ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts

We came to Roku LXR Hotel tonight after a disappointing stay at FUFU Nara, and this hotel is better in every way. The service has been outstanding. Everyone is warm, professional, and genuinely helpful. A special thank you to Luk, who speaks Cantonese and was so sincere and kind. At midnight, she personally helped us switch rooms and made sure the arrangements went smoothly. Having someone who could speak with us in Cantonese then was an incredibly high level of service. We felt valued and were really touched. Roku LXR has set a new standard for us. Highly recommended, and we’ll definitely come back. Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

The hotel’s peaceful mood really comes through on the approach. You pass through quiet, narrow lanes and local homes near the mountains, which feels like a refreshing change from arriving at a busy city hotel. I didn’t know at first that it was part of the Hilton portfolio. The facilities are immaculate, even though it opened during the pandemic. A natural hinoki (Japanese cypress) scent from @aroma fills the corridors, and I personally find it grounding. The rooms look out onto beautiful, restorative mountain views. The bathroom has no direct view outside, but an internal window links it to the bedroom, so it doesn’t feel enclosed. The shower pressure is excellent. The property is exceptionally quiet, and staff are gracious and attentive throughout. At night, the water basin lighting looks genuinely artistic, and the striking wooden pillar at the entrance, with a new shoot growing from it, gives a sense of vitality and mystique. The thermal pool stays open until 9 PM and adds to the feeling of rest. Breakfast is flawless. I highly recommend the duck congee, which was remarkably fresh and perfectly prepared, without the gamey smell you might expect. The hotel is a little away from central Kyoto, but for the price, the tranquility and quality make it exceptional value. A place to pause, breathe, and appreciate the surroundings.

The staff made this stay feel personal and memorable. Honori Ohata, the concierge, helped us through a minor car accident near a nearby temple. Since we don’t speak Japanese and didn’t know the local procedures, it could have been overwhelming. She spoke with our insurance company, the Kyoto police, and the rental car agency for us, translating and guiding us at each step. She turned a stressful situation into a non-issue so we could keep enjoying the trip. Yamato was friendly, patient, and a big help with our in-room setup and TV. Slim Khant also came through when the restaurant was very busy at breakfast on the weekend and we had to leave before we could eat. He got us takeaway lattes and packed dry nuts and pastries from the restaurant for us. The cleaning staff were cute too, rearranging our stuffed animals each day so they wouldn’t be neglected. The spa treatment package I booked was phenomenal, one of the most relaxing hotel experiences I’ve had. The updated dining menu is outstanding, with every meal feeling thoughtful and delicious. Rooms are beautifully designed in an elegant Japanese style, and the whole place is serene and refined, perfect for a relaxing getaway. This has become our favourite Hilton property in Japan, and we’re genuinely grateful Hilton has a gem like this.

Our stay at ROKU KYOTO was the highlight of our trip to Japan. From check-in through dining and check-out, the team were professional and showed wonderful hospitality. We had a Poolside Terrace Room, which was phenomenal, and being able to step straight into the thermal pool from our room was hard to beat. The one thing to plan for is sightseeing: public transport isn’t convenient from the hotel, so you’ll need a cab each time. We knew that when we booked, so it wasn’t a surprise. We’d love to stay here again.