The Thousand Kyoto

The location made getting around easy: the hotel is next to the train station, near exit 5 of the east exit, and also close to the bus station and stops for the main tourist sights. The gym is large and better equipped than most, though dumbbells only go up to about 20kg. Our room was spacious and comfortable, with a good bed and bathroom. The central iPad control was handy for lights, blinds and ordering more amenities. For a hotel at this price and level, a few things could be better. Body lotion should be included, especially in cold weather, and fabric freshener would be a nice touch since it’s common in Japanese hotels. The sauna and steam facilities cost about 3500 yen per person unless you book a spa treatment, which seemed steep and odd. Hotels at this level generally include them for guests. Breakfast was also quite expensive at 6800 yen per person, or 6000 yen if booked the day before. We’d stay again at a similar rate to what we paid, but the original price feels high.

Customer service was good, but I’d hoped the hotel might do something to make the stay memorable since we were celebrating a milestone. We paid more for this booking than for our other hotels, so I expected more. The room was spacious, though it faced the cemetery and we could hear the train tracks outside. It’s close to Kyoto station, but the area felt pretty dead at night, with not much to do nearby. I understand the hotel is eco-friendly, but having to ask the front desk for certain toiletries was a little inconvenient when other hotels provided them without asking.

The staff were alright, but I wouldn't stay here again. The laundry came back unwashed and even more stained, and our white clothes had turned grey. They also charge extra for the spa, which felt surprising for a five-star hotel. The taxis they provided treated us in a racist way, even though we'd already been in Japan for a month and knew the etiquette. Save your time and money and go to the Ritz Kyoto instead. Its location and everything else were much better.

The concierge made a real difference to our trip. She booked us a traditional teppanyaki steak dinner that ended up being our best meal in Japan. We were the only non-local diners, and she mentioned she'd celebrated her own anniversary there, so the recommendation felt personal. They also arranged for our luggage to be sent to our Tokyo hotel after our four-day excursion, and the bags were waiting when we arrived. That made travel much easier. The hotel is right across from Kyoto Station, but once inside, the busy transit hub feels far away. The entrance has a small garden and a covered arched wooden walkway framing a kinetic art piece. In the lobby, a grand staircase draws your eye, and the textured stone behind reception shows the care put into the design. I appreciated all of it, though there are plenty of photos online. Our room was comfortable and felt like home, with a lounger by a floor-to-ceiling window looking out toward the hills around Kyoto. The bathroom was roomy, with a large vanity, soaking tub, rainfall shower and full-sized plant-based Nemohamo products. There was even a whole skincare set, plus slippers and pajamas, which I actually used, though I usually don't. In-room dining was easy, too. We dropped into the casual Tea & Bar several times without reservations and were seated comfortably each time. Staff knelt to serve at the low tables, and the service felt warm and natural. My partner had the best cocktail of our two-week trip there, a seasonal gin-based Autumn drink, carefully made and presented. The gym was larger than I expected and had well-kept cardio and weight equipment. The bath area was peaceful and beautifully designed, and was nearly empty whenever we went, so it felt like a private spa. We didn't get to try the full spa or the other food and drink options. Service across the hotel was polished and intuitive without feeling stiff. Staff were easy to reach, never hovering, and genuinely welcoming. This is a premium hotel, but I never felt nickeled and dimed. The price seemed fair for the comfort, service and design, with thoughtful details in everything from the lighting and bath products to the common spaces. I stayed four nights, and it was one of my best hotel experiences anywhere, not just in Japan. If all you need is a place to sleep, you might not get much from what makes The Thousand special. But if design, wellness and hospitality matter to you, I can't recommend it enough. I can't wait to return to Kyoto and stay here again.