Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto Review
Property Overview
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Brand: Marriott Bonvoy property
Rating: Three Michelin Keys (one of only six hotels in Japan with this rating)
Reviewer: Nick Gray
Room Reviewed: Room 445 - King bed with garden view
Historical Significance
- Built on land owned by the historic Mitsui family
- Mitsui family: Major industrialist family since the 1600s
- Operated a conglomerate including dry goods stores
- Pioneered fixed pricing (instead of bartering)
- Original family home transformed into luxury hotel
- Museum on-site documenting property and family history
Room Features
King Garden View Room (Room 445)
- King-size bed
- Garden views with two-screen window system (blackout curtain + sheer screen)
- Electronic window controls next to bed
- Two nightstands with power outlets and USB-A ports
- Work bench/desk area
In-Room Amenities
- Welcome snacks (candy, mix)
- Stationery box
- Custom pajamas and slippers (Western sizing available)
- Two plush bathrobes
- Nespresso machine
- Premium tea selection (TWG teas: Vanilla Bourbon, English Breakfast)
- Excellent green tea selection
- Mini bar
- Electric kettle
- Premium mugs
- Netflix on TV
Bathroom
- Enormous Japanese-style soaking tub
- Separate shower with both handheld and rainfall shower heads
- Vanity amenity box (mouthwash, exfoliator, etc.)
- Elegant soap setup and water cup
- Bidet toilet
- Two bathrobes
Hotel Facilities
Library (Unique Feature)
- Excellently curated book collection
- History books about the Mitsui family and property
- Nearby museum information
- Design book collections
- Books available for checkout
- Quiet reading space in morning
Breakfast Buffet
- Extensive salad bar
- Fresh fruit plates and juices
- Salmon
- Excellent hash browns
- Bread station with fresh selections
- À la carte menu options available
- Beautiful presentation
Fitness Center (Level B1)
- 3 treadmills
- 1 elliptical
- Technogym equipment
- Free weights (4kg to 22kg)
- Foam rollers and exercise balls
- Smith machine
- Rowing machine
- Exercise bikes
- Workout clothes available to borrow
Thermal Springs Spa (Level B1)
- Co-ed onsen (rare feature - both men and women can enjoy together)
- Located in basement level
- Indoor facility (not outdoor)
- Atmospheric underground corridor with gate design elements
Other Amenities
- Beautiful garden with koi fish
- Elegant lobby with seating areas
- Design sculptures and objects throughout property
- Public bathrooms with luxury touches (hand towels, bidets)
Service & Experience
- Amazing concierge service (helpful with reservations)
- Attentive staff throughout property
- Calm, peaceful atmosphere
- Immaculate premium feeling
- Excellent attention to design details
Location & Setting
- Kyoto, Japan
- Garden views from rooms
- Near museums and cultural sites
- Beautiful in winter (snow visible during visit)
- Best visited outside January for optimal garden views
Pros
✓ Three Michelin Keys rating
✓ Exceptional service and concierge
✓ Unique co-ed onsen experience
✓ Excellent breakfast buffet
✓ Beautiful design and calm atmosphere
✓ Well-curated library
✓ Custom pajamas and slippers
✓ Great garden views
✓ Netflix in rooms
✓ Historical significance and museum
Cons
✗ Light switches overly design-focused and confusing
✗ Difficult to turn off all bathroom lights
✗ Onsen located in basement (not outdoor)
✗ Gym adequate but not exceptional (compared to Ritz-Carlton Tokyo)
✗ January timing means less attractive garden views
Ideal For
- Honeymoons and romantic getaways
- Couples wanting co-ed onsen experience
- Design and architecture enthusiasts
- Book lovers (library feature)
- Travelers seeking calm, premium Japanese luxury
- Marriott Bonvoy members
Reviewer's Verdict
"Perhaps my favorite hotel in all of Japan"
Highly recommended despite minor lighting issues. The combination of historical significance, exceptional service, unique co-ed onsen, beautiful design, and three Michelin Keys rating makes this a standout property in Kyoto.
Comparison Notes
- Reviewer planned to compare with Ritz-Carlton Kyoto in follow-up video
- Part of tour of best-rated Marriott Bonvoy properties in Tokyo and Kyoto