HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa Front Gate

Review: HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa [Japan]

 

PositivesNegatives
Surreal Thermal Spring Spa experienceBreakfast felt OK for a luxury hotel
Stunning traditional Japanese design, but equipped with modern amenitiesLocation is on the quieter side of Kyoto (can be a positive to some)
Evening turndown service has more varietyYukata over pajamas could've been more fitting
Gorgeous Japanese Garden
Excellent value for Marriott Bonvoy Points
Impressive Japanese hospitality

Overall Rating

 

After visiting Hiroshima, I head down to Kyoto and would be staying at the Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto. I’ve been very much looking forward to this stay since I wanted to do something special for my 29th birthday. I was very glad to choose this hotel, and I’ll be glad to show you how amazing this property was!

Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is a part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection which signifies its historical importance as the hotel’s grounds used to be the residence of the Mitsui family, a very influential group in Japan that’s still involved in businesses both inside Japan and globally.

 

Booking

I booked 5 nights at the Mitsui with my Marriott Bonvoy points. I originally wanted to stay at the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto instead, but the Mitsui came with a deal with PointSavers rate for all the 5 nights. Each night would cost 70,400 points/night compared to Ritz-Carlton Kyoto’s 89,000 points/night. After discovering that deal, I immediately switched to the Mitsui. With the fifth night free, I effectively paid 56,320 points per night! Also, the Mitsui tends to have PointSavers rate unlike the Ritz Carlton.

From what I’ve read from previous guests’ opinions, both the Mitsui and Ritz-Carlton Kyoto would get compared quite often, and there are polarizing opinions on which property is superior. From my thinking, even if the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is better, I don’t think it would be worth paying 70k+ points more for a marginally better product. However, I’d love to try out the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto one day to compare for myself!

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO PointSavers Rate
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO PointSavers Rate

Typically, it’s a Category 9B hotel, which means you could expect a range between 82,000-126,000 points per night to book for Marriott award redemption. Depending on the date, you can have a chance of redeeming your Marriott 85k FNC here!

 

Location

The hotel is centrally located with the front of the hotel being the Nijo Castle. The hotel’s also located right next to the ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto. It’s in a quieter part of Kyoto, but there are subway and bus lines nearby to get around Kyoto easily.

I arrived to Kyoto from Kyoto Station and used the Karasuma Line to stop at Karasuma Oike Station and then transfer to the Tozai Line and arrive at Nijo-jo-mae Station. The closest exit to the hotel is Exit #2 in Nijo-jo-mae, which will have signs with HOTEL THE MITSUI name on it.

 

Check-in

I arrived in blazing hot Kyoto at around 4pm, just the right time to check-in. I cut through the ANA Crowne Plaza’s entrance to get to Mitsui’s iconic front gate.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Building
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Building

The gate makes you feel like you’re about to enter sacred grounds. I was then approached by the door attendant who carried all my stuff to my room, and I was escorted into the lobby to begin the check-in process.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Front Gate
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Front Gate

The lobby ground is gorgeous, and it’s a design by Andre Fu who also designed some luxury properties in Asia. A sense of traditional and modernity blend in a very pleasant way.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Lobby
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Lobby
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Lobby
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Lobby
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Lobby
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Lobby
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Lobby
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Lobby
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Covered Walkway
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Covered Walkway
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Covered Walkway
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Covered Walkway

I checked in with a staff wearing a gorgeous kimono. She was very courteous in closing the curtains without my asking since the sun caused too much glare on my arrival.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Lobby Curtains
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Lobby Curtains

I was given a welcome tea on my arrival. The check-in process was very personal, and I was informed that I’d be upgraded to the Garden Suite for my birthday! It was a last minute upgrade that I didn’t think I’d get, so I was very thrilled about it. It’s the 3rd highest suite category below the Nijo Suite and the Presidential Suite.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Welcome Tea
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Welcome Tea

After that, I chose free breakfast as the welcome gift as a Titanium Elite. Breakfast would be served daily at Forni on the lobby floor just after the covered walkway. I was then escorted by the lady in kimono to my suite.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Lobby Wall Decors
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Lobby Wall Decors
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Elevator Button
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Elevator Button

 

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO- Garden Suite

The Garden Suite is positioned at Room 411 on the far left corner of the property. The design on the hallways are just very clean and immaculate.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Rooms Hallway
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Rooms Hallway

 

Garden Suite Living Room

I was WOW’d by the size of the suite. The view from the living room includes the beautiful Japanese Garden with an entrance of the Nijo Castle across the street to the left. The Garden Suite is sized at 97 sqm (1044 sqft).

It’s really amazing how the hotel feels historic but modern at the same time that it does not feel stuffy at all compared to a typical St. Regis or a Ritz-Carlton.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Living Room
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Living Room
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Living Room TV
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Living Room TV
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Living Room Sofa
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Living Room Sofa
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Living Room Table
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Living Room Table

For my birthday, I was given a Happy Birthday note and some sweet treats of mochi and cookies!

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Happy Birthday Note
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Happy Birthday Note
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Happy Birthday Sweets
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Happy Birthday Sweets

There are some high-end drinks served in the room.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Pantry
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Pantry
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Fridge
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Fridge
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Fridge
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Fridge
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Fridge
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Fridge
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Water Pot
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Electric Kettle
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Glassware
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Glassware

By the entrance are the shoe storage with an umbrella prepared next to it. The umbrella was greatly appreciated in the scorching summer of Kyoto.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Shoe Storage
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Shoe Storage

Half bathroom with a motion-sensor equipped toilet that opens its lid automatically as your approach it (and close down by itself once you flush). A toilet that’s smarter than the standard Japanese toilet!

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Half Bathroom Toilet
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Half Bathroom Toilet
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Half Bathroom Sink
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Half Bathroom Sink

 

Garden Suite Bedroom

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite King Bed
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite King Bed
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom AC, Light & Curtain Controls
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom AC, Light & Curtain Controls
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom Bluetooth Player
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom Bluetooth Player
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom Shelf
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom Shelf

The most handy feature of the TV is the tracking of how busy the public Thermal Spring is. I’ve always referenced this before calling the spa receptionist to get into the spa.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Thermal Spa Status on TV
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Thermal Spa Status on TV
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom Desk
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom Desk
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom Desk Paint Brush
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom Desk Paint Brush

The windows provide ample space to sit to admire the garden while you lean yourself against the window.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom Chair
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom Chair
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom View
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom View

Night view is quite pretty with all the lights, but I was a bit sad that my phone camera couldn’t capture night settings nicely.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom View at Night
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom View at Night

Power room was quite large and offered generous storage spaces.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom Power Room
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom Power Room

The door attendant who grabbed my stuff to put in my room noticed my Pochita plush from Chainsaw Man that I won from a claw game machine. He seemed to be fond of it, so he set the plush in an adorable way by sticking it out.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom Luggage Storage
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bedroom Luggage Storage
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Powder Room Safe
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Powder Room Safe

 

Garden Suite Bathroom

Bathroom was fully marbled, and the gray goes well with the brown Japanese furniture.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bathroom Sinks
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bathroom Sinks

Bathroom necessities were provided.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Toiletries
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Toiletries
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Soap
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Soap
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bathtub
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bathtub
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bathtub TV
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bathtub TV
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bath Salts
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Bath Salts
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Handheld Shower
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Handheld Shower

Shower pressure was excellent; comparable to the one in Conrad Osaka.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Rainfall Shower
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Rainfall Shower

Bath amenities are exclusively made for the hotel by Parfum Satori.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Bath Amenities
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Bath Amenities
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Bathrobe
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Bathrobe

The toilet room is to the right of the bathroom sinks, and is similar to the one found on the half bathroom by the entrance.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Toilet
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden Suite Toilet

This is truly one of the best suites I’ve been upgraded to, and I’m very grateful that it did happen to me.

 

Evening Turndown Service

Evening turndown service is somewhat unique at the Mitsui compared to other luxury hotels I’ve been to. The pajamas, slippers, and water bottles prepared around the bedside are typical.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Pajamas
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Pajamas

But, the Mitsui adds a little extra gift compared to the typical chocolates. During my 5 night stay, I received 3 unique additions in the following order:

  • Matcha lip balm
  • Cookies
  • Skin care matcha face mask

After the face mask, it repeats back to the matcha lip balm.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Matcha Lip Balm
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Matcha Lip Balm

They were nice extra touches that was different from what I expected from a turndown service!

 

Breakfast

Breakfast at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is located in Forni, the hotel’s Italian restaurant. You may choose to opt for in-room breakfast, but there will be a surcharge even for elite members.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Forni Wall Art
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Forni Wall Art
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Forni Bottle Display
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Forni Bottle Display
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Forni
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Forni

Some of the seats offer a direct view of the Garden, but they can be tough to get when it’s busy so make sure to arrive early if you’d like the garden view.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Forni
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Forni
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Forni
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Forni

Breakfast that elite members get are the set menu of American, Japanese, or Vegan breakfasts. Plus, there’s a buffet on the back of the restaurants that guests can indulge in.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Forni Breakfast Menu
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Forni Breakfast Menu

To start off with the breakfast, I was offered my choices of drinks plus the daily smoothie.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Daily Smoothie
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Daily Smoothie
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Coffee
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Coffee
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Orange Juice
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Orange Juice

For the main course, obviously I picked the Japanese set since I’m in Japan. The bento box was overall good, but if I’d pick the type of fish I’d get, I would pick either the miso marinated cod fish or the citrus-grilled flounder. The salmon felt basic compared to those two. They’re all very good, but some of the items just didn’t fit with my non-Japanese palate even though I love Japanese food overall.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Japanese Breakfast
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Japanese Breakfast
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Japanese Breakfast
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Japanese Breakfast
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Japanese Breakfast Citrus Grilled Flounder with Congee
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Japanese Breakfast Citrus Grilled Flounder with Congee

For the Japanese breakfast, you may choose to have steamed rice or congee (porridge) for the side dish.

I only managed to try one of the American entrees once, and I chose the omelet. Pretty basic, but I always loved how Japanese-style omelet looks.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Omelet
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Omelet

Jams can accompany the breads you can pick up in the buffet section on the back of the restaurant.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Japanese Breakfast Jam
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Japanese Breakfast Jam

Breakfast buffet spread are pretty much the Continental Breakfast shown on the menu. It’s not as varied as other hotels I went to though.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Buffet Western Spread
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Buffet Western Spread
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Buffet Salad
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Buffet Salad Spread
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Buffet Meat & Cheese
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Buffet Meat & Cheese

I particularly liked the pastry section. The croissants were freshly baked, and the salt bread was particularly interesting. My favorite was the Hokkaido milk bread. Very soft and fluffy, and goes great with the in-house jams.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Bread
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Breakfast Pastry Spread

Despite me enjoying the breakfast overall, I felt it was one of the weaker points of the hotel if I would nitpick. To be honest, I might’ve felt fatigued from eating hotel breakfasts this far into the trip and that might’ve influenced my thoughts on them.

 

Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is the centerpiece attraction of the Mitsui. Elegant and tranquil best describe the garden!

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Zen Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Zen Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Zen Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden

Walking by the flowing water on the platforms felt surreal.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Zen Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Zen Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Zen Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden

You could book an appointment for some breathing exercises in the morning inside the below building for free. I wish I tried it!

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Zen Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Zen Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden

Some of the ponds may have some fish swimming around.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Zen Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Zen Garden
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Garden

 

Thermal Spring Spa

Here comes the most exciting amenity of the Mitsui that sets it apart from the rest of the luxury hotels bookable with points in Kyoto, which is the Thermal Spring Spa. It’s a free public bath for all the hotel’s guests that open from 6am to 11pm (last entry 10:30pm). The hot spring draws natural spring water from the mountains surrounding Kyoto. You’d need to call the receptionist beforehand to be able to use the Spring, which is easily done in your room. They will then assign you your locker once you arrive.

The path to the Thermal Spring exudes elegance and exclusivity with dark walls accompanied by contrasting bright wooden blocks with water running sounds in the background.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Path to Thermal Spring Spa
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Path to Thermal Spring Spa
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Path to Thermal Spring Spa
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Path to Thermal Spring Spa

Unlike the traditional onsen, the Thermal Spring Spa isn’t gender-separated, and swimsuits must be worn. Although, if you have tattoos, then you’ll be asked to cover up.

The vibe is magnificent with reflective ceiling and natural rock pillars. I showed my friend what the Thermal Spring looks like, and he described it best… straight out of a John Wick movie.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Thermal Spring Spa
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Thermal Spring Spa

The Thermal Spring Spa is simply the best luxury hotel amenity that I’ve used! It’s so good that I made sure to visit everyday, and I still think about it long after my stay at the Mitsui. From my stay, it was the most quiet during the very early hours, or in the afternoon while most guests were out exploring Kyoto.

From my perspective, the Thermal Spring was best used in the afternoon, at least in the summer. In the morning, I’d explore Kyoto a bit, and take a break in the hot spring to both rest and hide from the heat when it’s most intense in the afternoon. From there, I resume exploring Kyoto in the evening to nighttime.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Thermal Spring Spa
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Thermal Spring Spa

Cold sprinkles of water will occasionally be turned on, and the feeling of warmth from the hot spring while being sprinkled with gentle sprinkles of cold water was fantastic! If the warm springs water isn’t enough, there are 2 separate hot tubs with strong jets within the Thermal Spring area.

The spa also have swimsuit dryer machines like many other higher-end hotels in Japan. It makes visiting the thermal spring not a hassle at all!

You can also opt for a private hot springs session, but I didn’t feel it was necessary, especially as a solo traveler, or if you pick the right times to go in which the in-room TV can help track the activity status of the public bath.

 

Fitness Center

The gym’s hotel is located in the basement floor just before the pathway to the Thermal Spring. It’s equipped with varieties of cardio and weight machines.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Gym
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Gym
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Gym
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Gym
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Gym
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Gym Refreshments

 

Tea Ceremony

There’s a section called Chakyo in the lobby grounds where you can participate in a half hour tea ceremony. The price appears to be 2,500 yen, so it sounds reasonable for a hotel of this calibre. I didn’t get to try it, however. But it looks nice to do after a long day of exploring.

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Chakyo
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Chakyo
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Chakyo
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Chakyo

 

Conclusion

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO is truly an outstanding property that truly defines Kyoto, and it can really compete with other top-tier hotels in the city. The design is masterful that combines both traditional and modernity in a seamless way that makes it very approachable no matter your age or background. The Thermal Spring Spa is one of those luxury hotel amenities that you just can’t get enough once you have a taste for it, and just experiencing it one more time would probably be a very good reason to tempt me into coming back to again.

If I have one nitpick, then it’d probably be the breakfast, since I feel it punches below its weight just slightly. They’re still enjoyable overall, and Japan offers plenty of cheap but very good alternatives if you’re not feeling the hotel breakfast. Regardless, many of the hotel’s positives greatly outweigh my minor complaint about the breakfast. I very much do not regret staying at this hotel, especially for the rates I paid for in points!

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Entrance at Night
Until next time…

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