last edit by: bhrubin
Expert Review (posted to Luxury Forum) from May 2018:
https://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revi...g-service-2621
https://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revi...g-service-2621
Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto, Japan [Master Thread]
Mar 2, 2016, 1:14 pm
#91
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, National EE
Posts: 1,204
Is it possible to use SPG points to upgrade an award stay? I booked one for our honeymoon, but sadly the agent told me they only had twin beds available, and that they could not process an award upgrade that day.
Mar 2, 2016, 1:30 pm
#92
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
May 10, 2016, 2:07 am
#93
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
End-2015 Review
Stay was one night, end of 2015.
TBH, when I first saw this property on SPG and the price$, I figured it was out of my reach. But somehow everything clicked in 2015 and I burned 2 rooms worth of points and 1 SNA. I wish I had had the time to stay a second night.
A. Location & Access
The hotel is located on the river banks of Hozu River, in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, in the western outskirts. The hotel is at the foot of Arashiyama Park, which connects with the famous Sagano Bamboo Forest behind it. Opposite is Arashiyama mountain, which is well-known for fall colours (you may wish to time your stay for when they illuminate the mountain). Further down the river is the frequently photographed Togetsu Bridge (apparently 400 years old!). Wiki Arashiyama for more info.
If you are coming from Kyoto city proper, there are two train lines to get to Arashiyama (JR or Keifuku). From there it is a 10-20 minute walk along fairly wide and properly paved but not well-lit pavements. Rather than Google Maps your way through the various blocks I would just head south for the river, then turn westwards until you reach the hotel. The additional distance is negligible and you can't get lost. The hotel provides pre-booked taxi or rickshaw service (can take two suitcases, poor rickshaw puller).
If you are like me and decide to drive, take note that Google Maps will take you through the old town and along roads barely wide enough for one big car let alone two. You have been warned!
The main street is the road that continues on from the Togetsu Bridge. There you can find a large Lawson convenience store about 5 mins north from the intersection, numerous restaurants, shops and a coffee shop at the junction. It is also where the exit/entrance to the road/path that leads through the Sagano Bamboo Forest is (follow the tourists or ask the locals), and it also leads to a famous temple whose name I cannot recall. Crossing the bridge in the other direction (south) brings you to more tourist-y shops.
TBH, when I first saw this property on SPG and the price$, I figured it was out of my reach. But somehow everything clicked in 2015 and I burned 2 rooms worth of points and 1 SNA. I wish I had had the time to stay a second night.
A. Location & Access
The hotel is located on the river banks of Hozu River, in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, in the western outskirts. The hotel is at the foot of Arashiyama Park, which connects with the famous Sagano Bamboo Forest behind it. Opposite is Arashiyama mountain, which is well-known for fall colours (you may wish to time your stay for when they illuminate the mountain). Further down the river is the frequently photographed Togetsu Bridge (apparently 400 years old!). Wiki Arashiyama for more info.
If you are coming from Kyoto city proper, there are two train lines to get to Arashiyama (JR or Keifuku). From there it is a 10-20 minute walk along fairly wide and properly paved but not well-lit pavements. Rather than Google Maps your way through the various blocks I would just head south for the river, then turn westwards until you reach the hotel. The additional distance is negligible and you can't get lost. The hotel provides pre-booked taxi or rickshaw service (can take two suitcases, poor rickshaw puller).
If you are like me and decide to drive, take note that Google Maps will take you through the old town and along roads barely wide enough for one big car let alone two. You have been warned!
The main street is the road that continues on from the Togetsu Bridge. There you can find a large Lawson convenience store about 5 mins north from the intersection, numerous restaurants, shops and a coffee shop at the junction. It is also where the exit/entrance to the road/path that leads through the Sagano Bamboo Forest is (follow the tourists or ask the locals), and it also leads to a famous temple whose name I cannot recall. Crossing the bridge in the other direction (south) brings you to more tourist-y shops.
Last edited by travelswithmyself; May 10, 2016 at 8:52 pm
May 10, 2016, 7:21 pm
#94
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
B. The Hotel
Hidden behind a typical Japanese double-gated design lies a small 39-room hotel with a small gym, garden, two small restaurants and two small spas. Designed to appear as a Japanese Ryokan or inn from the outside, this hybird hotel features mostly western interiors/bedding rather than traditional tatami mats/futons (might be available on request; I didn't ask).
In fact, this hotel is a rebuild/refurb of a older traditional ryokan ホテル嵐亭. Going by pictures of the old ryokan, I'm pretty glad they re-did the place
The lobby is very small and features only a few chairs to lounge in, directly next to the door leading to the rooms. Not an ideal place to relax in. Also a bit of an annoyance is having to room-card the door leading out of the lobby. But it does prevent non-guests from accessing the inner garden and rooms.
The gym is exceedingly small - see picture. If you need exercise go for a run along the river. Much more scenic and there is a proper paved path.
Meals are served in the main restaurant (there is only one). There is no bar/lounge. Plat happy hour is a champagne session which I didn't attend.
As expected for a hotel of this class, service is good, and english is spoken. The hotel map is very useful and points out the local sights.
Hidden behind a typical Japanese double-gated design lies a small 39-room hotel with a small gym, garden, two small restaurants and two small spas. Designed to appear as a Japanese Ryokan or inn from the outside, this hybird hotel features mostly western interiors/bedding rather than traditional tatami mats/futons (might be available on request; I didn't ask).
In fact, this hotel is a rebuild/refurb of a older traditional ryokan ホテル嵐亭. Going by pictures of the old ryokan, I'm pretty glad they re-did the place
The lobby is very small and features only a few chairs to lounge in, directly next to the door leading to the rooms. Not an ideal place to relax in. Also a bit of an annoyance is having to room-card the door leading out of the lobby. But it does prevent non-guests from accessing the inner garden and rooms.
The gym is exceedingly small - see picture. If you need exercise go for a run along the river. Much more scenic and there is a proper paved path.
Meals are served in the main restaurant (there is only one). There is no bar/lounge. Plat happy hour is a champagne session which I didn't attend.
As expected for a hotel of this class, service is good, and english is spoken. The hotel map is very useful and points out the local sights.
Last edited by travelswithmyself; May 10, 2016 at 8:53 pm
May 10, 2016, 7:25 pm
#95
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
The hotel is really picturesque in the Japanese way. Just don't expect to frolic in the grass/stones - they're meant to be seen not disturbed. I fancy I felt stares of disapproval as I crunched around the stones taking pictures, disturbing the tranquility of the scene for the breakfast diners :P
[Upper] Sun-sofa in the garden facing the river
[Middle] Inner sanctum past the lobby doors, allowing access to the rooms
[Lower] Stone garden fronting restaurant
[Upper] Sun-sofa in the garden facing the river
[Middle] Inner sanctum past the lobby doors, allowing access to the rooms
[Lower] Stone garden fronting restaurant
Last edited by travelswithmyself; May 10, 2016 at 8:54 pm
May 10, 2016, 7:39 pm
#96
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
C. The Rooms
3 storeys of rooms, served by a small elevator. Varying views - one side is the neighbouring hill/Arashiyama Park, one side is a cemetery, thoughtfully hidden by bamboo fences (I had to put my camera above the fence to see it and no I don't think I shall post a picture).
The rooms are fairly large by Japanese standards - the smallest advertised as being 40 sqm. Finishings are exquisite as would be expected for the price. The floors are not heated but HVAC is excellent. Toilets of course are up to Japanese standards, though I don't think these are the kinds that open as you approach
. Toiletries are by Remčde.
In-room Wifi was good. There were a few english cable channels. Plentiful power outlets. I remember a boiler but do not remember a coffee-maker. Honestly, one should be a enjoying a cup of freshly brewed Japanese tea instead...
Everything from welcome sweets to toiletries are housed in elegant lacquerware. The free bottled water seemed more high-end than usual, though I really couldn't tell by tasting it
.
3 storeys of rooms, served by a small elevator. Varying views - one side is the neighbouring hill/Arashiyama Park, one side is a cemetery, thoughtfully hidden by bamboo fences (I had to put my camera above the fence to see it and no I don't think I shall post a picture).
The rooms are fairly large by Japanese standards - the smallest advertised as being 40 sqm. Finishings are exquisite as would be expected for the price. The floors are not heated but HVAC is excellent. Toilets of course are up to Japanese standards, though I don't think these are the kinds that open as you approach
. Toiletries are by Remčde.In-room Wifi was good. There were a few english cable channels. Plentiful power outlets. I remember a boiler but do not remember a coffee-maker. Honestly, one should be a enjoying a cup of freshly brewed Japanese tea instead...
Everything from welcome sweets to toiletries are housed in elegant lacquerware. The free bottled water seemed more high-end than usual, though I really couldn't tell by tasting it
.
Last edited by travelswithmyself; May 10, 2016 at 8:55 pm
May 10, 2016, 7:49 pm
#97
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
I booked and requested a set of connecting rooms, and also applied an SNA. I was upgraded 5 days before arrival during the first SNA sweep, but was unable to tell which sort of suite I had received and tried to guess by the dimensions in the email. Boy was I wrong.
C (a). Superior Room
This is the standard base room. Extremely large - if they had allowed it I believe it could have squeezed four. Unfortunately they are very strict on occupancy here (2+1 max). Anyway there is no true long sofa to sleep on.
No chairs on the balcony; anyway the wall is high so you won't get a view if sitting down.
The bathroom area can be closed off with sliding opaque panels, or opened for a more spacious feel. The W.C. is in a separate room.
C (a). Superior Room
This is the standard base room. Extremely large - if they had allowed it I believe it could have squeezed four. Unfortunately they are very strict on occupancy here (2+1 max). Anyway there is no true long sofa to sleep on.
No chairs on the balcony; anyway the wall is high so you won't get a view if sitting down.
The bathroom area can be closed off with sliding opaque panels, or opened for a more spacious feel. The W.C. is in a separate room.
Last edited by travelswithmyself; May 10, 2016 at 8:56 pm
May 10, 2016, 7:59 pm
#98
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
C (b). Gyokuto Garden Terrace Suite
This was one of my nicest uprades ever. It is not in the usual upgrade pool and cannot be selected with an SNA. There was no connecting door but there was a connecting atrium between my standard room and the suite.
There is a huge tatami mat living/dining room - I didn't count but it's probably a 24-mat room. You could theoretically lay out enough futons for 10 here, but why bother since there's a beautiful bedroom with beds on a raised platform.
You have no balcony, but in place of that sliding glass doors and wooden shutters open onto your very own terrace and garden, fenced up and very private, with tall bamboo arching above you.
You have no bathtub, but your bathroom shower stall leads to your own (very hot - no obvious control) outdoor spa - which can be made private by keeping the wooden shutters closed.
This was one of my nicest uprades ever. It is not in the usual upgrade pool and cannot be selected with an SNA. There was no connecting door but there was a connecting atrium between my standard room and the suite.
There is a huge tatami mat living/dining room - I didn't count but it's probably a 24-mat room. You could theoretically lay out enough futons for 10 here, but why bother since there's a beautiful bedroom with beds on a raised platform.
You have no balcony, but in place of that sliding glass doors and wooden shutters open onto your very own terrace and garden, fenced up and very private, with tall bamboo arching above you.
You have no bathtub, but your bathroom shower stall leads to your own (very hot - no obvious control) outdoor spa - which can be made private by keeping the wooden shutters closed.
May 10, 2016, 8:05 pm
#99
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
D. Spa Rooms
The hotel has two spa rooms on the third floor - one of wood and one of stone. The website seems to indicate that payment is required to use them. But frankly, they were both unlocked though the lights were off. They were fully equipped with towels, toiletries and could be locked from the inside.
In typical ryokans the rate includes the hot bath. I wasn't informed about any fees at check-in, perhaps because my suite had it's own hot bath. Probably didn't expect me to go nosing around.
If you do stay, please ask before using it
The hotel has two spa rooms on the third floor - one of wood and one of stone. The website seems to indicate that payment is required to use them. But frankly, they were both unlocked though the lights were off. They were fully equipped with towels, toiletries and could be locked from the inside.
In typical ryokans the rate includes the hot bath. I wasn't informed about any fees at check-in, perhaps because my suite had it's own hot bath. Probably didn't expect me to go nosing around.
If you do stay, please ask before using it
Last edited by travelswithmyself; May 10, 2016 at 8:57 pm
May 10, 2016, 8:12 pm
#100
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
E. Food
In-room dining is in a word, expensive. However, the experience is quite something, especially if you have a nice suite. You can take away food from the nearby convenience store or restaurants, and maybe order something hot from the menu to complement it.
Breakfast is complimentary for Plats, and they kindy comped 4 for me though I was only entitled to 2. You have a choice of a Japanese set or a Western set. Do yourself a favour and try the Japanese set.
There is also a riverside cafe set away from the main building. Apparently it is very popular and frequently full during cherry blossom and fall colour season.
In-room dining is in a word, expensive. However, the experience is quite something, especially if you have a nice suite. You can take away food from the nearby convenience store or restaurants, and maybe order something hot from the menu to complement it.
Breakfast is complimentary for Plats, and they kindy comped 4 for me though I was only entitled to 2. You have a choice of a Japanese set or a Western set. Do yourself a favour and try the Japanese set.
There is also a riverside cafe set away from the main building. Apparently it is very popular and frequently full during cherry blossom and fall colour season.
May 10, 2016, 8:20 pm
#101
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
F. Things to Do and Thoughts
As previously mentioned, directly behind the hotel is a nice hilly park, which leads to the famed bamboo grove which everyone likes to visit. Wake up early and go for a 7 am walk - there will be no one there and you can get all the pictures you want. There are also numerous famous shrines and temples, and a scenic train ride which I sadly missed.
But be prepared that this part of Kyoto is for the scenery and the culture, and not much else. Actually most of Kyoto is like that, but this district even more so. For example. the hotel map includes a list of 28 attractions, and 17 of these are temples and shrines. So if that is not your interest, perhaps this is not for you.
I would recommend a 2-night stay, which will allow you to take in the atmosphere and visit a select few of the nicer attractions, without it getting boring. Unfortunately it is a bit too pricey both in cash and in points for a prolonged resort-like stay, though I can well imagine doing that.
Hope this little review is useful; I'd definitely come back again if I had the time (and points!).
As previously mentioned, directly behind the hotel is a nice hilly park, which leads to the famed bamboo grove which everyone likes to visit. Wake up early and go for a 7 am walk - there will be no one there and you can get all the pictures you want. There are also numerous famous shrines and temples, and a scenic train ride which I sadly missed.
But be prepared that this part of Kyoto is for the scenery and the culture, and not much else. Actually most of Kyoto is like that, but this district even more so
. For example. the hotel map includes a list of 28 attractions, and 17 of these are temples and shrines. So if that is not your interest, perhaps this is not for you.I would recommend a 2-night stay, which will allow you to take in the atmosphere and visit a select few of the nicer attractions, without it getting boring. Unfortunately it is a bit too pricey both in cash and in points for a prolonged resort-like stay, though I can well imagine doing that.
Hope this little review is useful; I'd definitely come back again if I had the time (and points!).
May 17, 2016, 8:03 pm
#103
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, National EE
Posts: 1,204
Beautiful review, travelswithmyself. We're staying just one night during our honeymoon in Japan, but now I'm tempted to look at a second night!
Jul 7, 2016, 8:31 am
#105
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
What a fabulous review travelswithmyself We have an 8 day stay here in the fall and you provided an excellent preview. After Tokyo and Osaka we are looking forward to a relaxing stay at this beautiful hotel. Will report when we return.