Review : The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike, Autograph Collection | Marriott Bonvoy

This photo report is part of our series of articles about our family trip to Japan, South Korea and Turkey in spring 2023:

Far from the hustle and bustle of downtown Kyoto, The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike, Autograph Collection hotel is located in the north in the Rakuhoku region, an area much appreciated by artists and craftsmen for its environment. The establishment is aimed at customers in search of peace and quiet to recharge their batteries.

Rooms at The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike start at 130 CAD per night or 36,800 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Check-out time is 11 a.m., but as a Marriott Bonvoy member, don’t hesitate to request late check-out to get even more out of your stay: 2 p.m. for Gold status and 4 p.m. for Platinum and superior status.

The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to be a Marriott Bonvoy American Express* Cardholder (and/or Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express* Cardholder).

In addition to the great welcome bonus on both cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases and 5 points per dollar at Marriott locations. And each year, you’ll earn a certificate for one free hotel night (35,000 point value) and 15 Elite nights toward your Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.

The last creation of architect Togo Murano before his death, the contemporary hotel was designed in 1986 near an international conference center. The circular building, with its large central atrium, stands out against the green backdrop. The interior, all natural wood, faces the beautiful central garden.

A tour of the hotel is available for those wishing to learn more about the architect Togo Murano.

The Prince Takaragaike is located on the outskirts of Kyoto city, almost as if lost in the middle of a forest. The surrounding environment is very quiet, which is very pleasant. It takes around 20 minutes by car to reach the city center, which means renting a car or taking a cab.

The hotel has a large outdoor parking lot where we will park, having rented a car for our family trip.

Not far from the entrance is a long reception counter. The staff are warm and friendly. We got a room with two single beds.

We cross the hotel lobby and pass some beautiful traditional decorations before reaching the elevators to our room. A magnetic card is required to access rooms. We inevitably pass the atrium, where young people are taking a break.

The suite is spacious, with a large lounge area featuring a sofa and armchairs, a coffee corner and a dining table.

The configuration of this room includes two single beds side by side with a bench at the foot of the bed, a sideboard with a flat-screen TV and a reading corner facing the forest. A radio is integrated into the bedside tables. The room is equipped with air conditioning.

The bathroom is accessed from the bedroom. It features a bathtub, shower, Japanese toilet and long, angled countertop with single basin. A shower room is also located at the entrance to the suite.

Note that the decor is old-fashioned: the hotel is still in its 80s, but the whole is clean, airy and functional.

The Prince Hotel offers breakfast for JPY 4,255/adult at two places in the hotel:

• The main Ito Zakura restaurant (1F) is open from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and offers a healthy North American buffet or à la carte breakfast. The room is beautiful and allows you to admire the surrounding nature.
• Takaragaike Japanese Restaurant (1F) is open at the same times and offers a traditional breakfast made by chefs.

Lunch and dinner service is also available at these two restaurants, as well as at the following:

• Takaragaike Japanese restaurant
• Tohen Chinese restaurant

You can take a break at the MIZU-NO-NE café in the lobby for sweet treats and tea during the day, or enjoy a cocktail at the ASCOT bar in the evening, inspired by English pubs.

Compared with other hotels, the culinary offering is not very diverse. We were generally disappointed. However, we didn’t have the opportunity to try the other restaurants where the offer was perhaps better.

The hotel offers the Charyo experience, Wabi-Sabi with matcha, an authentic Japanese tea tasting in its Kyoto Sukiya-style tea house.

Please note that service may be restricted on certain days of the week.

A gym is available to hotel guests on the second floor throughout the day. Children under 16 are not allowed access. It is very pleasant as it overlooks a green setting. Dumbbells, weight benches, treadmills, bikes and elliptical trainers are all available.

Laundry service is available. Requests must be made at reception on arrival or before 10 a.m. for same-day delivery by 6 p.m.

An executive lounge is available to Marriott Bonvoy members with Platinum status or higher. The environment once again takes center stage, with views over a splendid interior garden.

The lounge offers :

• Breakfast between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m,
• tea (sweets, breads and snacks are served) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.,
• or evening cocktails with three types of hors d’oeuvres and snacks from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A welcome drink is offered to guests between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. A few snacks are offered throughout the day, but the offer is neither varied nor interesting.

Similarly, the evening offer was disappointing for us. A few petits fours or hot dishes and a few bottles of spirits are featured. It’s also worth noting that children under 13 are no longer admitted after the cocktail hour, which is a shame for families.

Fortunately, we had planned to visit an izakaya in Kyoto.

The following services are available:

• Baggage delivery
• Free WiFi
• Bicycle rental (2200 JPY)
• Souvenir store
• Laundry service

Pets are not allowed.

The Prince is a rejuvenating hotel with a green setting, ideal for visitors who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto.