Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa

Centrally located and reasonably priced, Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa is the ideal choice for a short break in Kyoto. Unlike many of the boutique options in Kyoto, this hotel has over 400 rooms so is popular with groups and business travellers. Historically it was the accommodation of choice for important guests to this charming city, though it now feels in need of a facelift to restore it back to its glory days.

I stayed in a Superior Twin room, which was small but neatly arranged to make the most of the space. The room had all the necessary amenities including a flatscreen TV, workdesk, tea & coffee facilities and complimentary wifi. Simply decorated in warm colours with basic artwork on the wall, it was practical but uninspiring. The compact ensuite bathroom featured a combined bath-shower and toiletries by Esthe Royer.

The Kotoran Spa is located on the 10th floor, a lovely place to unwind for hotel guests or outside visitors. On the ground floor the Prandia casual eatery overlooks Kawaramachi Street and offers buffet and a la carte meals. For breakfast both Japanese and Western cuisine is available, I opted for waffles, pastries and fruit – I couldn’t quite face the fish and pickled vegetables that early in the day!

Those visiting Tokyo should really consider spending a few days in Kyoto, to learn about and appreciate the history and traditions of this mesmerising country. For ease and price, Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa will serve you well.

More information and book a room at Royal Hotel & Spa here.

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

From the ground floor Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is just like any other high-end luxury hotel. But the real experience begins at floor 38 where the panoramic city views will leave you lost for words. If you are lucky Mount Fuji will be glinting majestically in the distance too.

Check in commences in the room while you are presented with glasses of iced tea; it is easy to feel relaxed. The Mandarin Grand rooms are particularly spacious and lavish in style; no amenity is overlooked. The colour scheme is warm and inviting with pale bamboo wood floors and delicate fabrics. The design aims to blend Japanese tradition with modern comforts.

At the foot of the bed, lacquerware boxes contain fine yukatas (casual summer kimonos), loungewear for guests to enjoy in the room. On the table a plate of special premium “sky berry” strawberries from the Tochigi prefecture were left as a welcoming gift for us to enjoy. The sweetest strawberries you could ever imagine.

The spa-like bathrooms are a blissful sanctuary to refresh and rejuvenate in after a day exploring tireless Tokyo. Here you will find a rainforest shower, stand alone bathtub, terry flannel bathrobes and indulgent designer Bottega Veneta toiletries.

Tokyo is one of the world’s top foodie cities, but with three Michelin starred restaurants within the Mandarin Oriental, there is little reason to venture out. Signature serves contemporary French cuisine, Sense offers Cantonese and Tapas Molecular Bar is an innovative eatery where guests can enjoy the art of molecular cooking. For more casual dining, Sora is a popular sushi restaurant, Ventaglio presents comforting Mediterranean food, and all-day dining is available at K’shiki.

We enjoyed the array of food at breakfast, while admiring the city down below. Guests can choose to have a la carte at the Oriental Lounge or the buffet at K’shiki. I loved the tantalising buffet, which offered an impressive range of continental, American and Asian recipes. I picked a modest selection of pastries and tropical fruits, but could have chosen to have an elaborate meal; I noticed there were four varieties of bacon on offer!

After a day of shopping in Ginza you may need a little extra pampering. Some room categories offer complimentary use of the heat and water oasis at the spa, which includes vitality pool, amethyst crystal steam room, sky-view sauna and rain showers.

The service is sophisticated and spotless throughout the hotel. From the luggage porters to the concierge, every staff member seems to put in extra effort to ensure your stay is tailored to your needs. The concierge spent a great deal of time calling and researching our itinerary queries.

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is not just a place to stay, but a hotel you will remember long after you return home.

More information and book a room at Mandarin Oriental here.

Suiran Hotel, Kyoto

Kyoto is the historic capital of Japan and is certainly the most popular city for tourists seeking out the country’s cultural and traditional highlights. I chose to stay on the outskirts of town in the beautiful town of Arashiyama. Just a 20-minute train from the city centre, the new Suiran hotel is ideally located for sightseeing, and is surrounded by significant temples and gardens.

Arashiyama was once the destination for the emperor’s summer holidays, an idyllic retreat by the emerald green Hozu River. The land now occupied by The Suiran once belonged to Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO world heritage site, which guests can visit nearby. 115 years ago a rich businessman bought the land from the temple and built his summerhouse here, much of which has been retained.

Suiran opened in March 2015, the first luxury accommodation in the area. The boutique hotel has 39 rooms, ranging in size and price. The authentic Japanese-style design is evident throughout the bedrooms and communal spaces, with thoughtful modern details and additions. The open plan rooms are spacious and uncluttered, with large windows that let in plenty of light and display the stunning surrounding nature. In Spring and Autumn this is a particular bonus as guests can enjoy the pink cherry blossom and red Autumn leaves.

Book one of the 17 deluxe rooms which include a wooden outdoor open-air bath, filled with naturally healing onsen spa water. For special occasions the four suites are a grand example of the finest Japanese artistry and materials. With traditional tearooms and peaceful Japanese gardens to enjoy. I immediately noticed the thoughtful décor in our room – a carpet designed to look like the reflection of the moon in water and radiant blue sinks by local Shingaraki pottery. On the bed, patterned Japanese dressing gowns were ready to wear.

Two existing historic buildings, Enmei-kaku and Hasshoken, have been transformed into the hotel restaurant and cafe, and they feel particularly atmospheric. At Cafe Hassei guests can enjoy the Suiran signature Japanese afternoon tea while looking enjoying the scenic views. The restaurant is a sophisticated dining room, used for breakfast and dinner. Each morning we devoured a feast of Japanese and European breakfast dishes: from eggs benedict and pastries to Japanese salad and soup. Fresh smoothies are made each day from seasonal fruits.

At dinner we tried Kaiseki; a traditional multi-course Kyoto meal. This formal style of dining is offered in Michelin star establishments all over the city, but Suiran’s offering is just as elaborate and exciting. Ten tiny dishes arrived in quick succession: marinated seafood, unusual vegetables, and the finest quality meat. Cups of tea accompanied the courses, and subtly complemented the delicate flavours.

The Suiran is a beautiful and relaxing place to stay in Kyoto. Removed from the buzz of the main city centre, an experience here will feel more authentic and immersive.

More information and book a stay at Suiran Hotel here.