| Hotel Rating: |  | | Satisfaction: |  | | Reviews: 5 | Photos: 5 | | Sanjo, Keage, Higashiyama-ku |
 | Kyoto The Westin Miyako Kyoto Reviews | 1 - 5 of 5 |  |
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 | The Westin Miyako Kyoto: A COMFORTABLE STAY
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This is such a difficult review to write; the hotel is OK and the area good. I would stay there again, but it has the potential to be so much better.
The hotel itself is fine, reasonable sized rooms, recently refurbished and with a good bathroom. The only regret is that they still have cathode ray tubes. It's a huge hotel. Breakfast was included but every morning you'll have to wait in line for it. They have a system to record your name and will call you in strict rotation. The buffet is lukewarm at best. A good selection but even when a fresh batch of bacon is brought out from the kitchen it isn't better than tepid. Still it's free and set us up for the day.
The concierge is a joke. Could you book us a table at this restaurant please. It's full and that was it. No alternative suggestion. She just couldn't care less. For Japan this was truly atrocious. Another example, we would like to go down to Gion to try and see any geisha's that may be walking about. Could you recommend a street we may see one on. Her reply, tell the taxi driver you want to go to best Gion area. The taxi driver dropped us outside a strip club. Use your guide books or get everything booked through the concierge of your Tokyo hotel if on a tour. Don't whatever you do, rely on the concierge here for anything. Maybe you want to forward your bags to your next destination - courier shut she says.
The bar has live music - the cover charge is as much as a round of drinks. If there is no music at the time you're there you still be charged it.
Now the good - it's within walking distance of old Kyoto where two of the UNESCO world heritage temples are, great restaurants, shops and beautifuly lit at night by lanterns. Other sights are a taxi ride away but would be from any other hotel too. Subway station just round the corner from the hotel helped with getting around.
The doorman are really friendly and full of helpful advice on where to go. Maybe they should take over the concierge service! And they could always get you a cab. The lobby lounge is friendly and welcoming, and the Chinese restaurant very good quality at no too bad a price. The gym has a good selection of equipment and the staff couldn't have been more helpful.
I'm sure other hotels may be better but I would come back. The rooms are fine, the location for tourism good, and most of the staff are helpful. You just need to accept that you won't get any help from the concierge and it's a big hotel and you may have to wait a while. In summary - it's adequate.
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| The Westin Miyako Kyoto: The Renovation Was A Success
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A beautiful and luxurious hotel that doesnt break the bank and truly deserves its four star status. We stayed in a standard "superior" room, which was bigger than other hotel rooms which I have stayed in in Japan, well decorated, modern with excellent facilities and spotlessly clean.
As we were travelling with our 18 month old son obviously his wellbeing and comfort was our main concern. After just 10 minutes at the hotel those concerns were at ease due to the cleanliness and facilities on offer during the stay, you can even buy nappies from the hotel gift shop in the basement, though they are a little pricey.
The hotel restaurants are mainly prohibitively expensive, but the Aqua Blue cafe on the second floor is reasonably priced with excellent food. The "Todays market fish" was particularly good, and for breakfast room service was not out of the question, pricewise.
The staff were extremely helpful, and spoke english very well, and the overall ambience was one of relaxation and luxury. Exactly what you need after a hard day marching around mountain temples.
There is an amazing viewing platform on the ninth floor with great views over the city, if you find yourself jetlagged and unable to sleep go and have a look in the middle of the night as we did, stunning.
The complimentary shuttle bus is very handy if you time leaving the hotel right.
The bathroom is very well stocked with all the toiletries that you will need.
The accomodation for young children is superb, with very safe and stable baby cots provided upon request.
Dont worry about any past negative reviews of this hotel, after the completion of the renovations you can now see why it has been a favourite with foreign dignitaries such as Prince Charles and Lady Diana, and Ronald and Nancy Reagan for over 30 years.
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