This is part of the Trip Report The Visa Run Keeps Running (October 2014) which started and ended in Mongolia with these stops along the way:
Here is the overview for this report: All in Business, All for $200 And $30,000 US AIR Miles
Getting There: Unlike the Hyatt Regency Osaka, it is very easy to get to the Hyatt Regency Kyoto. From Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX), catch the 80-minute rapid train ride to JR Kyoto Station and take a quick taxi from there.
From Osaka, the St. Regis we took the train from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station.
The issue with chain hotels is that they inspire laziness. Here’s the conversation:
Me: Where should we stay in Kyoto?
Not me: Let’s look at the traditional ryokans.
Me: They all say sold out. I wonder if there’s an SPG or Hyatt there.
I went on Hyatt’s website and was mesmerized by the Hyatt Regency Kyoto. The price was $166 inclusive of tax so I booked it.
The Trip
Location
The Hyatt Regency Kyoto is not in the heart of the city. It is about a twenty-minute walk to the city center or a quick bike ride.
The Hotel Itself
Hyatt did a great job of giving the hotel the traditional ryokan feel while remaining upscale.
The Room
The room was spacious and comfortable. It was modern but like the hotel itself had the traditional feel.
Overall
I didn’t spend too much time at the hotel because there is so much to see and do in Kyoto. The length of detail and lack of passion in this review goes to my earlier point that staying in a chain hotel is not always the way to go despite the price, convenience, and beauty of the resort. I am a little annoyed at myself for not trying harder to stay at a ryokan which is part of the experience of going to Kyoto. In my defense, the first week of November is within the peak season of travel to Kyoto so without booking ahead it would’ve been tough to find an affordable ryokan. Some are over $300/night with food, some are more without food. Lesson learned for next time I go back.
<==Back to Osaka Travel Guide – Onto Guns & Butter: Kyoto Travel Guide==>
The sign actually says “Kyoto Theater”. They do musicals there (Phantom of the Opera is playing now)