Continuation and end of these vacations which materialize a child’s dream, Japan… And its more traditional part, Kyoto, after Tokyo, of course, with my reported stay here, and after a short trip by Shinkansen.
The Suiran is a hotel that has recently opened in Kyoto, and more precisely in the Arashyama district, near many temples and the famous Kyoto bamboo grove.
Réservation
The reservation was made on the SPG website. The rates charged by the hotel were prohibitive, so I searched long and hard for an affordable rate on a competing site, which I found a few months before. Thus, I was able to use the “Best Rate Guarantee” offered by Starwood to promote sales on its own site. So I got this hotel for ¥38,000 per night excluding taxes. Not cheap, but still 3 times cheaper than the rate initially found.
Arrival
A few days before my arrival, I booked a transfer with the hotel from Kyoto Central Station. This service is free for a transfer, which means that the return is at your expense. But it is appreciable considering the relative distance of the hotel from the city center.
We arrived by Shinkansen and went to the MK Taxi meeting point located on the first floor of the Ibis Styles hotel. After a few minutes of waiting, our driver drove to the hotel.
Allow a good 30 minutes before arriving.
The hotel being located near the major temples, the arrival is rather majestic, in full greenery. This is a change from the torpor of Tokyo!
We were greeted as soon as we got out of the cab and immediately recognized and taken to the reception.
The reception is very polite and the arrival formalities are done sitting down. As usual when there is no Club, I choose the breakfast for 2 as a Platinum benefit, which in this Hotel was worth 80€ per day.
I am also informed by the receptionist that a cocktail is offered each evening to the residents on the terrace or near the restaurant if the weather is rainy!
Common areas
The common areas are quite limited in this hotel considering the total size of the establishment, less than 50 rooms.
The reception is very elegant, with dark wood tones.
… And that’s about it! There is a fitness room, but it is blind and has only two machines. I will not use it during the stay.
Room
Although not upgraded, the room is very nice: recent, the furniture of very high quality and very good taste are in perfect condition.
The mini-bar (paying) is very well equipped:
The terrace, although not having the best view in the world, is very pleasant, especially in the evening.
The beds (2 doubles) were a little small to sleep two adults in.
The bathroom is also quite nice, equipped with shower and bath, and with high quality products and always well stocked every day.
The toilets are separate, and obviously, designed in the Japanese style, with massaging jets!
To finish, a small guided tour in video:
Restaurants
We did not have a meal at Suiran. But it is nevertheless there that there would be something to criticize at the level of the breakfast. Not about the food, no, everything was delicious.
It is on the service that there is a big work to be done, on the one hand with the mastery of English which is necessary in such a palace, but especially with the slowness of the service which made us lose tens of minutes. And we weren’t the only ones unhappy.
Here too, beware of the price: it is very very expensive, more than 50€. And it’s not a buffet, but a table service (which seems to be all-you-can-eat, though).
Departure
The departure formalities were simple and very fast. The hotel had booked a cab to Kyoto Central Station for us, and all the staff was very helpful until we got into the cab.
Conclusion
A memorable stay in a palace nestled in the bamboo grove of Kyoto. Note also that unlimited champagne is offered in the evening to all guests. An initiative to be applauded for lovers of good food like me!
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