One of the most unique and magical places on the planet, Kyoto also has hotels as special as the city itself. From futuristic high rises to quirky boutiques, here are my favorite spots to stay in this extraordinary city…
1. Henn na Hotel Hachijoguchi
I was a big fan of this fun and quirky place! Here, two robot dinosaurs checked me in at the reception (and have landed the hotel in the Guinness World Records!) mixing high-tech novelty with a playful vibe!
There was also three helpful concierge robots ready to assist me at all, which I can truthfully I’ve never seen in any other hotel before! Although my guest room was a little on the small side, it was modern, functional and fairly priced with some great features like an electric in-room foot massager and tech such as climate control and automated systems for lighting and curtains. Other amenities included bicycle rentals, vending machines and a sociable lounge area.
I really liked the location as well – it was nearby the iconic Kyoto Tower, Kyoto Hachijoguchi Station, popular museums and heritage sites. There are also versions in Tokyo and Osaka too!
2. BnA Alter Museum
I thought this place was an Instagrammer’s dream! It’s housed in a unique 10-storey vertical art gallery with 31 guest rooms, each with quirky artwork stretching from floor-to-ceiling.
I loved the fun and individually designed rooms, from manga to nature to dinosaur themes, and met many fellow Japanophiles and locals here! My favorite hangout was the trendy bar which also doubled as a sociable hub for the local art and music scene and hosted awesome weekly events.
There was also an onsite zen-like café serving drinks, snacks and ultra-fast Wi-Fi, handy bicycle rentals and an on-site museum shop, which displayed curated artworks, limited edition books, and finely selected oddities!
3. Moxy Kyoto Nijō
This place is what urban cool should really be about! Nestled in Kyoto’s modern western side, just a short stroll from Nijō Castle, this funky gem bursts with youthful energy and colorful design. I loved the blend of Japanese influence and contemporary flair evident in the striking art pieces to the homemade culinary delights!
My guest room had a modern, restful vibe, and the ‘Plug and Meet’ areas feature ergonomic seating, writing walls, and 56-inch TVs. I loved the hand-crafted cocktails on the vibrant ground-floor bar vibe and the modern fitness center. I especially loved the rooftop yoga space which was very zen-like!
With Nijo metro station just 100 meters away, it was also really easy to explore the city’s culinary gems and sights. I would just say that the location is busy so won’t suit travelers looking for a more tranquil area.
4. Ace Hotel
I thought that style and tradition merged beautifully at this 5-star stay awesomely located near Nishiki Market, Nijō Castle, and the Museum of Kyoto. This quirky gem occupies the historic 1926 Shin-Puh-Kan building and I loved the unique blend of old and new here!
The lobby was a buzzing, music-filled hub with long wooden tables, cozy sofas, and George Nakashima rugs. My guest room mixed Japanese craftsmanship with a touch of American flair complete with vintage records, Tivoli radios, and pretty paper lanterns! It also had large windows and high ceilings, creating a bright, airy space!
There was also a concierge service, bicycle rentals, a laundry service and three fantastic restaurants – the intimate Mr. Maurice’s Italian, the trendy Piopiko Bar & Lounge, and an all-day dining spot with serene garden views (my personal favorite!). I would just say this is a luxury spot so expect prices to match.
- To book, check prices or availability for Ace Hotel
5. Mogana
I loved how this upscale boutique hotel combined traditional Japanese elegance with a sleek and dark modern design! The design was gorgeous and minimalist with sleek lines and natural colors, complemented with lush greenery!
Guest rooms come in three styles: black rooms with granite floors and stone bathrooms, bright white marble rooms with natural light, and garden rooms with a terrace. I especially enjoyed the in-room meals and handy coffee machines!
I also loved the chic cocktail bar, the tranquil meditation room (which also doubled as a modern art gallery!), the beautiful atrium courtyard which had a gorgeous zen-like feel and the sumptuous massage services! I would just say though this place gets booked up quickly so you’ll need to book well in advance!
My favorite highlights..
- Having a luxurious oil in room-massage by a very smiley therapist with a blend of oils based on Western and Eastern medicine!
6. Hotel Tavinos
This cute and whimsical 3-star hotel totally won me over! It was where manga-inspired charm met convenience in a great central location! It was located just 100 meters from the Kamo River and near Higashiyama’s key spots like Kawaramachi, Gion, and Kiyomizu Temple so it was great for exploring!
I loved the fun and playful vibe here which and there was colorful manga motifs decorating the walls and floors. My guest room mixed a traditional Japanese style with quirky illustrated scenes from sumo wrestling! I saw another room was featured cartoon-like drawings from Choju Jinbutsu Giga!
Breakfast was simple though with pastries, bread, and coffee served in the lounge area each morning and other amenities included the bicycle rentals, laundry services, free Wi-Fi and helpful multilingual staff!
7. Granbell Hotel
This elegant hidden gem located east of the Kamo River wowed me! It was located near the quaint streets of Higashiyama, with great shopping, dining, and ancient temples and inside the unique design blended sleek modernity with authentic Japanese styling.
My guest room had ambient lighting which created a zen-like atmosphere and came with tatami mats and kimono-patterned art headboards!
I enjoyed unwinding in the chic lounge bar which had 100-year-old gold-leafed sake racks and hand-crafted cocktails, dining in the restaurant which was small but it served thoughtfully prepared Asian meals. My favorite highlight though was the basement features an ornate indoor garden and traditional style bathhouse. The Japanese and Western-style buffet breakfast was an added extra though.
8. Hotel Imagine
This trendy four-star spot is hidden gem centrally located but on a quiet back street! Located near Kyoto Hachijoguchi Station, which a black box like and inside there’s a lot of light, wood and curated art.
My guest room was spacious and uniquely and thoughtfully designed and combine a traditional Japanese style with modern creativity, with light wood accents and soothing tones which created a zen-like space! Amenities included a modern flat-screen TV, a fridge, free toiletries, Tatami mats, and air purifiers!
Other stand out features included a fabulous rooftop space which had awesome city views, free coffee, a shared kitchen and a sociable lounge! There were no breakfast options or onsite restaurant though.
My personal highlights..
- I loved that the hotel produced its very own stamps! It was great to take a few home as mementos!
- The quirky lobby design, I thought it was great fun that it was themed on the Beatles – very kitsch!
9. node hotel
This small but chic 4-star boutique really wowed me! It’s a centrally located modern haven of artistic expression tucked away in the city’s backstreets, with dark, muted greys accented with vibrant artwork!
The design was minimalist but edgy with a narrow gallery space showcasing abstract oil paintings and stunning photography. My guest room had a dramatic look with plush velvet seating, oversized beds and trendy statement pieces of furniture!
The first floor served as the hotel’s social hub, and served breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with coffee and hand-crafted cocktails. In the restaurant I dined on imaginative Western-inspired dishes which used delicious Asian farm-to-table ingredients.
- To book, check prices or availability for node hotel
My highlights…
- Drinking the aromatic Kinobi Gin in the onsite bar which was made in the city and came with a zesty citrus ‘Sudachi’ tonic splash.
- Attending an art exhibition hosted here which attracted both guests and locals!
- I loved that the attentive, young staff were dressed in avant-garde black uniforms which matched the stylish décor and vibe!
10. REF Hachijoguchi
I thought this light and bright 4-star was a charming mid-range option! It’s located just minutes from the Kyoto Hachijoguchi railway station and a mile from Kyoto National Museum. I really liked its industrial-chic décor and its modern take on Kyoto’s hospitality, blending art, traditional crafts, and excellent service!
Outside the façade felt welcoming and inside, natural wood accents beautifully contrasted the pale walls and my room was spacious with a light chic design, patio doors and a pretty garden view! I thought the added rental features from the Blu-ray players to facial massagers were a nice touch!
Each morning, I enjoyed a buffet breakfast of self-fill Japanese wraps, and in the evening, the trendy lounge bar served zesty cocktails in a sociable atmosphere.
My highlights…
- The ultra-high tech guest room toilets which came with heated seats and a bidet function – all very Japanese!
- I loved that despite its simplicity, the hotel still felt very cozy with friendly and welcoming staff!
11. Good Nature Hotel
The 5-star, exceptionally rated Good Nature Hotel is a bold statement of sustainability wrapped in an exquisite, thoughtful design. From its striking facade to its ingeniously planned interior, every aspect of the Good Nature Hotel is a testament to its commitment to a greener future.
Step inside, and you’ll discover a world where nature takes center stage for show and as a way of life. Each room, suite, and shared space is filled with renewable products crafted to the highest quality. The central atrium is enveloped within a living wall to remove carbon dioxide, and energy is meticulously managed, all without detriment to a comfortable, engaging, and relaxing stay.
And when it comes to dining, the Good Nature Hotel leaves no appetite unsatisfied. With nine on-site eating establishments, ranging from quick snacks to Michelin-starred gourmet experiences, the culinary options are as diverse as delectable. A popular choice is the ‘Kitchen’ eatery, which offers take-out menus using agricultural products and fresh foods.
Meanwhile, Erutan is rooted in its first-class offerings, owing to the supervision of Yoji Tokuyoshi, the first Japanese chef to receive a Michelin star in Milan, Italy. The accommodation also offers guests the chance to embark on incredible excursions around the city. I thought this place was just beautiful, and I especially loved the views!
12. Hotel Anteroom
Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary at the 3-star, exceptionally-rated Hotel Anteroom. This is not just a place to stay; it’s a vibrant hub of creativity and inspiration.
The property is situated slightly off the beaten tourist path, but nothing that a 10-minute walk won’t fix. It’s a former student dormitory somewhat stark from the outside, but once inside, I was greeted by a harmonious blend of creativity and comfort.
Beautiful feature walls, carefully curated objets d’art, and a serene courtyard garden create a space that sparkles with artistic brilliance. The hotel boasts an art gallery that constantly evolves, showcasing captivating works that will ignite your imagination. With a total of 128 guestrooms and 50 apartments spanning a variety of categories, there is an idyllic space for every traveler.
Even the standard rooms are neat and cozy and feature stylish décor. Many have garden views, and some provide a private terrace, adding tranquillity.
If you’re here for a longer stay, the apartments are catered to your specific needs to ensure a cozy home away from home. You can use an intimate sitting area and a fully stocked kitchen in these more residential-style abodes.
A delectable breakfast awaits in the on-site restaurant. When evening falls, you can choose from over 150 whiskies in the bar, proudly displaying artworks by established and emerging local artists.
13. Candeo Hotels Karasuma Rokkaku
At the 4-star, exceptionally rated Candeo Hotel, the ancient and the modern converge in a polished fusion that will transport you to a world of timeless elegance. It is blissfully nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Karasuma Street on a quaint little side street.
A traditional wooden townhouse stands proudly at the front, its exquisite beauty emanating through sliding screens, tatami mats, and meticulously renovated dark wooden beams. Step inside this chic haven, and you’ll feel the essence of Kyoto’s rich heritage. The unique HHotel boasts its lounge bar, where you can unwind while overlooking the serene back garden and county (my favorite part of the hotel!)
A small library beckons for quiet reflection, and a breakfast room serves special breakfasts each morning. The rooms here maintain the tranquil ambiance of the old house while subtly incorporating modern furnishings.
For an elevated experience, the upgraded rooms feature open-air soaking tubs, providing a luxurious escape. And if you choose a suite, you’ll be treated to a comfortable sitting area, allowing you to relax in style.
Amenities include a rooftop spa with saunas where you can relish a pleasant breeze from the outside and traditional indoor and outdoor bathhouses for both men and women.
14. The Thousand
Here, a superbrandiose architectural masterpiece commands attention and offers a luxurious experience like no other. Nestled next to the main Kyoto Hachijoguchi railway station, the 5-star exceptionally rated The Thousand stands as a testament to modernism.
From the moment I saw its awe-inspiring exterior and soaked up the spectacular vistas, I understood why it’s considered an Instagrammer’s dream! This place is just jaw-dropping! Inside, the meticulously styled aesthetic exudes a sense of grandeur, nodding to a Western interpretation of Japanese décor with a touch of cosmopolitan flair.
The spacious and comfortable rooms and suites ooze elegance through muted corporate-resort grey bouclé, wipeable faux veneers, and undisturbed views of the tranquil inner garden. They fuse the beauty of nature with the essence of contemporary living.
The gorgeous accommodation also offers a memorable culinary experience, with two restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re craving traditional Japanese flavors or Italian delights, your taste buds will be delighted.
For a quick pick-me-up, a charming café awaits, ready to serve you a delightful beverage or a delectable snack. To re-energize, you can head to the on-site fitness center or pamper the senses in the spa, which includes a hot bath, a bedrock bath, and a dry sauna.
15. ROOT2
I enjoyed a warm Japanese welcome at this lush 4-star boutique! It’s located near Hachijoguchi railway station and Toji Temple and inside, the eclectic interiors featured glitzy brass, faux marble, plush velvet, neon lights and a whimsical vibe!
My guest room was a contemporary studio rooms, each with stylish sitting areas, kitchenettes, en-suite bathrooms with freestanding tubs, and flat-screen TVs.
Each morning, you can choose from à la carte or American breakfast options. In the evening, enjoy delicious dishes at the on-site izakaya or explore nearby dining options.
When you’re ready to discover Kyoto’s wonders, the Skyhop tourist bus is just a few hundred meters away at Kyoto Tower.
