Sakura Terrace The Gallery

Sakura Terrace The Gallery, a Michelin Key Selected property in Kyoto, Japan, is widely acclaimed for its modern design, exceptional service, and prime location near Kyoto Station, offering a tranquil yet convenient base for exploring the city.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Sakura Terrace The Gallery consistently garners excellent reviews, with an impressive overall rating of 9.0 on Agoda, 8.8 on Booking.com, 9.4/10 on Trip.com, and 8.9 for value on Momondo. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "memorable," "pleasant," and "exceptional."

Key Highlights

Guests particularly love several features of Sakura Terrace The Gallery. A standout is the nightly complimentary welcome drink, which can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, available at the lounge bar. The hotel also offers free house-roasted coffee and various teas throughout the day. The Japanese-style public bath and sauna provide a relaxing retreat after a day of sightseeing, a highly praised amenity. Its strategic location just a few minutes from Kyoto Station is another significant draw, along with the hotel's stylish, modern design, often described as having a resort-like atmosphere. The generous room sizes and exceptional breakfast buffet are also frequently highlighted.

Room Quality

Sakura Terrace The Gallery offers a variety of thoughtfully designed rooms, blending comfort and style. Options include North Wing Standard Double Rooms with Balcony, Superior Double Rooms with Balcony, and South Wing Deluxe Double Rooms, among others. Rooms like the North Wing Deluxe King Room and the Rooftop King Room with Balcony offer extra space and views. The aesthetic is minimalist and modern, with some rooms featuring natural wood and metallics, while others incorporate more vibrant colors and framed artwork. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers, refrigerators, electric kettles, and complimentary toiletries. Many rooms also include a balcony, offering guests an outdoor space. Guests often note the rooms are spacious, well-appointed, impeccably clean, and comfortable, some even including a comfortable couch and TV.

Dining Experience

The hotel's dining experience, particularly the breakfast, receives rave reviews. A lavish Japanese-Western buffet breakfast is served at the restaurant in the North Wing from 7:00 to 10:00. It features over 40 selections, including rice directly sent from farms and milled in-house, carefully chosen egg dishes, fresh-baked bread, healthy salads, soups with fresh ingredients, fruits, yogurts, and homemade fruit and vegetable smoothies. Many guests consider it "the best breakfast they have ever had" and "exceed[ing] any breakfast expectations". For dinner, the restaurant offers an à la carte menu from 17:00 to 23:00, featuring dishes like Wagyu beef steaks, maguro sashimi, sukiyaki, soba noodles, and grilled lobster. The central dining space also transforms from a coffee shop to a cocktail bar throughout the day.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at Sakura Terrace The Gallery are consistently praised for their friendliness, kindness, and helpfulness. Guests report that the staff go above and beyond, even assisting with bookings for traditional dinners and providing an attentive experience. Their dedication contributes significantly to a truly personalized and memorable stay.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "excellent" and "perfect" location, just a 2 to 4-minute walk from the Hachijoguchi Exit of JR Kyoto Station. This makes it incredibly convenient for travelers arriving by train and for exploring Kyoto via public transport. Nearby attractions include Higashi Honganji Temple, which is a 10-minute walk away. The lively Shijo Area, known for its shops, is also just a 10-minute train ride. The presence of a nearby convenience store adds to the convenience.

Value & Pricing

Sakura Terrace The Gallery is considered to offer "exceptional value for money". With an average price of around $115 per room, it stands out as an affordable luxury option compared to Kyoto's average room price of $189. Guests consistently rate its value highly, indicating that the quality of facilities and services provided are well worth the cost. While specific pricing can vary, rooms can be found from approximately $39 to $801, depending on the room type and season.

Common Complaints

While generally very highly rated, a few minor points are worth noting. The hotel is divided into two wings (North and South) separated by a quiet road, meaning guests might need to cross the road to access some facilities, such as the restaurant being in the North Wing and the public baths in the South Wing. Additionally, the hotel maintains an "Adult Only" policy, welcoming guests aged 13 or older as adults, which might not be suitable for families traveling with younger children. Some older reviews mention a lack of a wardrobe in some rooms, though a small hanging section is typically provided.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. momondo.com
4. trip.com
5. kyotostation.com
6. sakuraterrace-gallery.jp
7. michelin.com
8. fishand.tips
9. sakuraterrace-gallery.jp
10. myboutiquehotel.com
11. lonelytravelog.com
12. sakuraterrace-gallery.jp
13. kayak.com