Ranzan Hotel

“ Ryokan 🇯🇵”

This was my first time that I have ever stayed in a traditional Ryokan. Ideally situated near the river, there were many sightseeing areas to visit like the path of Bamboo. We had booked one of the Japanese garden rooms and it did not disappoint. The view was of a secluded woodland scene and eve... more

This was my first time that I have ever stayed in a traditional Ryokan. Ideally situated near the river, there were many sightseeing areas to visit like the path of Bamboo. We had booked one of the Japanese garden rooms and it did not disappoint. The view was of a secluded woodland scene and even though it was overcast, it was serene and magical. The check in was professional and very courteous, with English speaking staff which was very helpful. There was an air of calm about the whole place that was welcomed after the noise of Kyoto!! Our room was spacious and very clean with tea and coffee awaiting. We had the Japanese set meal for dinner which was delicious. Whilst eating, the staff made our beds ready so we literally fell into the soft covers afterwards. Breakfast was part traditional and part buffet but excellent. The facilities here are very good with an indoor onsen for those that like bathing. Fabulous experience. Would highly recommend!!

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“Great location in Arashiyama”

I stayed in a western-style double room. The hotel is in a beautiful area convenient to Arashiyama Park and the bamboo way. It’s a short walk to Arashiyama station. On check in most of the front end staff spoke English and explained the hotel with some hotel literature in English. If meals are ... more

I stayed in a western-style double room. The hotel is in a beautiful area convenient to Arashiyama Park and the bamboo way. It’s a short walk to Arashiyama station. On check in most of the front end staff spoke English and explained the hotel with some hotel literature in English. If meals are included they are served at the in house restaurant. The front end staff will provide a ticket and reservation window for you to show up and you claim new tickets each day you are entitled to a meal. Unfortunately most of the restaurant staff did not speak any English and the menus are in Japanese so those with limited Japanese may have some difficulty. Meals are kaiseki-style and I really enjoyed dinner on both nights I stayed. Breakfast consists of a combination of Japanese served dishes and buffet. The room was a good size for Japan and includes a private shower for those who don’t wish to venture to the onsen. The public bath was standard to most public baths I’ve been to. What was strange was I couldn’t find a thermostat of any sort so my only options were warm a/c or open window. There’s a small garden in the middle of the hotel however it’s nothing special when compared to the surrounding areas which are definitely worth a stroll through. Note that they have large size yukata if the standard does not fit. I am 183cm/6 ft tall and I appreciated the staff being proactive about offering the large size. Considering the price I paid for the room and half board I had a good time. Arashiyama is definitely worth a night or 2 for visitors and I would definitely consider Ranzan for the budget-minded traveler looking for a ryokan experience in Arashiyama.

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“Needs More English-speaking Employees”

For the price, this establishment needs to have more English-speaking employees. We actually enjoyed the location and the service. As other reviewers have said the rooms are quite dated, however we could deal with that. The problem for foreigners is that there can be many misunderstandings whe... more

For the price, this establishment needs to have more English-speaking employees. We actually enjoyed the location and the service. As other reviewers have said the rooms are quite dated, however we could deal with that. The problem for foreigners is that there can be many misunderstandings when an establishment that accepts foreigners as guests are not prepared for them. This is our second day here, and we have encountered just one employee who could speak English and could be of assistance (Rika, very gracious person at the front desk). We had reservations for dinner at 5:30 for our stay, or so we thought. And breakfast, also at a set time. There is only one restaurant, and everyone eats the same thing. We went to our 5:30 dinner reservation, only to be told that the only opening was at 7:30–Two hours later. Looking into the dining room, we could see only a few tables set up, so it is inexplicable except for their rigidity, why another table could not be set up for the early seating if there was a misunderstanding, especially since it is caused by a lack of language skills on their part. In the hospitality industry, an establishment has to provide service to a variety of customers. We have tried our best to be good visitors, to learn about the culture, and adhere to customs. This hotel needs to do its part, or to indicate that English is not spoken there.

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