Kamo Residences by Reflections

Will definitely return for turning Autumn leafs. Fast and friendly service by the staff and complimentary breakfast, fruit basket and minibar. We had checked in before arrival. Knowledgable concierge. Beautiful room style, overlooking the river. All amenities High-end tech.

Our recent stay at Kamo Residences was extraordinary. So far our top experience visiting Kyoto over the years. I have travelled worldwide and used to stay at all the major luxury chains. I have switched to boutiques and more tailored experiences in the past few years. Location: Situated slightly north of the centre, by the Kamo River, with many attractions and fantastic restaurants, it is an ideal base for those who prefer quieter, in nature, and out of the major tourism paths. The neighbourhood is mixed residential and commercial, featuring many shrines, temples, and culturally significant spots popular amongst locals and Japanese visitors, so we prefer some hidden treasures near the crowded mass tourism sites. Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines, Kyoto Botanical Gardens are to the north, Imperial Palace is just nearby, and Higashiyama and Gion are to the southeast. Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion Temple) and Arashiyama are to the West. The river has fantastic north-to-south walkways, with impressive things to discover en route. There are plenty of bicycle and e-bike stores for rental closeby. Check-in: We checked in via WhatsApp on the Shinkansen bound for Kyoto. The manager showed us to our room immediately upon arrival. Our luggage, which we had forwarded one day before arrival, was waiting for us. A lovely, personal greeting card was in the suite, along with mochi from the famous local confectionary Demachi Futaba and complimentary champagne to celebrate our first holiday together, very thoughtful. It was the fastest and nicest check-in I ever had. Room: We stayed in the Executive River Suite. It was very generous in size, with a beautiful wood-covered high ceiling. It was airy, with a floor-to-ceiling sliding window facade opening up to beautiful floating views over the river and the stepping stones—a luxurious vibe with elegant high-end features. The bathroom was compact but modern, with a nice tub and bath salts. The Ms.

The manager allowed us to check in early and prepared a lovely surprise with champagne, mochi, and a romantic decoration—an extra bed for our kid free of charge. Originally, we booked a Panoramic Suite but changed to a Garden Suite as we wanted to have breakfast in the greenery. The staff was super accommodating and let us use their company phone, as I left mine in the taxi. Luckily, we kept the receipt, and it is on its way back to us. Thanks so much for arranging. We extended for another day. The concierge booked a great Teppanyaki experience, a taxi on the way back by the front desk, as we were exhausted. Very thoughtful. Ultra-modern. Smart home system. TVs supported dual Bluetooth headsets, and we made movie night while our sonny was sleeping. Complimentary minibar, refilled every day. Including white wine, snacks, coffee, tea, etc. Breakfast was delivered to our suite every morning, varying every day. Imperial Palace is a few minutes' walk away. It has beautiful gardens and Riverside cycling, and we used the picnic blanket from the room for riverside lunch. The local market is impressive, with delicious confectionary shops. This hotel is located in the north, close to nature and most attractions. The train station is also a few minutes walk, but we have not used it. Most attractions are walkable. We prefer it to be quieter than downtown, so this was perfect.

Large modern apartment-like accommodation, a very nice view, and a washer/dryer for laundry. The staff were lovely and accomodating. Even though they were unfamiliar with vegetarianism we really appreciate their open minds.

The accommodation did not meet our expectations. Specifically, it did not reflect the type of luxury experience we had expected from the advertising or what we normally get for the amount of money we spent. For example, breakfast was a paper bag hung over the door handle. There was no turn-down service even though it was advertised.

Lovely location away from touristy spots but still only a ten minute taxi ride to Gion. Great to watch the local people on the river and to see the black kites. Breakfast delivered to our apartment every morning … a nice touch. One of us developed a chest infection while staying .. the staff went to extraordinary lengths to help us with the doctor and made sure we were ok. Delightful people.

Nothing

Great. They brought us whatever we wanted.

Communication was a bit weird, probably a language issue.

Wonderful greeting with local Mochi and a refreshing glass of champagne and green tea. We were able to check-in early at around 11:30. Thank you to the manager for her flexibility. This boutique is located by the River. Our suite had a clear view over local shrines and the river delta. Imperial Palace is 5min walking distance. Shimogamo Shrine, a 10 minute walk. Concierge booked a three day tour guide for us who took great care of us. We booked last minute and could not get good restaurant or guide reservations. Rio took care of everything. Lovely property, manager showed us other suites too, spacious and home feeling.

There is a lovely view over the Higashiyama mountains and temples. We had complimentary snacks, made locally, super delicious and a bottle of white wine for our greeting. I turned on the music and chilled out with a great view over the river. The manager recommended and booked an early dinner at the restaurant for us and selected the course—a wonderful and satisfying portion. We got a taxi there and walked back. It's just incredible along the river. The next day, we rented bikes, which the concierge organized, went up and down the river, chilled out, went to cafes and the botanical gardens, Kamigamo Shrine, and used the picnic blanket from the room for a rest. We shopped for local desserts at Demachi Futaba, the local confectionary shop, a 1-minute walk away. Best I have ever had.

I booked a suite with garden river view and got a complimentary upgrade to a Panorama suite. Beautiful interior and wonderful feeling floating above the river. I was a le to see the mountains and shrines beyond. The manager Rio was so kind to book all our restaurants. The high season is super busy, but we haven't missed a single thing. Excellent location and very near my favorite Shrine, Shimogamo Jinja. The other days, we hiked up and down the river, lovely places and restaurants in the neighborhood. For sure, try the local deserts offered.

The manager let us check in early. We were super exhausted. I booked Garden River Suite but got a free upgrade to Executive River Suite and delicious afternoon tea treats. It was a super location close to all the sites we wanted to visit. Luxurious ambiance, new property, and great care for detail, service and cleaning. The concierge booked a fantastic Kaiseki for us- super attention, organization, and real love for their work. 🍾 🥂