Why I Love Hotels (and Two in Kyoto You Need to Know About)

I love hotels. I truly love hotels. I love a freshly made bed with crisp white sheets, a lobby that feels like the heart of a space, a welcome drink that sets the tone, and of course, a pool that makes you feel like you’ve arrived somewhere special. There’s just something about the ritual of checking in, the anticipation, the key in hand, the newness of it all, that fills me with joy.

And now, I see that love reflected in our kids, especially Montana. She gets absolutely giddy when we pull up to a new hotel. She begs us to “just spend one night!” because she feels the magic of it too. She’s stayed in so many places by now, and I can tell she shares this passion right alongside me.

Because hotels have always been such a big part of our life, I thought it would be fun to start blogging about the truly special ones we’ve discovered around the world. I don’t take my hotel-hopping lightly, I do a ton of research, pour over details, and seek out properties that feel both unique and unforgettable. And today, I want to share two that left a lasting impression on me: Roku Kyoto and Kanamean Nishitomiya, both in Japan’s magical city of Kyoto.

Roku Kyoto – Luxury at Its Finest

Roku was one of those hotels that felt completely out of our league, and we decided to splurge. I’m so glad we did, because every single detail made it worth it.

From the moment you arrive, you know you’re in for something different. The welcome tea and delicate matcha cookie alone set the stage, but it was the smell of the hotel, every room infused with the same calming, grounding fragrance that really struck me. It felt like walking into another world.

The vibe throughout Roku is serenity. Everything whispers luxury without trying too hard. Our room was stunning, with panoramic views of the forest that felt like a living painting. The minibar was stocked with Japanese whiskey, the robes were the coziest I’ve ever worn, and the design struck this perfect balance between sleek minimalism and warmth.

But the highlight? The open-air onsen. Pure bliss. Morning, evening, under the stars, we couldn’t get enough of it. Imagine slipping into those steaming waters surrounded by the quiet of nature, all while being wrapped in Japanese hospitality at its absolute best. Roku isn’t just a stay, it’s an experience that soaks into your soul.

Kanamean Nishitomiya – A Family-Run Ryokan

After Roku, we wanted something more traditional, something that connected us to Kyoto’s heritage. Enter Kanamean Nishitomiya, a boutique ryokan that is part of Relais & Châteaux. It’s family-owned, family-run, and filled with such charm and thoughtfulness that you can feel the care behind every corner.

Our room was unforgettable, tatami floors, sliding screens, and a private cedar tub they filled for us daily. Bathing there became a ritual, and the cedar scent alone will forever transport me back to Kyoto.

The property also has the most incredible little library room, lined with unique books that made me want to curl up for hours. It felt intimate, like being welcomed into someone’s home.

And the food, wow. We were lucky enough to enjoy their Michelin-star kaiseki dinner on-site. Every dish felt like a piece of art, perfectly seasonal and deeply rooted in Japanese tradition.

Even the details blew me away: the bathroom had carefully chosen lotions handpicked by the owner, and they offered Aesop skincare products. How cool is that? That little touch made me smile, it was thoughtful, stylish, and so personal.

The location couldn’t have been more perfect either: just steps from Nishiki Market, one of Kyoto’s most vibrant and historic food markets. We’d wander the market by day, sampling bites and exploring, and then return to the calm sanctuary of the ryokan by night.

Final Thoughts🫶🏽

Roku and Kanamean Nishitomiya gave us two very different, but equally incredible experiences in Kyoto. One was sleek, modern, and indulgent. The other was rooted in history, tradition, and intimacy. Together, they captured everything I love about hotels: the magic, the detail, the care, the sense of stepping into another world.

Travel is about memories, and for me, hotels are a huge part of that. They’re not just where you sleep, they’re where you feel. These two reminded me why I love this world of hospitality so much.

And yes… I may have passed this obsession down to my kids. 🤭🫶🏽