Sometimes holidays don’t go to plan. For us, and this being our first trip to Japan Kyoto was the prefecture we were most interested in visiting for its ability to combine old-world charm with modernity along with experiencing the newly opened Dusit Thani Kyoto.
However, our idea of exploring Kyoto’s timeless streets ended soon after the winter sniffles set in.
Although we only got to try Japanese pancakes at Panel Cafe and a brief glimpse of a geisha we will be forever grateful that we checked into the luxurious and newly opened Dusit Thani Kyoto. Opening on 1 September 2023 the Thai-owned Dusit brand has successfully united two similar yet very different cultures creating a luxe and unique property for guests to enjoy.
ROOMS
Generously sized and fitted with every amenity expected of a luxe property our Premier King Room – 423, on the fourth floor (top level) felt more like a sanctuary than a hotel room. Fitted with a rain shower and bathtub, fluffy robes, slippers, and a huge screen TV, the Dusit Thani Kyoto was the perfect place to rest and recover in style.
ROOM SERVICE
Spending close to ¥67,000 on room service in four days we tried nearly everything on the menu. Each item was delicious, flavorsome, and of excellent quality. Although limited, the menu offers various cuisines including signature Thai dishes, all being perfectly cooked. Our favorites were The Healthy Breakfast Set, Phad See Ew Moo, Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino, and the Sake Kaso Cheesecake we ordered daily!
DESIGN
The calming and tranquil combination of Thai and Japanese hospitality creates a modern yet traditional design. Guest rooms are styled with muted tones and traditional Japanese shoji blinds, oozing peacefulness and elegance. The Japanese garden felt like the heart of the hotel with the fixtures, fittings, and the hotel’s exterior maintaining elegance and style.
Walking into the lobby the successful blend of Japanese and Thai influence makes the property feel elegant and somewhat homely. Upon check-in we were greeted with a warm welcoming drink and told our room with incredible Kyoto city views was ready, however, we were a little perplexed when opening our blinds to see a neighboring hotel. After a quick visit to guest services, we moved to room 423 with a city glimmer.
With 147 swanky guest rooms, The Dusit Thani comes with all of the necessary amenities needed for a luxury stay including a wellness sanctuary, fitness center, indoor pool, bicycle rentals, five eateries a dessert bar, a tea salon, an espresso machine, complimentary bottled water, and matcha tea-making facilities in your guest room.
The eateries open at varied times and days, we highly recommend reviewing the operating hours before arriving to ensure you can experience the delicious food created by the Dusit Thani team. On our first night, we rang for room service just after 5.30 pm only to discover it was already closed with Kōyō (chef’s table) being our only dinner option.
We were so lucky that one extremely helpful guest relations staff member could see we were under the weather and arranged for the chef to make a special dinner for two in The Gallery – now that’s incredible service. Just a note, although you shouldn’t have to at high-end properties, sometimes you have to ask a couple of people before finding that one diamond in the rough.
With Kyoto Station being only 5 minutes by taxi and filled with various restaurants and shops you can easily navigate your way around Kyoto city. While the Dusit may not be the most central property in Kyoto its location allows you to experience the authenticity of everyday Kyoto life. We used the taxi network on several occasions which was easy, quick, and not overly expensive.
Being our first stay at a Dusit property and impressed by the quality of the design, guest room offerings, cleanliness, and delicious food we wouldn’t hesitate to check back in on our next visit to Japan. As the property has only recently opened we hope the quirks (aka room service closing at 5.30 pm) will be modified making the Dusit Thani an incredible accommodation choice in Kyoto.
Good to Know | Dusit Thani Kyoto
♡ Check-ins are from 3 pm and checkout is from 12 pm
♡ Join the Dusit Gold loyalty program to be eligible for exclusive offers
♡ The Dusit Thani Kyoto is 5 minutes by taxi from Kyoto station or approximately 15 minutes walking
♡ Surprisingly, room service closes at 5.30 pm, so be sure to set your alarm for 5 pm to get your order in on time
♡ We stayed at Dusit Thani Kyoto towards the end of November, the weather was starting to get a little cool meaning the heat was turned up making the lobby very very hot
♡ 7-Eleven is a 5-6 minute walk from the hotel, here you will find an ATM
♡ Ginjo Ramen Kubota is a 2-minute walk from The Dusit, we didn’t get an opportunity to try this restaurant but there was always a line waiting out the front
♡ Panel Cafe serving up jiggly Japanese pancakes is only a 2-minute walk from one of Kyoto’s prettiest streets – Shirakawa Lane
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Thoughts, opinions, and photos shared about Dusit Thani Kyoto | Experience Authentic Thai & Japanese Luxury are entirely my own.
