Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku

Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku: A Blend of Tradition and Modern Comfort in the Heart of Kyoto

Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise from guests for its unique fusion of traditional Kyoto machiya architecture and modern design, its exceptional spa facilities, and its prime central location. Opened in June 2021, this hotel provides a sophisticated and comfortable base for exploring Kyoto.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku is overwhelmingly positive, with an "excellent" rating of 8.7 based on over 4,280 reviews. Guests frequently describe their experience as "exceptional" and "amazing," highlighting a perfect balance between tradition and contemporary style.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the hotel:

• The Spa (Onsen): The large public baths, or "Sky Spa," with indoor and outdoor baths, saunas (men's bath) and steam rooms (women's bath), and cold water pools, are a significant draw, providing a wonderful way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The quality of the organic skincare range is also noted.
• Location: The hotel's central location is highly appreciated, offering easy access to major attractions and public transportation.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel beautifully blends a preserved Meiji-era machiya townhouse with modern guest rooms and common areas, creating an atmosphere that is both historical and contemporary. The check-in area is often described as "gorgeous."
• Service & Staff: The staff are frequently described as super friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional, with many speaking multiple languages including English, French, Japanese, and Korean.
• Cleanliness: The hotel maintains a high standard of cleanliness, with a rating of 9.2.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku are generally well-regarded for their comfort and thoughtful design. They are described as spacious for the price range, clean, and tidy, offering a blend of modern and Japanese minimalism. Key features include:

• World-class Simmons mattresses for a good night's rest.
• Private bathrooms with separate shower and toilet areas, and the sink located outside the bathroom.
• High-end toiletries with a pleasant citrus and woody scent.
• Modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, electric kettles, and free WiFi.
• Ample power outlets near the bed and table.
• Rooms range in size, for example, King Rooms are 21 square meters, and Executive Twin Rooms are 27 square meters.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a distinctive breakfast experience:

• Japanese Bento Box Breakfast: Breakfast is served in an elegant bento box style, featuring traditional Japanese cold food with dozens of side dishes and snacks, often including local Kyoto pickles and sweets.
• Western Options: While the standard is Japanese, guests staying for one night can request a Western menu two days in advance, and for consecutive stays, they can choose their preferred menu from the second day with the same advance notice.
• Bar: The second-floor restaurant and bar space transforms into a self-service bar in the evening.

It is important to note that the breakfast is not a buffet, and those who prefer hot food are advised to consider this or opt not to pre-order breakfast.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku consistently receive high ratings for their exceptional hospitality, with a staff performance score of 9.0-9.1. Guests praise them for being:

• Very friendly and welcoming.
• Attentive and always willing to help.
• Professional and efficient, including assisting with restaurant bookings.
• Multilingual, speaking English, French, Japanese, and Korean.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a prime location in downtown Kyoto, making it an excellent base for exploration.

• Public Transportation: It is conveniently located a 3-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station (subway) and a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Station (Hankyu Railway) and Shijo Station (subway). Gojo Subway Station is also a short walk away.
• Nearby Attractions: Guests can easily walk to:
  • Nishiki Market (5-minute walk)
  • Kyoto International Manga Museum (6-minute walk)
  • Kawaramachi Street and Shinkyogoku Shopping Street (within 15-minute walk)
  • Pontocho
  • Daimaru Department Store and Takashimaya Department Store (within 15-minute walk)
• Dining and Shopping: The area is surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. Rokkaku Kitchen is directly opposite the hotel.
• Airport Access: Itami Airport is approximately 28 miles away.

The hotel does not have its own parking lot, and on-street parking is prohibited, so guests arriving by car need to use affiliated paid parking with advance reservations. Bicycle parking is also not available on-site.

7. Value & Pricing

Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku is considered to offer "exceptional value" with an average price of around $192 per room. Its value for money is rated highly at 8.6-8.8. This price point is seen as affordable luxury, especially considering its prime location and amenities. An accommodation tax ranging from JPY 100-10,000 per person per night applies, based on the nightly room rate.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of criticism have been noted:

• Breakfast Preference: The traditional Japanese cold bento box breakfast might not appeal to all guests, particularly those who prefer hot meal options.
• Public Bath Changing Rooms: Some guests found the changing rooms in the public baths to be relatively small.
• Room Size (Standard): A few reviews mention that standard rooms can feel slightly small, potentially cramped for a family of four, though generally they are considered spacious for the price range.
• Cleanliness Issue (Isolated): There was an isolated but significant complaint regarding unacceptable cleanliness with used bedding found in one instance, which the hotel apologized for and addressed by committing to review cleaning services.
• Electrical Outlets (Isolated): One review mentioned inconveniently located electrical outlets in rooms.
• Construction Noise: A construction project on the east side of the property is scheduled from April 23, 2025, to June 30, 2025, from 8:30 to 18:00, which may cause some noise.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. itravelblog.net
3. michelin.com
4. booking.com
5. agoda.com
6. expedia.com
7. myboutiquehotel.com
8. candeohotels.com
9. hotels.com
10. booking.com