After visiting Himeji castle, we headed onwards to Kyoto, by far the most popular tourist destination in Japan, particularly during the cherry blossom season.
In fact, hotels in Kyoto are frequently booked out months in advance, with the few remaining rooms at five-star hotels going for over $500.
Finding award space at the Hyatt Regency Kyoto was a challenge, to say the least with award space nonexistent during the entire Sakura season.
However, around a week before our arrival, award space for two nights suddenly became available and subsequently, a third night opened up just as we arrived into Kyoto.
While we may have lucked out, it’s always important to have contingency plans, and since most award reservations can be canceled 48 hours before check-in without any penalty, I had two backup award reservations at the Hyatt Regency Osaka and the Ritz Carlton Tokyo.
One of the neat perks that guests at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo receive is a complimentary MK taxi ride from Kyoto Station. The taxi stand is a bit hard to find, as you’ll have to exit through the back of the station before finding a non-descript building.
Upon arriving at the hotel, the bellboy assisted with our luggage, and we walked into a beautifully designed lobby that relies heavily on Japanese contemporary elements.
I was warmly greeted by the front desk reception, who gave a run-down of the benefits for Globalists.
Although the hotel is a Hyatt Regency, there is no club lounge. Instead, Globalists are given one complimentary drink per guest each night at the Touzan bar downstairs
The bar was among the most intricately designed bars I’ve been to in Japan, and is worth a quick visit, even if you don’t drink.
The complimentary Globalist drink includes all standard cocktails including champagne, and each night we tried something different, all of them were stellar.
Globalists also receive complimentary western style buffet breakfast, or they have the choice of ordering the Japanese Set, which I’d highly recommend.
The western buffet spread was sufficient, and during the cherry blossom season, you’re able to see to see a few Sakura trees in full bloom while eating.
The hotel also does seem to run complimentary bus tours daily for hotel guests, but as we like to travel independently, we didn’t take them up on that offer. However, the tours did seem to be quite popular and booked out, so make sure to inquire upon checking in.
Unfortunately, the Hyatt Regency Kyoto is known to be somewhat stingy with upgrades as the hotel has very few corner rooms and suites.
Our standard room was designed in a minimalistic style, with a kimono pattern covering the walls.
On the opposite side, you have a small work desk and flat panel TV.
The bathroom consists of two partitions, with the bath area covered by frosted glass.
In typical Japanese fashion, the toilet is located in a small separate washroom.
For the high price premium, I was a bit surprised at how compact the room was. However, considering how the hotel was completely sold out, there was enough demand to justify the high prices during the peak season.
The hotel is perfectly located in the famous Higashiyama district and is right next to a bus stop on the popular 100 Kyoto Tourist Bus Line.
In fact, the Sanjusangendo Temple, a UNESCO world heritage is right next to the hotel, and other UNESCO sites such as the Kiyomizu-dera temple are no more than a ten-minute taxi drive away.
One of the best perks of staying at the Hyatt Regency Kyoto is the nightly dance performance from a local Maiko (apprenticed geisha) at 6:15 PM.
Guests are given a complimentary glass of champagne, and you’re free to take pictures afterward.
For those looking for that Memoirs of Geisha moment, this is a pretty incredible opportunity as very few hotels if any offer such an encounter.
On a subsequent stay, I was offered the opportunity to have dinner at the Touzan restaurant, in which a Maiko came by to entertain during the dinner time. It was unclear if this was a new Globalist perk, but my parents enjoyed the experience.
Overall, I enjoyed my stay at the Hyatt Regency Kyoto. While I feel the rooms a bit overpriced given how relatively small they are, you are paying a premium for the stellar location and the service was excellent throughout our stay.
Additionally, the opportunity to briefly talk to and take pictures with a Maiko is something that I’ll remember for a long time.
