My wife and I are traveling around Japan for a bit in October. Staying at the Park Hyatt in Tokyo, then heading to Kyoto for 4-5 evenings.
There’s a pretty huge price disparity between with Hyatt Regency and the Okura versus the Four Seasons and the Ritz.
Wondering if anyone has any context regarding why and/or if the difference is majorly worth it? If the difference in quality is marginal, we’d probably rather spend our money shopping, eating out, etc.
Thanks for any guidance!
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If you have the money it’s worth it. The differences are not marginal. That said, the Hyatt regency is perfectly acceptable.
Yes, the price disparity is well worth it for the hotels you list.
The Ritz is hands down the best hotel in central Kyoto. The Aman is nicer, but also even more expensive and not at all central. The Four Seasons is number two- still an amazing property.
The Hyatt Regency is “fine.” It’s a five star hotel, they’ll take care of you. But it is not in the same class as the other two. And most importantly for you- is not in the same class as the Park Hyatt Tokyo or other Tokyo luxury hotels like the Palace, the Mandarin or the Peninsula.
The Okura is a big non entity for me. It’s quite dated, and I would say has even been outclassed by four star properties like the Celestine Kyoto and the new Gate Hotel down there.
So yeah, if you can swing it- I’d go for the Ritz. It’s always treated my clients well, and is my go-to for deluxe travel in Kyoto. If it’s a bit rich for your blood, the Hyatt Regency will be a comfortable base in the city.
Have a great trip!
I’d go with a traditional boutique hotel like the sowaka
Can’t answer why that would be, but I would suggest spending that money on a luxury ryokan instead of a Western-style hotel, at least for a couple nights; get an authentic experience while you’re there!
I would simply consider renting a Kyomachiya for a more unique experience.
I can only speak for the Ritz in Kyoto since I haven’t stayed in other hotels in that area. But my husband and I absolutely enjoyed the stay. They had free “excursions” and activities such as bike rides around Kyoto where the guide would take photos of you and provide you with those photos at the end of your stay via custom USB drive. Pretty cool momento. The whole experience from check in to check out was seamless. Check in was done in your room while they prepared tea for you. We’d stay there again if we had the opportunity.
I booked a stay at [Wayfarer](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/wayfarer-kyoto-shijyo-kyoto123.html&ved=2ahUKEwjb7MSk-634AhX7DkQIHR40DY4QFnoECBUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3P7atJQ0l9CmH8yEQ94l7o) for around the same time. I don’t know if you’d consider it “luxury”, but it seems like a great deal if you’re like me and just want a reasonably nice place to stay while saving money to spend on other aspects of your trip.
I’ve stayed at the Hyatt Regency and it’s fine for a place to sleep, but it basically has the feel of a business hotel. When you step out of the hotel you don’t feel like you’re in Kyoto. Not to say that’s a huge deal, but that’s certainly part of why it’s cheaper. Their concierge probably won’t be as adept at getting you into nicer restaurants, if that’s a goal.
If you have Hyatt points you could look at the relatively new and apparently lovely Park Hyatt Kyoto, but I’d assume it won’t have any point bookings left available for so close in, and the points cost went up along with many other Category 7->Category 8 hotels several months back. Same with the Ritz, if you have Marriott points it could be worth it, but for the cash rate I’d rather spend more on food and shopping if money is in contention with those things.
The RC is the best hotel we ever stayed in (around 5 nights all in all) – do the excursions and have the tempura at the hotel, especially the Wagyu and the raw egg.
Park Hyatt, Aman (but I think the location is wayyy out of the main tourist areas) and RC Kyoto honestly outside of that nothing compares to these properties.
Sometimes beautiful Japanese ryokans are intimidating for visitors who cannot speak Japanese. If you want all of the service and perks of a major luxury hotel, but want the atmosphere of Japan, then there is no better than Hoshinoya resorts.
https://hoshinoya.com/kyoto/en/
They also have one in Tokyo. I would absolutely recommend people to stay there instead of a western hotel chain, unless you’re just going to get hotel points
Ok you have look up Hoshinoya Kyoto. One of the most incredible places we’ve ever stayed. It starts with taking the hotel’s private boat up the river to its secluded location…
Overall, I would say when you go to Japan you should stay in their high end hotel chains, (Hoshinoya, Aman, etc) or in the boutique ryokans. I’m sure the Four Seasons etc are nice but you can stay in those anywhere
If you can swing it financially, consider staying one or two nights at the Hoshinoya Kyoto. Located on the banks of the river across from Arashiyama, it’s an experience not to be missed.
Hotel Mume. Amazing Ryokan
A $100 a night air bnb is almost always better than an expensive hotel room.
Jesus Christ over 600 usd for a night in the Ritz.
The Hyatt Park is STUNNING and right next to the oldest part of the city.
Off topic but did they open it up? I thought it was just guided tours?
Can anyone compare the PH kyoto to the Aman?
Wait. Is Japan allowing tourism again?
There’s a new Ace Hotel in Kyoto. Very fun ‘unique’ experiences. Alternative crowd with money vibe. But the rooms and food are good and there always something goin on
Kyoto Granbell Hotel was amazing when I stayed there. Modern Japanese style. Has an incredible onsen as well. Oh and a great bar
I just got back from Kyoto, and I have to say, the best hotel is Onyado Nono, A “deluxe “version of the affordable/business hotel Dormy Inn. Brand-new building, great design throughout, and incredibly amazing baths for you to enjoy. And while I was there, it was literally $100 per night
Ritz Kyoto is still my favorite hotel I’ve stayed at, even beating out PH Paris. If you’re specifically looking for that level of attention and amenities, HR won’t be able to compare. That said, if you’re familiar with that level of service and accept it; it’s probably a much better value play. I stayed at HR Tokyo, and it’s perfectly fine. The Japanese level of customer service will elevate the hotels above their normal tier.
Granvia Hotel at Kyoto Station is nice. The location to get to other destinations in Kyoto is unbeatable.