Kyoto Brighton Hotel
What We Love
- Free shuttle every 20 minutes to/from Karasumaoike Subway Station
- The Hotaru restaurant serves traditional Kyoto kaiseki (a menu of small Japanese dishes)
- Cool views from the rooftop pool and terrace
What To Know
- Bikes are available to rent
- WiFi is free
- Rooftop pool is open July to September
- It's a short walk to Kyoto's imperial palace
Amenities
- Babysitting
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Gym
- Parking On Site
- Pool
- Restaurant
Overview
The Lowdown
In west Kyoto-Gosho, close to the imperial palace, the Kyoto Brighton is a classy crash pad with a rooftop pool and terrace. Beyond the light-flooded atrium, glass elevators whisk guests up to the 182 spacious rooms, which all have clearly defined seating and sleeping areas. The decor is simple, with light woods and plum carpets and sofas, and all rooms feature nifty air purifiers and bathrooms with soaking tubs and rain showers. There are four restaurants to choose from, including Kakan, which specializes in Cantonese fare, and Hotaru, a top-notch eatery that serves Kyoto style kaiseki (a multicourse menu of small, artistically presented dishes). The lobby bar is also an all-day tea lounge that serves organic brews and bowls of traditional matcha green tea.
In the Area
Kyoto is one of the world’s greatest cultural destinations, and the sights begin just steps from the hotel. The imperial palace, residence of Japan’s royal family until 1868, is just down the road. Sanjusangendo Buddhist Temple dates from 1266 and is one of the world’s largest wooden structures; inside, 1,000 life-size statues of Kannon (the deity of mercy) flank a giant 1,000-armed Kannon. Visit Kawai Kanjiro House, the residence turned museum of an eccentric 20th-century ceramic artist. Kiyomizu Temple, with its famous balcony offering views of the city, is dramatically perched on the side of a hill. From here, it’s an atmospheric walk through the historical streets to Gion, the largest of Kyoto’s geisha districts.
How to Get There
Reviews
We enjoyed our stay at Kyoto Hotel Brighton from the moment we arrived to a warm welcome and a helpful front desk. Our room was a large size, very quiet and included a shower.
The Concierge gave us helpful suggestions and made dinner reservations at excellent restaurants for us.
When we arrived, we were told to head to the Imperial Palace immediately as it was open to the public that afternoon which only happens a few times a year. We were so happy to have that experience. It is a short walk from the hotel.
One day we used the free shuttle to get downtown but otherwise walked or took taxis.
A 7-11 with an ATM and snacks was nearby.
We were at the Kyoto Brighton during the change of Emperors and a special celebration was held in the lobby.
We did not dine in any of their restaurants so cannot comment on them.
This hotel is a hidden gem.
Located in a residential area between the Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle. It also has a shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes to a small metro hub called Karasuma Oike Station where you can get trains to Kyoto Station (3 stops), there is also a bus stop nearby that takes you to Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion).
We stayed in the Luxury Suite which was an amazing room. Larger than most 2 bedroom apartments here in Australia. It takes a lot to impress my wife and she was more than impressed, I really don't think the photos do this room justice. It was truely luxury. By Japanese standards this room was huge. Massive seperate living, dining and bedroom. Large bathroom with great amenities and an additional powder room near the front door. Great selection of teas and a Nespresso machine, 2 large flat screen TVs, study area and fresh flowers.
Very friendly staff with good English and extremely polite.
We have been to Kyoto a few times and now my wife only wants to stay here when we come back.
Arrived today. Other hotels have shuttles at station not ours! Welcome was fine but then getting any info was horrendous. Yes guests do want to stand at the concierge desk for 10 minutes and be ignored, oh and for heaven sake don’t eat here. £100 for dinner for 1. For the price terrible location and service