Staying at Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto, is to experience a privilege once reserved for imperial nobles and aristocrats. Nestled along the picturesque Hozu River in Kyoto’s historic Arashiyama district—a place that has inspired poets and travellers for over a thousand years—this Luxury Collection hotel by Marriott stands on the former grounds of an imperial Japanese villa.
Architecture
Surrounded by the ever-changing beauty of the Arashiyama forest, the property offers a front-row view of nature’s seasonal transformations. Blending traditional Japanese hospitality with refined cuisine and a thoughtfully curated spa programme, Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto, invites guests into a tranquil riverside retreat that nourishes the senses.
The architecture and design of Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto, reflect a deep respect for the property’s historical significance and the natural beauty of its surroundings. The hotel’s main gate, a distinguished and impeccably proportioned Japanese-style structure, blends harmoniously with the lush greenery and rolling hills of Arashiyama. Meanwhile, the low-lying buildings and traditional tiled roofs create an ideal setting for guests to immerse themselves in the serene charm of the surrounding landscape.
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Accommodation
Each of the 39 guestrooms at Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto, pays homage to traditional Kyoto aesthetics and craftsmanship, offering serene, meticulously designed interiors in which to unwind. A third of the rooms feature private terraces with open-air onsens, filled with the natural, therapeutic spring waters of Arashiyama.
During my stay, I stayed in a Yuzunoha Onsen room on the ground floor. Cosy yet luxurious, the room featured a harmonious palette of neutral tones, complemented by vibrant vermillion lacquer and elegant gold accents. Alongside all the high-end comforts one would expect from a luxury hotel, I especially appreciated the distinctive Byredo “Le Chemin” range of bathroom amenities provided.
Spa
The property features two private spa treatment rooms, each with its own outdoor onsen. Secluded and tranquil, the rooms overlook a charming Japanese garden, enhancing the sense of relaxation and connection to nature.
The spa menu offers a blend of body and facial treatments inspired by traditional Japanese rituals, incorporating ingredients such as yuzu and Kyoto’s signature incense oils. For facial treatments, the spa uses Swiss Perfection skincare products, targeting a range of concerns—from collagen boosting and moisturising to skin purification.
On the morning of my final day, I took part in the property’s wellbeing programme: Meditation Stretch, a mindfulness session held in the Japanese garden. Designed to cultivate mind–body awareness through gentle stretching and breathwork, the experience—set against the lush greenery—offered a calming and restorative start to the day.
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Gastronomy
During my stay, I dined at the property’s two restaurants.
Kyo-Suiran, the hotel’s main restaurant, is renowned for its exquisite washoku (traditional Japanese) cuisine, which combines seasonal Japanese ingredients with refined French culinary techniques. I particularly enjoyed the multi-course tasting menu, which featured an array of fresh seafood and vegetable dishes that perfectly suited my pescatarian diet. Breakfast is also served here, with a choice between a traditional Japanese or Western-style offering.
Café Hassui is set within a 100-year-old poets’ pavilion by the water, offering sweeping, idyllic views over the Hozu River. It serves a daily afternoon tea and complimentary evening cocktails exclusively for hotel guests. The Japanese afternoon tea set is popular with both locals and visitors, featuring a beautifully presented selection of sweet confections and savoury treats, accompanied by a free-flow beverage menu with 24 varieties of tea and coffee.
Final Thoughts
Suiran’s spectacular sense of place and rich history were among the many features I loved during my stay. Its exclusive, secluded location—just steps away from the bustling tourist hub of Arashiyama—offers the perfect balance of accessibility and tranquillity. The property’s natural surroundings are thoughtfully celebrated throughout, alongside traditional Japanese elements and modern hotel comforts.
My experience here beautifully encapsulated the poetic essence behind the name “The Suiran”. The name derives from two Chinese characters that pay homage to the beauty of Arashiyama: sui, meaning jade green, symbolises the lush greenery and sparkling waters of the area; while ran is an abbreviation of Arashiyama itself. A stay at Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto, is not only a luxurious retreat but also an invitation to discover and savour the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital.