The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

We stayed one night at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto using a free-night reward, as the first stop on a two-night, three-day family trip to Kyoto with our 1-year-2-month-old son. I'd previously visited only the lobby lounge along the Kamogawa River, so this was our first time actually staying as guests. What struck us first was how ready the room was for a baby: a crib and a Stokke high chair were already set up, along with a properly stocked diaper box. We weren't on a club lounge plan this time, but the comfort of the room more than made up for it. Breakfast the next morning was the true highlight of the stay. At the Western restaurant, La Locanda, we started with a ham and spinach Eggs Benedict — the poached egg was cooked perfectly, balanced beautifully with a rich hollandaise sauce. The Pierre Hermé French toast is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth; we ended up ordering a second helping. The sausage and bacon, made from Kyoto Hiyoshi pork, showcased genuinely excellent ingredients, and the croissant ranked among the best hotel breads we've had. On the Japanese side, we sampled dishes from the acclaimed Suiki, including Kyoto Ueda tofu yudofu, carefully simmered vegetables, yuba tofu, and pickles — every detail reflecting Kyoto's culinary identity. The rice, a Kyotango Koshihikari variety cooked in a clay pot, came with grilled fish and Wabisuke's dashi-rolled egg, both memorable from the first bite. Even with a toddler in tow, the staff at both breakfast venues were attentive without ever feeling rushed or intrusive. Overall, this stay and its breakfast represent some of the best hospitality we've encountered in Japan — outstanding ingredients, technique, service, and atmosphere all coming together. It's the kind of place we know we'll return to again and again. Kameyama Yozo / Gastronomy Journal

A truly wonderful stay! It is clear that the hotel has very high standards, and everything was carried out with great care and attention. We were lucky to receive an upgrade to a fourth-floor room overlooking the Kamogawa River, and the view was absolutely beautiful. The service was just as impressive. We are quite particular and have stayed at many luxury hotels around the world, but The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto gave us almost nothing to criticize. Special thanks to Arielle—hopefully I have spelled her name correctly—who assisted us the most during our stay and made the experience even more memorable. We would be very happy to return in the future!

We had a wonderful stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto. The hotel offers a refined and peaceful atmosphere, combined with the high level of service expected from a Ritz-Carlton property. The staff were consistently professional, welcoming and helpful throughout our stay. We received excellent assistance with check-in, check-out, transportation and arranging taxis, which made everything feel smooth and effortless. We had mentioned that this stay was part of our honeymoon, and the hotel kindly prepared a thoughtful welcome gesture in our room. It was a lovely personal touch that we genuinely appreciated. Our room was beautifully maintained, exceptionally clean and very comfortable. We were fortunate to have a wonderful view of the Kamogawa River and the surrounding hills, which added greatly to the experience. Despite the central Kyoto location, the hotel and our room were remarkably quiet and peaceful throughout the day and night, making it easy to relax after exploring the city. Breakfast was good, with attentive service and a pleasant setting. We also enjoyed afternoon tea at the hotel. The service was excellent, as expected, and the desserts were particularly delicious. It was a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend the afternoon. The hotel’s design successfully combines understated luxury with a strong sense of place. The riverside surroundings, calm atmosphere and elegant interiors make it feel removed from the activity of the city while still being conveniently located for exploring Kyoto. The price is certainly at the higher end, even among luxury hotels in Kyoto, but this is to be expected for a property of this standard. Considering the beautiful surroundings, excellent room, peaceful atmosphere and consistently high-quality service, we felt that the experience justified the premium price. Overall, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto provided a memorable and highly comfortable stay. We would happily return and recommend it to travellers looking for quiet, refined luxury and dependable five-star service in Kyoto.

The Ritz is a wonderfully tasteful fusion of tranquility, comfort and culture. The staff are extraordinarily attentive and welcoming. The rooms are not particularly luxurious or opulent, but they are tastefully apportioned with a warm cultural influenced vibe - even the gym is chill. The property in general has a calming peaceful vibe and is ideally situated in the city. The room terraces face the river and/or a calming manicured garden view. The breakfast buffet was not extraordinary, but perfectly fine. All staff notice your presence and seem ready to help (from housekeeping to front desk). I would definitely stay here again.

As you know, if you are following me as a reviewer, I have stayed in a wide range of five star hotels; this hotel is perhaps the top 5% of those hotels. It’s location is perfect along the river and near all the bar, restaurants scenes in quaint intimate streets, as well as walking distance sense of some of the major sites of Kyoto. The breakfast both is ample with tons of unique options, including pastries from a famous French pastry chef additionally breakfast you’re offered your own selection of individual egg items. The Pool spy Aria although underground is very nice and well appointed the gym is well appointed to yet somewhat small. If you’re a gym fanatic, this would not meet your needs. All personnel are exceptional in every detail in the rooms are very well designed and important pointed with the beds and the linens being first class. It should be obvious, but it is typically very expensive.