1 Awadaguchi Kachocho, Higashiyama-ku, Sanjo Keage, Kyoto, Japan | (888) 905-8267
Well-maintained historic hotel dates back to 1900
Beautiful Japanese gardens on the property are nice for a stroll
Free shuttle to Gion and Kyoto Station provided
Indoor and outdoor pools are large and clean
Several on-site restaurants, including one with food cooked in hot pots
Gym has modern cardio and weight-training equipment
Guests in Executive Level rooms get free breakfast and snacks
Lovely spa offers various treatments
Tennis court available for guests
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Room decor is simple and somewhat dated
Outside the city center
This large, 499-room Westin has served as a hotel since 1900 and has an illustrious history, housing Allied officers during World War II, and now hosting state officials from all over the world. It’s set in the Kyoto’s charming Higashiyama district, at the foot of the Kyoto’s eastern mountains and is surrounded by beautiful Japanese-style gardens. The location is a bit removed from the city center, which is about 20 minutes by public transportation, though it's within walking distance of temples and museums. The hotel also runs a free shuttle to the Gion district and Kyoto station. There are several on-site restaurants, including one where guests cook food in traditional Japanese hot pots, as well as indoor and outdoor pools and a spa. Some parts of the building are a little dated, but it’s a nice option for travelers who appreciate history and the natural surroundings.
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Scene
Beautiful natural features and slightly dated decor can be found at this historic hotel.
The expansive property is well maintained, and has an impressive lobby with a glass wall that rises from a narrow fountain to the high ceiling. The feel throughout is "upscale business," though it can feel a little impersonal, with lots of metal and glass, and floral fabrics and carpeting. The natural features include gardens with traditional Japanese architecture and impressive views of the mountains and surrounding greenery from the Grand View Restaurant.
Location
In a quiet, historic neighborhood on the eastern part of the city
The hotel is in the Higashiyama district, a historic area at the foot of Kyoto's eastern mountains with many local restaurants and shops. It’s about a five-minute walk to the Keage subway station. The Gion district is a 20-minute walk and Kyoto station is about 20 to 30 minutes by subway or bus; the hotel offers a free shuttle to both places. There are several attractions and museums within walking distance, including the cherry tree-lined Philosopher’s Walk, which is 25 minutes on foot, the Nanzenji temple, and the National Museum of Modern Art, which are both a 10-minute walk.
Rooms
Rooms here have simple and slightly dated decor, with comfortable beds and nice views.
The 499 rooms have a straightforward, standard hotel style, with simple light wood furniture and upholstered chairs. The rooms are somewhat dated looking, but have comfortable beds. Bathrooms are much more modern in style, with dark marble countertops, bowl sinks, shower/tub combos, and stall showers. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, robes, and slippers. Some rooms have small balconies with beautiful views of the city and mountains.
Features
Several restaurants, Japanese-style gardens, and two pools
The Aquablu restaurant serves buffet and a la carte meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the third-floor Grand View Restaurant serves French and continental cuisine alongside beautiful views of Kyoto and the mountains from floor-to-ceiling windows. At Kacho, food is prepared in traditional Shabu-Shabu and Sumo hot pots, and there’s also Kunugi Teppanyaki, where food is prepared on table-side grills. The Mayfair Tea Room serves pastries and desserts along with tea and coffee while the Moonlight Bar has live jazz music. The property has some lovely natural features, including Japanese-style gardens with waterfalls and a bird sanctuary. There’s an indoor pool with views of the mountains and a curvy outdoor pool, which was designed in the shape of Lake Biwa. For more views of the city, there’s a terrace with small tables and wooden sun loungers, and both the tennis court and the gym have city and mountain views. Sothys Skin Care Salon And Spa has a full menu of services. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there’s a business center with computers and printers. Guests in Executive Club rooms and suites have access to the Executive Club Lounge, which includes a free continental breakfast and evening cocktails.
