Six Senses Kyoto Hotel

I’d never paid much attention to sustainability before, but I’m starting to appreciate its value. At Six Senses Kyoto, you can feel it in the food and atmosphere. The pastries and meals were clean, nourishing and gentle on the body, making them feel both comforting and indulgent. They don’t use plastic anywhere in the hotel, yet it still feels refined and luxurious. Breakfast was a highlight. You choose a main dish with the buffet, and I had the yuba rice with ankake sauce. It was outstanding. They use kuzu instead of the usual thickener, so the sauce is lighter and easier on the body. It’s a nice example of the hotel’s approach to food, wellness and the environment. This was my first stay with the brand, and I didn’t expect to feel so moved, especially by a luxury hotel. From arrival, the hospitality was exceptional. Staff remembered our names, answered questions with real care, and handled a small issue with furusato nozei thoughtfully and fairly, just as you’d hope at a top-tier hotel. It’s also unusually good for families. There’s a kids’ club for children aged five and up, which makes it a great option when traveling with young kids, a rare find at this level. The hotel balances sustainability, warm service and luxury beautifully, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend it.

I don’t usually leave reviews, but our stay at Six Senses was incredible. The hotel food was top-notch, and with my gluten allergy there was still so much I could eat. From the front desk team to the people who handled turndown, everyone was kind and made the visit special. Saki-San and all the kids’ club staff were fabulous. It’s a great fit for couples, families, or anyone after a luxurious stay with personal, local touches. I’d recommend it to anyone!!!

The spa was the standout for us, and I’d very much recommend it. We stayed in early spring and found the staff incredibly welcoming. The hotel has a very zen feel, the food was fantastic, especially room service, and our courtyard-view room was phenomenal. We loved the property, and its central location made it easy to get around Kyoto.

The room was spacious, with a nice minimal design, but there were basic convenience issues, like the light switches and the lack of modern technology. Most of the staff seemed kind and caring, though the rules could be really frustrating. I was staying in a suite for four nights, and at 10:02 pm on my last night I politely asked for caramel pudding from the all-day menu, which had just closed at 10. They refused and only said time was up. I explained how frustrated I was, but it didn’t help. At a five-star hotel, the job is to make things feel easy and relaxing, and they missed the mark for me. The concierge also recommended a hair salon that turned out to be the most horrific one my mother had ever encountered.