Shinsenen Tours

Exceptional hotel. I arrived very sick and they were very accommodating. The room was clean and comfortable. The nicest room we have stayed in during our 2 week vacation in Japan.

Truly beautiful hotel! The Thousand succeeds in delivering an exceptional aesthetic experience to its guests. Sustainability is their stated goal: "make it sustainable for a thousand years". Unfortunately the convenience of guests takes second place to aesthetics and sustainability. For example, in the name of sustainability no disposable toothbrushes combs or other guests amenities are made available in the room, though at check-in guests are invited to purchase wooden versions of any amenities they may lack. In the guest room all controls are available only through a tablet computer. Though this may seem convenient and futuristic it has a number of serious drawbacks. Except for the bathroom lights, which have a blessedly simple switch, no room lights can be controlled except from the tablet. Does the lighting control appears simple at first glance it is surprisingly difficult to turn off some of that ceiling lights. My room has two beds and the tablet is plugged in beside one of those two beds. I chose to sleep in the other bed and unplug the tablet to bring it over to the nightstand beside my bed. I was surprised to discover that when morning came the battery had run down and the tablet was no longer functional. Even plugged in, it still would not function until it's battery had reached a sufficient charge. I had to make my way to the room entry, remove the card key from its slot, wait for a moment, and put the card back in its slot to turn all the lights on.

This hotel is excellent. They offer complimentary drinks (although I would prefer sweeter wine) the options are great. I like the fact that it is within walking distance from Kyoto Station so it made it very convenient for food and shops. The staffs are friendly and offered us routes and directions. A friend of ours ask where to go to find cherry blossom during non peak season and the staff delivered. We would come back to this hotel when we visit Kyoto again.