Nazuna Kyoto Gosho

The location and look of the hotel were fantastic, and the service was very attentive. The rooms, though, weren't very practical. There was space to lay out just one suitcase, and the extra room was so dark you couldn't see into your suitcase. Breakfast came with the stay and the first morning seemed great, with several interesting courses. But it took an hour and was enough food for the whole day. For the other three days, we accepted the sunk cost and went to coffee shops for quicker, smaller breakfasts. This would be fun for one night, but not as a base for four nights.

The shower and tub were a highlight, with excellent pressure and very hot water, and the beds were comfortable. Still, the stay was a disappointment. It felt more like an apartment than a boutique hotel, since staff weren't regularly there and we had to call someone each time we needed help at the front desk. Most worrying, we came back around midday to freshen up and found our room door wide open, with our belongings visible and accessible from the entrance. It took more than 40 minutes for a staff member to return to the room, which left us concerned about safety and security. The drinks and sweets provided fell well short of the excellent standard we usually find in Japan. The private bath was a small room with loud music and bright lights, so it wasn't relaxing. The massage took place fully clothed on the bed in our room and didn't feel like a spa-quality treatment. For its price, the property didn't deliver a boutique, service-focused, or relaxing experience, and we wouldn't recommend it.

The property is beautiful and unusual, and the service was impeccable. The concept has a lot going for it, with plenty of extra perks, but the execution fell short for me. My room was spacious and generally comfortable, though it didn't feel luxurious. The garden inside was nearly dead and not very nice to look at, and there was an odd smell in the bathroom. The products and amenities were great, and the location was nice, if a little far from everything.

The room with its garden and big soaking tub was lovely, the bed was comfortable, and breakfast was good. Staff were friendly and helpful while giving us space, and the facility felt peaceful and relaxing. We left feeling comfortable and refreshed. The price was very high even for the quality, and there weren't many complimentary amenities or drinks. Most of the free drinks were tea, and the coffee was very bitter. Dinner was expensive but bland. It included one small glass of sparkling white wine, and the whiskey pour I bought was very small for the price, maybe 3/4 of an oz. The Onsen felt like little more than a hot pool and cost extra. We wouldn't choose dinner or the Onsen next time.