The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu

Our stay at The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu was SO memorable and special. I am not exaggerating when I say it was probably our favorite hotel we've ever stayed at (including around the world.) We absolutely loved the history and story behind the hotel and seeing the book documenting the transformation was such a cool touch. The gardens around the hotel were also so peaceful and welcoming, and the view from the rooftop bar was incredible! The staff were all so incredibly kind and hospitable. I especially wanted to highlight Hikari, who was so thoughtful at breakfast, always making sure we had everything we needed and that I was not too cold sitting outside. When she found out it was my birthday, she had the kitchen staff prepare a special treat for me, which was SO so nice and delicious! We also really enjoyed the maiko performance in the lounge (on 10/28). What an amazing experience that we felt so fortunate and humbled to be a part of!! While some of the magic was ruined by extremely rude guests in the front laughing and talking the entire time, it was still an amazing Kyoto experience I will never forget. Thank you so much to the Hotel Seiryu for making our Kyoto trip so wonderful and memorable!! I hope we will have the chance to come back again someday!

We had a truly wonderful stay last November, and the entire team played a key role in making our time in Kyoto so memorable. A special mention goes to Yuri, the head concierge, who was just exceptional. She was incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, and always quick to respond. Her genuine interest in our plans and overall wellbeing made a real difference, and her recommendations throughout our stay were excellent. Beyond Yuri, the rest of the hotel staff were equally warm and professional. The service, atmosphere, and attention to detail throughout the property truly reflect the high standards of Japanese hospitality and The Prince Hotel brand. We would absolutely return and highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Kyoto.

The hotel grounds are beautiful and very well kept. Love the overall design. The lounge was very hot but I understand that it was cold outside. Love that the staff were able to accommodate us to a last minute tea ceremony. Everyone was so kind and attentive! We always got a taxi in seconds and were able to borrow so many umbrellas. Very nice experience overall!

Gorgeous luxury hotel in heart of historic Kyoto. The surrounding area is very busy with tourists, but the hotel is an oasis of calm. Staff are exceptionally nice and good at their jobs. After a day exploring on foot (very easy from hotel) we returned footsore to a warm welcome. Every day we enjoyed relaxing in the fabulous guest lounge - having a glass of champagne, delicious snacks and enjoying the views. The events hosted there were very worthwhile especially the Maiko dancing and chatting afterwards. What a privilege. Hotel actually has a small but decent gym with a good cable machine and range of DBs - much appreciated.

I don’t know where to start with praise for this hotel and don’t typically write long reviews. In this case I believe it is beyond justified. ||I will start with the aesthetic of the property and grounds which are wonderful. The property represents a perfect example of adaptive reuse as the site was once a school. This gives the hotel incredible charm a character that make you feel like you are a part of the community within Kyoto. You are not just staying at some newly built touristy hotel. This also displays what are in fact large grounds creating a private enclave in a very popular section of Gion. ||Now for the staff. They went above and beyond to answer our every request. I will be honest and say my family was not an easy customer. We have a 14 month old baby and I arrived with a terrible stomach bug, so we were a handful. Everyone at the hotel was so helpful and sincere throughout which is beyond appreciated. ||I will end with saying that experience at this hotel to me felt like as good as one could dream to experience in Kyoto. The property has the best view in the city at the awesome rooftop bar. The guest lounge is an incredible touch. It is open all day with complementary food and beverage being served along with cultural performances is an incredible perk. Finally the location in Gion makes the most popular part of the city accessible to you by foot. ||I don’t know the next time I’ll be in Kyoto, but when I return I will unquestionably stay at Hotel Seiryu again. Nothing could’ve been better.

Overall the hotel is in central location to most tourist destinations in Kyoto. The staff is very attentive, although at moments they appear slightly understaffed. This would be normal in America but not the norm we’ve seen in high end Japanese and other hotels outside of America. There is a lounge with some very light snack for breakfast and evening. The lounge has an extremely well stocked open bar. The staff in the lounge also keep it immaculate and it has nice views and very comfortable furniture. The hotel is ima converted school and they overall have done a good job but it’s only about 40 rooms and there’s no pool. I also believe there’s no 24/7 room service. They’ve done a good job converting from being a school. Looks like they’ve intentionally kelt some wood, tile, etc. in common areas to give it the feel that it used to be a school. It’s a cool vibe if that’s what you’re into bur if you want 100% marble everywhere you may not like it. The hotel is on a tourist street leading to Koadi Ji temple and the street can get extremely crowded on a busy days. This can make taxi pick up and drop off At the hotel itself, very difficult at times, but you can just walk two or three blocks to the main road and get a taxi there. Overall, the staff are extremely attentive and they have a good job converting the hotel. There is also a rooftop bar and resteraunt with an amazing view of the pagoda. The lounge also has a great view of the pagoda. Some of the rooms also have a view of the Kodai Ji temple. If you demand immaculate materials on every surface and 24-7 room service and every exotic hotel amenity, it might not be for you. But if you want a boutique five star experience, this is up your alley.

Fantastic stay at Hotel Seiryu Kyoto. The property is beautiful and has the charm fitting of Kyoto. From the moment you hit the driveway off the busy street it’s an oasis of tranquility. The rooms are well designed, plenty of space for relaxing. Wonderful daily and turndown service. Restaurants were phenomenal, loved the partnering with famous French chef Alain Ducasse for Benoit restaurant on property. We enjoyed daily breakfast overlooking the courtyard and inside the library. K36 rooftop bar was hopping every night, the weather was great so definitely helped set the vibe, we had a blast. Private baths are a must, we enjoyed them after our early morning walks. Really starts the day in a clear peaceful mindset. Our favorite part of this hotel were the team members. Definition of Hospitality, every single person we encounter was the warmest and most friendliest. Welcome desk to rooms team, “Okini” for your warm hospitality. We look forward to our return hopefully in 2026, I full recommend this hotel to all my friends and family looking to visit Kyoto. Ps- The guest lounge was a daily stop for us (several times a day), what a treat for guest. Enjoyed the offerings and special events held daily. 😁

This is truly one of the most wonderful hotels we have ever stayed at. The location is perfect - in the center of everything yet the hotel itself is so peaceful and quiet. All of the staff are so genuinely kind and welcoming. Every night felt like we were coming home. We enjoyed every second of our stay and will always return when we are in Kyoto.