Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto

Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto, a Michelin Key One-Keys property, consistently receives high praise for its serene ambiance, exceptional service, and breathtaking location in Kyoto's Arashiyama district. Guests frequently describe their stays as unforgettable and a luxurious escape.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Suiran is overwhelmingly positive, with guests often describing it as an exceptional and beautiful hotel. Review aggregators show strong ratings:

• Marriott Bonvoy indicates an average overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 550 reviews.
• Agoda guests rated "Room comfort and quality" at 10 and "Service" at 9.2, with "Value for money" at 8.2.
• Booking.com shows high scores for Location (9.6), Comfort (9.4), Cleanliness (9.3), and Staff (9.1).
• Forbes Travel Guide rates the hotel highly, emphasizing its impeccable service and scenic location.
• Expedia also highlights positive traveler sentiments, noting "gorgeous and superbly clean" rooms and "amazing" private onsens.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Suiran:

• Location: The hotel's riverside spot in the peaceful Arashiyama district is frequently cited as a major draw, offering stunning views of the Hozu River and Arashiyama hills, and an "oasis of calm and quiet". It provides a sense of seclusion from the city's hustle and bustle.
• Private Onsens: Many rooms and suites feature private open-air onsen baths with natural Arashiyama hot spring water, which are a "big plus" and a "huge highlight" for guests, offering a truly indulgent and relaxing experience.
• Service & Staff: The "impeccably mannered and friendly" staff, embodying "omotenashi" (authentic Japanese hospitality), receive glowing reviews for their attentiveness, professionalism, and personalized touch.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel beautifully blends traditional Japanese aesthetics and historic architecture with modern comforts, creating a serene and elegant retreat that feels like a "modern ryokan".
• Complimentary Champagne Sundowner: The daily champagne reception at Café Hassui, overlooking the river at sunset, is a highly appreciated amenity.

3. Room Quality

Suiran boasts 39 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each designed to provide ample space and tranquility.

• Design: Rooms blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts, featuring elements like tatami mat flooring, black lacquer furniture, and painted screens. Each guest room can have a unique theme, such as the deep blue motif of a moonlit river or neutral colors.
• Comfort: Beds are generally well-regarded, with 67% of verified visitor reviews giving positive comments about the property's beds. Some rooms feature custom-designed beds with Airweave mattresses. Guests also appreciate the "uber comfortable cotton kimonos" provided as daywear.
• Amenities: Rooms are equipped with modern conveniences including flat-screen TVs, fast Wi-Fi, minibars, Nespresso coffee machines, and are fully air-conditioned. Bathrooms are large, sleek, and stylish, with Japanese-style fittings, luxury amenities (Byredo products are mentioned), and invigorating showers, often featuring high-tech Toto toilets.
• Views & Outdoor Space: Bottom-floor rooms often come with private gardens, while upper rooms feature balconies offering mountain, garden, or river views. Seventeen of the rooms and suites include an open-air rotenburo onsen bath.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers delightful culinary experiences across its two main venues:

• Kyo-Suiran: This Meiji-era style restaurant, originally constructed in 1899, specializes in "washoku" cuisine, combining traditional Japanese flavors with French culinary techniques. Popular offerings include teppanyaki using local ingredients and multi-course seasonal dinners like "Kinshu". Guests have described the dinner as a "luxurious dinner time where the season comes alive in the dishes," presented "with the same beauty as a work of art".
• Café Hassui: Situated in a 100-year-old building that was once a gathering place for 19th-century poets, this riverside terrace offers stunning views of the Hozu River and Arashiyama hills. It's known for Japanese confectioneries, afternoon tea, and its highly praised complimentary "Champagne Sundowner" happy hour daily from 5 PM, featuring bubbly, wines, local spirits, sake, and traditional Japanese canapés.
• Breakfast: Both Japanese and Western-style breakfast options are available, with the Japanese breakfast often described as "an exciting moment, like opening a bento box," featuring beautifully arranged Kyoto vegetables and seasonal ingredients. While many guests praise the breakfast, some have expressed disappointment with the options.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Suiran is a consistent highlight, embodying the spirit of omotenashi.

• Hospitality: Staff are described as "impeccably mannered and friendly," "professional and friendly," and "attentive, friendly and kind". They provide "exceptional personalized service" and are proactive and welcoming.
• Personal Touches: Guests have noted staff going above and beyond, such as assisting with proposals, escorting guests to rooms, arranging special requests, and offering complimentary transfers. Turn-down service includes a treat, a pleasant note, and Japanese pajamas.
• Communication: While generally excellent, one guest mentioned a minor issue with a staff member not fully grasping their question over the phone, though other phone interactions were perfect.

6. Location & Accessibility

Suiran's location in the Arashiyama district is a significant asset.

• Neighborhood: Arashiyama is a scenic and historic area on the western edge of Kyoto, known for its verdant hills, sparkling waters, bamboo forest, and evocative maple groves. The hotel itself is set alongside the Hozu River, offering a tranquil and secluded experience while still being close to attractions.
• Attractions: Popular sights within easy walking distance include the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (6-10 minute walk), Togetsukyo Bridge (5-7 minute walk), Tenryu-ji Temple, and Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama.
• Transport:
  • Train: The hotel is conveniently located near several public transport stations, including Ebisuya, Saga Arashiyama Station, and Torokko Arashiyama Sta. Saga-Arashiyama Station is about a 20-minute train ride from Kyoto Station.
  • Shuttle/Taxi: Suiran offers complimentary shuttle service from Arashiyama Station and free taxi transfers from Kyoto Station upon arrival and departure (reservations required). Taxis offer a quicker route to central Kyoto (around 30-40 minutes), while buses and trains are also available.
  • Rickshaw: A memorable arrival experience can include a complimentary rickshaw pick-up from Arashiyama Station.

7. Value & Pricing

Suiran is positioned as a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this.

• Price Range: The average price of a room at Suiran is around $1085 per night, significantly higher than the average hotel room in Kyoto ($189). Deals can sometimes be found starting from around $509 - $617 for a superior room.
• Perceived Value: While the cost is high, many guests feel it's "worth the cost" for the "unparalleled luxury" and unique experience. Marriott guests rated "Value for the Money" at 3.9 out of 5, and Booking.com guests rated it 8.2 out of 10. Some guests mention it's "definitely a luxury stay" and excellent value, especially considering the bespoke services and facilities.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring minor criticisms include:

• Gym Size: The on-site gym is described as "tiny" or "small" and may not be suitable for guests who wish to have extensive workouts.
• Lack of Public Onsen: While many rooms have private onsens, some guests have expressed a desire for a larger, general public onsen. However, there are two private open-air baths (Raku and An) available for booking by guests without in-room onsens.
• Bed Firmness: A few guests, particularly those unaccustomed to Japanese mattresses, found the beds to be a "little hard" and suggested that mattress toppers could be an improvement.
• Lack of Pool: The hotel does not have a swimming pool, but this is often mitigated by the availability of onsens and the focus on connecting with nature.
• Amenities for Smokers: Some guests expressed disappointment regarding the lack of amenities for smokers.

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