hotel review: kyoto brighton hotel in kyoto, japan

The front of the Kyoto Brighton Hotel.

(Kyoto, Japan).   For our first few days in Kyoto, I chose to stay at Kyoto Brighton Hotel based on the favorable Tripadvisor reviews without understanding where anything was located in the city.  In hindsight, I probably wouldn't have picked this hotel since it's a bit remote from everything other than the Imperial Palace.  It would have been more convenient to stay closer to the Gion area or near Nishiki Market (a fabulous foodie heaven!).  Regardless, our room was comfortable and clean, and the service was good but a bit stuffy.

Location/Shuttle Service - As noted above the location was a bit remote, which I probably should have figured that out since they took pains to describe their shuttle service from the train station.  It was actually very efficient and helpful (but necessary since the hotel isn't really walking distance from anything interesting other than the Imperial Palace).  When we exited from our bullet train, we made sure we got out at the correct exit and - lo and behold - there was the hotel shuttle ready to take us to the hotel!  The driver was very friendly but didn't speak any english.  During our stay, we took the shuttle several times to the train station and it was pretty convenient since it ran about every 20 minutes.

 

The handy hotel shuttle.

Check-in - Our room wasn't ready yet which was fine since we arrived early.  They magically knew who we were and informed us that our luggage had already arrived.  (love love love the luggage delivery service!)  We had a nice snack (green tea and mochi) in the very elegant (and very quiet) lobby area while we waited for our room to be ready.   I had thought Tokyo was "quiet", but "Kyoto quiet" is on a totally different level.  I was literally whispering to my husband.

 

The lobby area where we had several refreshing breaks.

Room -  The room was comfortable but small compared to our room at the Westin Tokyo (where we were spoiled with an upgrade).  As is typical with most Asian hotels, there was a hot water pot for coffee and tea (but I was lame and didn't find the coffee until our last day), complimentary snacks, nighttime robes, and plenty of useful toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shower cap, shampoo, etc.).  The large separate bath and shower was like a spa!  (Another thing about Asian hotel bathrooms - super hot water; which I really really appreciate.)  

 

Our room.

 

Can't have too much tea in Japan!

While the inside of the hotel was very soothing and comfortable, the outside was rather sterile and bland looking.  Not much more to say there...

 

Really great tub.

Food - We didn't dine at the hotel but the tea, coffee and desserts we had in the lobby bar were all top-notch.

Service - The service was efficient and helpful but not "warm".  Generally the Japanese give exceptional service and they have very strict manners, yet I felt in Tokyo the service was friendlier.  I had heard that Kyoto manners were more refined but I guess I saw that as stuffy.  Perhaps I'm simply not refined enough...

Overall - The hotel was fine but not really what we were looking for during vacation.  It was simply too far and wasn't in a convenient location.  For tourists to Kyoto - especially first time visitors - I would not recommend this hotel.