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
having lived and visited Japan many times my wife and I visited between rugby games to see old friends and the many great sights.
Brighton hotel was excellent, superb service, good food, and a comfortable corner room. a nice change from the impersonal large hotel in Tokyo. Two ladies on reception/concierge spoke super English, one married to a Welshman and another who had spent some years in London and both very helpful indeed.
The Hotel Brighton required a subway or taxi from the main station but the neighborhood is delightful. It’s a block from the most beautiful Imperial Garden and near several places to grab food. The hotel does have three restaurants- we are in the Terrace for a breakfast and dinner during our stay and the food was really good. Very expensive but delicious and a nice break from only Japanese options. The staff is very professional and friendly, the room was relatively large and comfortable, and the bar in the lobby is elegant and classy!
We had a corner room in this hotel for five nights. This included a small balcony (views over the suburb) large bedroom with king size bed. Separate toilet and wet room and sink area. Small sitting room with tea and coffee making facilities.
Very comfy.
Good western breakfast with fruits, salads, eggs and cereals and whole meal bread.
Location away from the busy part of Kyoto but that was part of the plan after hectic Tokyo. There is a shuttle bus to a close by subway but it was a ¥1000 taxi to the nearest JR station which helped us get around.
Friendly staff. Would recommend this hotel for families who want some peace but no good if you want to be part of the action.