Are you in search of a luxurious 5-star hotel in Kyoto, Japan? If so, you may have come across the name Roku Kyoto, a part of the Hilton LXR Hotels & Resorts collection. Depending on the season, the average room cost at this exquisite resort can reach $1,000 USD. Roku Kyoto is a stunningly beautiful establishment, having opened its doors in 2020.
Now, you might be wondering, how can you afford such opulence? Is there a strategy to pay less? These were the exact questions we had when considering our stay. Eventually, we decided to utilize our Free Night Certificate at Roku Kyoto during our visit to Japan, as it was the most expensive and unique hotel on our list.
In this post, I’ll share how we strategized our stay using the American Express Hilton Aspire Card, how much we spent, and whether we found the hotel to be worth the investment.
Watch our Roku Kyoto experience here:
Why Roku Kyoto?
Before diving into American Express Hilton Aspire Card strategy, let me explain why we chose this hotel.
Exquisite Design
Roku Kyoto is renowned for its stunning architecture and design, seamlessly blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern luxury.
Serene Location
Nestled in the scenic Higashiyama district, Roku Kyoto provides a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city, surrounded by tranquil gardens and historic temples.
Unparalleled Hospitality
Guests at Roku Kyoto receive top-notch service and hospitality, with a dedicated team ensuring every need is met and every stay is memorable. All the staffs were very friendly and there are nothing we can complaint about.
Culinary Excellence
The resort boasts world-class dining options, featuring exquisite Japanese cuisine prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients. We tried Tenjin’s Table and if you are interested to know more about this experience, you can watch the YouTube Video.
Wellness and Relaxation
Roku Kyoto offers a range of wellness amenities, including spa treatments, hot springs, and yoga classes, allowing guests to unwind and rejuvenate in a serene setting. You can enjoy your private Onsen in your own hotel room with a Garden View. 🌲♨️
How Much & What Benefits We Got?
| Item | Charges | Credit |
| + Deluxe Room King [Complimentary upgrade to Onsen Garden Room Twin] Would have cost $1228 with tax & fees Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Hilton Honors Annual Free Night Certificate |
Free |
|
| + Tenjin Chef’s Table for 2 People | $486.8 | |
| – Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Hilton Resort Credit (2023) | ($250) | |
| – Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Diamon Member Experience Credit if resort offers. (Offered at Roku Kyoto 10,000 Yen on Nov 2023) | ($68) | |
| Breakfast Buffet at Tenjin for 2 People [Complimentary breakfast due to Diamond Status] |
Free | Free |
| Sum | $486.8 | ($318) |
| Final Total Charge | $168.8 |
Total Savings:
- Total saved: $1,546 for hotel room & Tenjin Chef’s Table. Only paid $168.8 for one night staying and eating luxury course meals for 2 people!
- Free Room Upgrade to Onsen Garden Room Twin or Higher Tier: Originally, we got assigned to a Deluxe Room King ($758 per night). Once we checked in, since we have a Diamon Status, they wanted to upgrade us. Since I wanted a Garden View with Onsen, they updated to that room which is $1,228 a night.
- With the annual fee of $550 for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, we already save more than annual fee.
Step by Step to How to Start
1.Open Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to get the Hilton Honors Diamon Status. You will see special referral offers. Bonus Points may vary and you can try opening in incognito to see if better benefit shows up.
2. In 8 weeks, you will receive an email from American Express about “Hilton Honors Annual Free Night Reward”. Example below:
3. You will need to follow their direction to call and reserve an eligible hotel you want. Make sure to read Benefit Terms.
4. Once you book via phone or direction they provide, you should be good!
Benefits & Saving Using the American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Card
You do not need to spend money using the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to obtain benefits. This card helps you to attain Diamond Hilton Status. Without this card, you would have to stay 60 nights or have 30 separate stays to achieve Diamond Hilton Status. However, with this card, you automatically receive the status.
There are many benefits to having Hilton Honors Diamond Status, and here are the ones we found particularly valuable during our stay at Roku Kyoto:
- You can book a ANY Hilton Hotels for FREE. Roku Kyoto is one of the top tier Hilton Hotel under LXR and it was worth it.
- Complimentary Breakfast for 2 at Tenjin
- Experience Credit in Roku Kyoto for Dining, Spa, or any experience service (1000 YEN | ~$65 USD)
- Annual Hilton Resort Credit $200 bi-annually
- In 2023 Nov, when we traveled Resort Credit was $250 annually. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card changed to $200 bi-annually so total $400 annually.
Worth It?
It was truly a remarkable experience made possible by the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card! We were able to enjoy a luxurious one-night stay at Roku Kyoto for just $168 USD, including a memorable dining experience at the Tenjin Chef’s Table Course for two. Can you believe it? Roku Kyoto is indeed a one-of-a-kind hotel that you won’t want to miss. If you’re curious to learn more about our stay, we’ve created a detailed YouTube video that delves into the hotel’s unique features. Feel free to check it out!
