REVIEW | Dusit Thani Kyoto, Japan
- VVZ Travels
- Oct 6
- 7 min read
Room rate and hotel details
Room type: One-Bedroom Suite, King bed with Extra Bed
Room rate: JPY 160,258 per night
Nights stayed: 1 night
Dates stayed: 5-6 September 2025
Overall Rating
Explanations can be found in the conclusion of this post
Room: 8/10
Breakfast: 3/10
General areas: 8/10
Facilities: 8/10
Service: 5/10
Value: 5/10
Introduction
Dusit Thani Kyoto blends Thai elegance with Japanese tradition in the heart of Kyoto. Designed by famed architect Kengo Kuma, the hotel offers serene spaces reflecting Kyoto’s calm, infused with vibrant Thai warmth. Guests enjoy authentic Thai cuisine, tranquil gardens, and rooms combining minimalist Japanese design with rich Thai accents. As Dusit’s first property in Japan, it delivers a unique cross-cultural luxury experience, celebrating both Thai hospitality and Japanese refinement.
You may now be wondering what is up with the relatively low ratings in comparison to the other hotels we had stayed a - it boiled down to a lack of excellence in the hotel's software which is a shame given the beautiful hardware the hotel boasts. All feedback has been provided to the hotel and we have confidence that as the hotel matures the issues will be addressed.
Arrival and Check-In
Arrival and check-in was relatively smooth and well-organized, though the initial welcome felt somewhat reserved compared to the warmth typically associated with Thai hospitality. We were offered a fresh cold towel, refreshing welcome drink (which was a delicious pandan and coconut juice) and delicate Thai sweets upon arrival, which added a thoughtful cultural touch.
A staff member provided a brief tour of the hotel’s facilities, helping to orient guests and highlight key areas. While the process was efficient and polite, it lacked the personal warmth or engaging energy one might expect from a luxury property rooted in Thai service traditions.
One-Bedroom Suite, King Bed with Extra Bed
We stayed in the one bedroom suite, which spans about 80 m², offering ample space. The suite features a separate bedroom with a king bed (or twin beds in some configurations), and a distinct living/dining area for relaxing or entertaining. The decor blends Thai warmth and Japanese minimalism—expect rich wooden finishes, soft lighting, and subtle design flourishes that reflect both traditions.
We had an extra bed added to the room for the third person in our party, which was pleasantly similar to the King bed's plush bedding and still left ample space in the living room after adding the extra bed.
The bathroom featured refined fittings: a deep soaking bathtub, rainfall shower, and high-quality toiletries. My favourite part - the Repronizer hairdryer which we last found during our stay at Ritz Carlton Fukuoka. The suite had a separate toilet - more like a powder room - which we found to be well designed especially for stays with more than one person.
The bathroom amenities didn't feature brands that were too exciting (which is an aspect we look forward to when visiting luxury hotels) but had all the essentials, with skincare sets provided upon request.
There’s a generous dressing area, well‑appointed work or lounge spaces, a large TV, free WiFi, minibar, espresso maker or kettle, and premium bedding with turndown service. Views tend toward the road outside the hotel which wasn't too inspiring, but other garden rooms look out at a peaceful courtyard or garden.
The only "complaint" we would have about the room, was that the shower head broke after one use. We then had to use the rainfall shower instead, which wasn't the end of the world but also not the most convenient.
Corner Suite and Garden room
We also visited the Garden Room and Corner Suites.The Garden Room at Dusit Thani Kyoto is approximately 40 m² and offers a calm, elegant space with peaceful views of the hotel’s landscaped garden. You can choose between a king bed or twin beds. Modern amenities include air conditioning, complimentary WiFi, a minibar or espresso/tea maker, and a stylish bathroom with a deep soaking tub and rain shower. A tranquil garden outlook make this room ideal for guests seeking a restful and refined retreat.
The One‑Bedroom Corner Suite spans about 88 m², making it one of the more spacious options in the hotel, especially well suited for couples or a small party.
It’s situated in a quiet corner of each floor, offering more privacy. The suite includes a separate bedroom with a king bed (or in some versions twin beds), plus distinct living and dining areas—so you have space to relax, work, or entertain without crowding.
The bathroom is en‑suite and well appointed, with refined amenities, a deep soaking bathtub, rainfall shower, dual sinks, and often a view‑bath option (where you can enjoy the view from the bathtub).
Welcome Amenities and Turndown Service
At Dusit Thani Kyoto, the welcome amenities included a small selection of Thai snacks, chocolates and a printed welcome letter. While the gesture was appreciated, the letter was not personalised, which made the arrival feel slightly less intimate compared to more tailored luxury experiences.
The nightly turndown service featured a thoughtful gift—a calming pillow spray intended to promote restful sleep. However, only one was provided per room, regardless of the number of guests. This felt somewhat limited, especially when compared to other luxury hotels like Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, which generously offer one turndown gift per guest. Pajamas and bedroom slippers were also laid out, which is a nice and convenient touch.
Breakfast
Breakfast fell noticeably short of expectations, especially when compared to the high standards set by the hotel’s rooms and facilities. Upon arrival, service felt rushed—we were asked quite literally 3 seconds after the menu was placed on the table, to place our orders, without adequate time to review the menu. My order for a cold-pressed juice (which was on the menu) was declined due to it being “sold out” by 8:45 am, which is surprisingly early given breakfast service still had ample time remaining, and considering cold-pressed juice can be freshly prepared.
Presentation issues followed, with a plate of pastries and bread served on a wet dish, resulting in soggy items that were unappetizing. The salad station was poorly placed and emitted a damp, unpleasant odour, making the area feel unhygienic and uninviting. When the Guai Tiaw Nahm (Thai noodle soup) was served, it was excessively salty—well beyond typical seasoning—raising concerns about consistency or potential kitchen error.
Overall, service lacked the warmth and attentiveness typically associated with both Japanese and Thai hospitality. Staff appeared disengaged, and the breakfast selection was limited in comparison to what is typically expected at hotels in this tier. While the hotel excels in many other areas, the breakfast experience stands out as a significant shortcoming that could meaningfully affect guest satisfaction.
General Areas and Facilities
The public spaces features elegant and thoughtfully designed general areas that reflect a fusion of Thai warmth and Japanese serenity. The lobby and lounge areas are calm and refined, offering a welcoming space for guests to relax, while the garden and courtyard provide moments of peace and greenery amid the urban setting. Dining spaces, including a café and bar/lounge, are tastefully decorated and complement the hotel's tranquil aesthetic.
Facilities include:
Indoor swimming pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi
Spa and wellness centre
24-hour fitness centre with cardio machines and weights
Multiple restaurants and a bar/lounge
In-room dining
Free WiFi throughout the property
24-hour front desk and concierge services
Valet and private parking
Laundry and dry cleaning services
Express check-in/check-out
Child-friendly amenities including a children’s breakfast buffet
Together, these offerings support a well-rounded stay, though the pool and gym are quite small.
Departure
Departure from Dusit Thani Kyoto was handled politely but lacked the efficiency and attentiveness expected from a luxury hotel. The process felt slightly slow, with minimal urgency or initiative from the staff to assist proactively. Luggage handling and checkout formalities were carried out only upon request, rather than being anticipated in advance. While the staff remained courteous, the overall farewell felt impersonal and unremarkable, leaving the final impression less refined than the hotel’s setting and design might suggest.
Conclusion
Room: 8/10
The rooms are well-designed, with a tasteful blend of Thai and Japanese aesthetics, offering comfortable amenities and a peaceful atmosphere. The suites were spacious, however, some might find the space a bit smaller (especially the entry-level rooms) or feel the furnishings could be more distinctive. Amenities however, were well appointed, with my favourite Repronizer hairdryer that we last provided during our stay at Ritz Carlton Fukuoka, skincare amenities and the full suite of bathroom essentials, including wash cloths.
Breakfast: 3/10
Breakfast receives a low rating, due to limited options, inconsistent quality and service, and questionable hygiene (perhaps one of the most important aspect of a dining experience). For instance, plates provided to place food items on, were wet and stains were present on cutlery. Staff were noticeable under-trained, with one asking for our order quite literally 3 seconds after they placed the menu down. Food options were extremely limited to be marketed as a luxury hotel.
General Areas: 8/10
The public spaces are elegant and calming, showcasing the hotel’s fusion design philosophy with clean lines and tranquil decor. Though pleasant, the areas feel somewhat modest or grand compared to other luxury hotels.
Facilities: 8/10
Facilities such as the spa, fitness center, and dining venues are solid and well-maintained, but lack standout features or the scale of facilities. The pool was also quite small, though nicely designed and modern.
Service: 5/10
Service was inconsistent, with some experiences of friendly and helpful staff, while others experiences we had were filled with delays or less attentive interactions, lowering the overall impression. This was especially true during breakfast service.
Value: 5/10
Given the mid-range scores in other categories, the hotel is somewhat overpriced for what it offers, especially when compared to other luxury properties in Kyoto that deliver a more holistic and luxury experience. We were somewhat glad that our stay was only one night, while in other Kyoto stays we left hoping we had booked longer stays - which we believe, is a sign of a good and memorable stay.
Comments