Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Shijo

For the past several years, it has become my tradition to stay here alone for one night after finishing work in Kyoto every six months.After check-in, I head straight to the Premium Lounge to relax with a drink and enjoy some well-deserved “me time.”This time, the snacks to go with the drinks felt a little upgraded too...The breakfast buffet is another highlight.The many Kyoto-style obanzai dishes, neatly served in small plates, soothe me the next morning...It also feels like there were even more options than last time—what a treat!I take my time and enjoy a kind of luxury I can’t usually have in everyday life as a homemaker.Now, back to work—so I can look forward to this happiness again in six months!

This was my second stay. I was upgraded to a better Room, and it made for a very satisfying stay. The lounge, which all guests can use, was especially great. In particular, we could enjoy draft beer—today it was Ginga Kogen Beer. We also had Hojun Nama; my husband enjoyed sake and wine, and we both had highballs. Tomorrow we’d like to sleep in without breakfast.At the amenity bar, we ended up waiting behind a non-Japanese group, and the face wash and basic skincare items were out of stock. I asked the staff to refill them right away and it was resolved quickly, but I think these items would be better placed in the Room.When I took my first bath, there was no body towel, so I used a thick face towel instead but couldn’t wash properly. Since I wanted one before going to bed, I asked the staff at night and they provided it.I would prefer that children not be allowed in the lounge after 6:00 p.m., as some Chinese children were walking around near our seats out of boredom and it ruined the atmosphere—especially when we were enjoying good alcohol.Overall, though, this is an excellent Hotel. I will definitely stay again.