Inspired by ryokans, the traditional Japanese inn common in the area, the five-pearl Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is a decidedly decadent take on what's conventionally a simple affair. Standouts include the luxurious spa with a beautiful indoor pool, a Technogym equipped fitness center, and a restaurant serving a variety of Japanese fare, from kaiseki to sushi. Another guest favorite are the activities offered here, some of which are free, like art tours and origami classes. The 134 spacious rooms (some are tatami-style) are chock-full of amenities like Nespresso machines and minibars stocked with gourmet products, plus luxurious bathrooms have TVs in mirrors, soaking tubs, and rainfall showers. Though not quite as luxurious, the Hyatt Regency Kyoto offers a more wallet-friendly alternative with comparable features, but no pool.
Inspired by ryokans, the traditional Japanese inn common in the area, the five-pearl Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is a decidedly decadent take on what's conventionally a simple affair. Standouts include the luxurious spa with a beautiful indoor pool, a Technogym equipped fitness center, and a restaurant serving a variety of Japanese fare, from kaiseki to sushi. Another guest favorite are the activities offered here, some of which are free, like art tours and origami classes. The 134 spacious rooms (some are tatami-style) are chock-full of amenities like Nespresso machines and minibars stocked with gourmet products, plus luxurious bathrooms have TVs in mirrors, soaking tubs, and rainfall showers. Though not quite as luxurious, the Hyatt Regency Kyoto offers a more wallet-friendly alternative with comparable features, but no pool.
The 130-room Gran Ms Kyoto hotel offers a blend of traditional and modern styles in a simple, three-pearl package. The location of this downtown property makes it a convenient city base near lots of subway stations and just a 10- to 15-minute walk to the historic Gion District. Both Western and Japanese-style rooms are available, and include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Guests looking for a fusion of homey comforts and local tradition might try the Japanese Western Rooms. Unfortunately, there are few on-site facilities beyond a laundry room, but a good choice of local and international restaurants are all around. Travelers looking for a traditional hotel with restaurant and pool could try the Righa Royal instead.
The 130-room Gran Ms Kyoto hotel offers a blend of traditional and modern styles in a simple, three-pearl package. The location of this downtown property makes it a convenient city base near lots of subway stations and just a 10- to 15-minute walk to the historic Gion District. Both Western and Japanese-style rooms are available, and include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Guests looking for a fusion of homey comforts and local tradition might try the Japanese Western Rooms. Unfortunately, there are few on-site facilities beyond a laundry room, but a good choice of local and international restaurants are all around. Travelers looking for a traditional hotel with restaurant and pool could try the Righa Royal instead.
One of the tallest buildings in Kyoto, the 322-room Kyoto Hotel Okura offers skyline views of the city and a luxury experience that includes spacious rooms and six on-site restaurants, a baby room, as well as free Wi-Fi. The hotel's central location makes it within walking distance of Kyoto City Hall, Honnoji Temple, and Shimadzu Foundation Memorial Hall. Accommodations cater to Western expectations with designer toiletries, minibars, and coffeemakers. By comparison, the similarly priced Hotel Granvia Kyoto is larger, more modern, and includes an indoor pool and an underground shopping mall.
One of the tallest buildings in Kyoto, the 322-room Kyoto Hotel Okura offers skyline views of the city and a luxury experience that includes spacious rooms and six on-site restaurants, a baby room, as well as free Wi-Fi. The hotel's central location makes it within walking distance of Kyoto City Hall, Honnoji Temple, and Shimadzu Foundation Memorial Hall. Accommodations cater to Western expectations with designer toiletries, minibars, and coffeemakers. By comparison, the similarly priced Hotel Granvia Kyoto is larger, more modern, and includes an indoor pool and an underground shopping mall.
Fusing traditional features with contemporary updates, the mid-range, 24-room Watazen hotel allows tourists to experience a traditional Japanese inn (or ryokan) without feeling completely out of their element. An indoor public bath (onsen), rooms with tatami mats and futons, and authentic Japanese-style dining options are available, while free Wi-F, in-room showers, and on-site laundry are convenient modern comforts. The hotel’s downtown location is also convenient for accessing Kyoto’s major attractions on foot or by public transport -- Nishiki Market is a three-minute walk away. For a more conventional property, the Hotel Sunroute Kyoto is closer to Kyoto Station and has cheaper rates, but no public bath.
Fusing traditional features with contemporary updates, the mid-range, 24-room Watazen hotel allows tourists to experience a traditional Japanese inn (or ryokan) without feeling completely out of their element. An indoor public bath (onsen), rooms with tatami mats and futons, and authentic Japanese-style dining options are available, while free Wi-F, in-room showers, and on-site laundry are convenient modern comforts. The hotel’s downtown location is also convenient for accessing Kyoto’s major attractions on foot or by public transport -- Nishiki Market is a three-minute walk away. For a more conventional property, the Hotel Sunroute Kyoto is closer to Kyoto Station and has cheaper rates, but no public bath.
Part of a small chain of hotels throughout Japan themed around European cities, the centrally located, upper-middle-range Hotel Monterey Kyoto combines elements of Kyoto style with the tradition of Great Britain, Edinburgh in particular, right down to the Scotch-plaid carpeting in the Cafe & Bar. The over-the-top replica of an Upper Chelsea wedding chapel verges on kitschy, though. The 327 rooms range from Standard Singles, which can feel cramped, to Deluxe Corner Twins and Family Rooms with sitting areas. The hotel has two restaurants -- the French Escale and the Japanese-focused Zuientei, plus the Cafe & Bar, designed to mimic a "stately" home. Access to the top-floor spa, with spring-water filled baths, comes with a fee, as does the Japanese- and Western-style breakfast buffet.
Part of a small chain of hotels throughout Japan themed around European cities, the centrally located, upper-middle-range Hotel Monterey Kyoto combines elements of Kyoto style with the tradition of Great Britain, Edinburgh in particular, right down to the Scotch-plaid carpeting in the Cafe & Bar. The over-the-top replica of an Upper Chelsea wedding chapel verges on kitschy, though. The 327 rooms range from Standard Singles, which can feel cramped, to Deluxe Corner Twins and Family Rooms with sitting areas. The hotel has two restaurants -- the French Escale and the Japanese-focused Zuientei, plus the Cafe & Bar, designed to mimic a "stately" home. Access to the top-floor spa, with spring-water filled baths, comes with a fee, as does the Japanese- and Western-style breakfast buffet.
This basic business hotel is just that -- a standard, somewhat generic, mid-range hotel offering clean and comfortable accommodations with 294 guest rooms, an on-site restaurant, and meeting rooms. Its best feature is its location, practically around the corner from Karasumaoike Station, where two subway lines interconnect, and within walking distance of many shops, restaurants, and cafes. But interiors lack warmth and are almost devoid of color and decoration, and some of the furnishings in rooms are showing a bit of wear. For a more design-conscious option with up-to-date rooms, travelers could consider the Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto, which offers a lot more style, and more spacious rooms at similar rates.
This basic business hotel is just that -- a standard, somewhat generic, mid-range hotel offering clean and comfortable accommodations with 294 guest rooms, an on-site restaurant, and meeting rooms. Its best feature is its location, practically around the corner from Karasumaoike Station, where two subway lines interconnect, and within walking distance of many shops, restaurants, and cafes. But interiors lack warmth and are almost devoid of color and decoration, and some of the furnishings in rooms are showing a bit of wear. For a more design-conscious option with up-to-date rooms, travelers could consider the Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto, which offers a lot more style, and more spacious rooms at similar rates.
