Introduction

Joining the esteemed ranks of ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resort, DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama, DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station and the Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, the newly opened Hilton Kyoto proudly becomes the fifth property in Hilton’s impressive and diverse Kyoto portfolio. Hilton seems to be establishing a strong footprint here in Kyoto, and it shows with their investments. Opened September of 2024, this highly anticipated hotel from Hilton opened up to great fanfare.

With this hotel, I booked two rooms with 285K Hilton Points and a 1x Free Night Certificate from my Hilton Surpass Card bonus. At time of check-in, the total cost out of pocket would have been close to $3,800.00, so this was great redemption, given the upgrades and the usage of our Diamond status.

With competitive hotels spread across Kyoto, can this hotel hold up against the tough competition?

Location

Located in the vibrant and lively Kawaramachi Sanjo neighborhood, the hotel is approximately a 15-minute drive from the bustling Kyoto Station and is just a two-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station, which is conveniently situated on the Tozai Line of the Kyoto Municipal Subway. Guests staying at the hotel enjoy easy and convenient access to major attractions, including the renowned Kiyomizu Temple, which is famous for its stunning and unique architecture.

Address: 416 Shimomaruya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8006, Japan

2-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station (Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line, elevator available)
4-minute walk from Sanjo Station (Keihan Main Line)
10-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Kyoto Main Line)

King Executive Room

Our room was located on the Executive level of the hotel, and was room 907. The Hilton Kyoto Deluxe King Room features a balanced combination of comfort and style, catering to those with families or couples seeking to explore Kyoto. Upon entering, guests find a spacious layout that is thoughtfully designed with a contemporary style, complemented by traditional Japanese elements. With the bathroom to the left side, the king-size bed serves as the focal point, offering a comfortable area for a restful sleep. I would say the bed is quite comfy, though not as comparable to some of its counterparts I’ve stayed at Kyoto and Osaka.

Japanese design is evident in the room's details, such as the minimalist furnishings and the incorporation of natural materials, which reflect an appreciation for simplicity and elegance. Soft lighting and strategic use of space create a serene atmosphere, promoting relaxation and comfort for all guests. Understandably, this design can translate to upscale hotels across Hilton’s portfolio, should the need come in the far future.

Given it’s not a skyscraper or a building that faces directly into the city views, the use of Japanese sudare (すだれ) is a wonderful touch that allows for blackout and for indirect natural light to flow in during the daytime.

We were greeted with a some of the sweetest grapes and a matcha cookie with figs, which was a welcome addition to our room. During our stay, we noted that the staff, while still a bit slow in terms of service and responsiveness, made their best efforts when present.

Modern amenities were seamlessly integrated, including a 55-inch flat-screen television, a Nespresso machine, and a compact workspace that catered to both leisure and business travelers. USB charging ports and universal power outlets demonstrated the hotel's commitment to contemporary traveler needs. Interestingly enough, there’s no USB-C charger ports, which was odd, given it’s such a new hotel.

Bathroom

The bathroom features a separate shower and a standard tub, equipped with Crabtree toiletries and generous plush towels that significantly enhance the overall luxury experience offered. Attention to detail is evident throughout, especially with thoughtful touches such as a spacious vanity and ample good lighting. Waterfall and handheld showers are a welcoming sight as always, and the water pressure was fantastic. A powder room separates the toilet from the bathroom, another great use of space here.

Lobby and Bar

The lobby of the Hilton Kyoto is a masterful representation of contemporary Japanese design, carefully balancing modern architectural principles with subtle nods to traditional Japanese aesthetics. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a spacious, light-filled environment that immediately communicates a sense of refined sophistication.

The hotel’s design thoughtfully revolves around the innovative concept of creating a “Kyoto synapse,” aiming to seamlessly connect guests with the city’s fascinating and unique blend of rich history, contemporary modernity, deep-rooted tradition, and vibrant innovation. Drawing extensive inspiration from orimono, Kyoto’s iconic textiles, the hotel features beautiful and intricate lattice patterns that gracefully welcome guests upon their arrival in the impressive five-story atrium lobby, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience.

The lobby features high ceilings with intricate geometric lighting designs that cast soft, ambient light throughout the space. Large windows allow natural light to flood the area, creating an open and welcoming atmosphere. The color palette is predominantly neutral – soft grays, warm woods, and subtle earth tones that reflect the minimalist design ethos prevalent in modern Japanese architecture.

The lobby bar, known simply as the Hilton Kyoto Lobby Bar, is an elegant focal point of the ground floor. It offers a sophisticated setting for both hotel guests and local visitors seeking a refined drinking experience. The bar features a carefully curated selection of Japanese whiskeys, premium international spirits, and an impressive collection of local and imported wines.

The bar's design continues the lobby's aesthetic, with sleek furniture, clean lines, and strategic lighting that creates an intimate yet open environment. Bartenders are known for their expert mixology, crafting both classic cocktails and innovative drinks that incorporate local Japanese ingredients. Signature cocktails often feature local spirits like shochu and sake, as well as seasonal Japanese ingredients that change with the region's culinary rhythms.

The Fitness Center & Spa

The fitness center is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest Technogym equipment, offering a complete range of cardiovascular and strength training options. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light and views of the surrounding urban landscape, making workouts more engaging. The space includes multiple treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and a comprehensive set of weight training equipment. Free weights, resistance machines, and dedicated stretching areas ensure guests can maintain their fitness routines while traveling.

The spa at the Hilton Kyoto, while not an extensive standalone facility, offers a carefully curated selection of treatments that blend traditional Japanese wellness practices with modern spa techniques. Treatment rooms are designed with a minimalist aesthetic, featuring soft lighting, neutral color tones, and subtle Japanese-inspired design elements that create a sense of tranquility.

Spa treatments typically include a mix of massage therapies, including traditional Japanese techniques like shiatsu, alongside more contemporary Western massage styles. Signature treatments often incorporate local ingredients like green tea, rice extracts, and other botanicals native to the Kyoto region. Guests can expect services such as deep tissue massages, aromatherapy treatments, and body treatments that draw inspiration from Japanese wellness traditions.

Executive Lounge | Level

As a Diamond member, one can also check in at the 11th floor, which is the Executive Floor level. Given that I was checking in around 12pm, I didn’t really bother and just went straight to the front desk.

For the Executive lounge, you can enjoy breakfast, light snacks during tea time, and cocktails in the evening. You also have the option to enjoy breakfast either in the lounge or at the spacious all-day dining area on the first floor. I still recommend having breakfast at the 1st floor with all other hotels, as the offerings from executive lounges are far less and don’t offer the same amount of items.

From 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, the lounge offers an all-day snack and drinks service. There’s a delightful spread of matcha chiffon cake, cookies, and nuts, along with a great selection of soft drinks and juice. You can help yourself to a lovely industrial Nespresso coffee machine as well.

It does get quite crowded during the night time for the evening spreads, as I took a glance during my way back down for dinner. It seems that the dinner choices were quite good for a backlog of people to wait for the lounge to have space. That’s always a welcoming sign.

Breakfast & Dinner at Teori

Teori, the signature restaurant at the Hilton Kyoto, is a great, if not fantastic choice for families looking to enjoy breakfast and dinner during a hectic day in Kyoto. Located on the hotel's ground floor, the restaurant offers a contemporary interpretation of Japanese cuisine that celebrates local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.

During breakfast, Teori transforms into a vibrant dining space that caters to both international and Japanese palates. The morning buffet is a carefully curated spread that goes beyond typical hotel breakfast offerings. Guests can enjoy a wide array of options, from traditional Japanese breakfast items like grilled mackerel and salmon, miso soup, and various pickled vegetables to western-style offerings such as made-to-order omelets, fresh pastries, and artisanal breads. The emphasis is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that showcase the culinary richness of the Kyoto region.

For dinner, Teori becomes a fantastic dinner buffet. Guests can find dishes that showcase local Kyoto vegetables, carefully sourced seafood from nearby coastal regions, and roasted beef, chicken and ribs. The presentation is as important as the taste, with each dish meticulously plated to reflect the artistic traditions of Japanese cuisine. The roasted pork, made to order udon was fantastic, and the dessert selection was surprisingly really good. The churros and chocolate fountain was nice addition, and I’m sure it’s really meant for the kids, haha.

The restaurant's design reflects a modern interpretation of Japanese aesthetics, with clean lines, natural materials, and subtle lighting that creates an intimate atmosphere. The menu is a testament to the chef's commitment to seasonal cooking, with a focus on kaiseki-inspired cuisine that highlights the best of local and seasonal ingredients.

Other restaurants include:

7 EMBERS: This specialty restaurant beautifully celebrates the essence of nature along with the captivating element of fire, specializing in a diverse array of expertly grilled dishes. Guests can indulge in exquisite selections like acqua pazza featuring freshly caught fish, the finest grilled Omi beef, succulent smoked Kyoto duck, and a delightful variety of locally sourced vegetables, all prepared with skill and care.

Cloud Nest: Nestled atop a seasonal rooftop, this bar offers a breathtaking view of the serene Kamo River and the historic Higashiyama district, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable experience. Guests can enjoy signature drinks, such as piña coladas—a beloved tropical beverage that was first popularized at a Hilton in the year 1954—while taking in the spectacular views that change with the seasons.

LATTICE LOUNGE: Conveniently located in the first-floor lobby, this inviting lounge serves light bites, café fare, and the hotel’s renowned afternoon tea during the day. As the sun sets and evening approaches, the ambiance transforms into an elegant bar, providing a sophisticated setting for guests to unwind.

Conclusion

The Hilton Kyoto emerges as great hotel nestled in prime location of Kyoto, offering travelers a sophisticated base for exploring Japan's cultural capital. Excellent rooms, bathroom, amenities and a great breakfast and dinner experience that would cater to any couples or families alike. It’s a fantastic choice for those looking to redeem Hilton points in the future. However, the hotel is not without its imperfections. Despite its impressive physical infrastructure, the Hilton Kyoto struggles with softer elements of hospitality. Service can be inconsistent, with moments of brilliance interspersed with occasional lapses in attentiveness, and this is evident across room-service and housekeeping. The front desk for me was fantastic nevertheless.

Ultimately, the Hilton Kyoto remains an attractive option for travelers prioritizing location, design, and amenities over flawless service execution.