Hyatt Regency Kyoto

A pimped-out Toyota will never be a Porsche - such is the Hyatt Kyoto. In other words, I wouldn't mind (as much) having to pay a lot for EVERY bell, whistle and service call if I were driving a Porsche, but if I were to be "nickel and dimed" in the same way for a Maxima I'd be pissed — and I am. Everything is an add-on, there are no-upgrades, and service here will cost you. If this were a world class resort — this wouldn't be as frustrating, but the hotel is prematurely showing it's age, understaffed (though pleasant when available), and queues to get basic services. At a $*/day, why do they need to charge $* per day to go online? $* per person just to use the locker room and sauna? And other fees for basic amenities that high-end hotels typically include. Why is room service $* for a hamburger and $* for a piece of fish? From experience, the more you pay, the more you get. At the Kyoto Hyatt Regency, it's a sadly overlooked concept. Instead the "incidentals" are insulting to high-paying guests. Better to charge $* more a day for rooms rather than pouring on the add-ons and added anxiety. Management seemed a bit differential but at least listened to our concerns. Bypassing our attempts at staying anonymous to avoid any uncomfortable compensation, we were instead offered free use of the lockers during our stay. Discounting a service that should be free already communicates their oblivious attitude rather than displaying gesture of sincere hospitality. Considering there's no onsite sento/baths (excl. the pool) in the Hyatt Regency Kyoto the gesture only served to fuel a fire that has led us to writing this review. Hopefully you will be wiser in your choice of hotels.

This Hotel was a real find & a good deal. It's opposite the National Museum and about a 10 minute walk from the Gion district. The staff were beyond helpful and all spoke very good English. The rooms were beautiful - request a high floor (floor 4 or 5) overlooking the zen garden & museum.\n\nThere's 2 breakfasts - Western in the lobby restaurant and Japanese in the downstairs Japanese restaurants, both exceptionally good.\n\nOverall, a thoroughly great 3 nights & a superb base for exploring Kyoto. Don't miss the train / rack railway / cable car ride to Mount Hiei & Enryaku-ji temples. The train stop for this adventure is less than 5 minutes walk from the Hotel.

Not much to look at from the outside but inside was totally renovated with a modern Japanese theme. The rooms are small by US standards and average for a Japanese hotel, but tastefully and efficiently designed. Best part was the outstanding service of the staff, most of whom spoke english well. There are a few temples and shrines within walking distance, but not too much else for tourists. Kyoto station and shopping areas are just a few minutes away by taxi. Has a pretty good western breakfast buffet.

The hotel itself was just wonderful. It was very very clean, the service was amazing and the rooms were very welcoming and nicely decorated. The staff were all very welcoming. The food in the hotel was expensive, but there is a lot to eat in the surrounding area. The bus stop right out front connected you to the entire city.