DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama

This hotel offers a unique and memorable stay, distinguished by its traditional Japanese design and aesthetic that beautifully blends modern comforts with a serene atmosphere. Its signature feature is the authentic Japanese vibe found throughout, particularly in the well-designed tatami rooms, making it feel distinct from typical chain hotels. The property is an excellent fit for tourists and sightseers due to its convenient location near major attractions and transit. Couples will appreciate the cozy and intimate ambiance, while families can benefit from the comfortable and sometimes spacious room options. To enhance your experience, consider booking a tatami-style room for a truly immersive stay, and be aware that some rooms may experience street noise, so requesting a quieter room could be beneficial.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently praise the hotel's public bath, describing it as a clean, peaceful, and relaxing space to unwind after a day of exploring, though some note it can be small. The fitness center is well-equipped, offering options for guests to maintain their routines. The lobby is highlighted as an attractive and pleasant area with a good vibe, providing a comfortable space for relaxation. Guests appreciate the convenience of free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, along with a water refill station offering both still and sparkling water. Additionally, ice machines and vending machines are available for guest convenience. For eligible members, an executive lounge or evening cocktail hour is offered, providing beverages and small snacks. Some guests have noted that the elevators can be slow or busy during peak times.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high marks for its cleanliness, with rooms described as spotless, well-maintained, and modern. Guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some note the beds are low to the floor. Many appreciate the thoughtful room layout, particularly the spacious bathrooms with separate toilet and bath/shower areas, and some suites even feature a double vanity. While some rooms are noted as compact, others, especially the Tatami Deluxe and Twin Deluxe rooms, are considered spacious by Japanese standards. In-room amenities like coffee makers, slippers, and Japanese-style pajamas add to the comfort. However, some guests experienced significant street noise in certain rooms, impacting sleep quality, and noted that the in-room TV only offers Japanese channels.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel is consistently lauded as delicious, excellent, and of high quality, offering a wide variety of options. Guests can enjoy both Western and Japanese dishes, including traditional Japanese selections like various types of green tea, local ingredients, pickles, and miso soup, alongside Western favorites such as crusty bread and waffles. The breakfast staff are noted for their attentiveness and friendliness. While the breakfast area can be crowded, guests are typically seated quickly. The hotel's restaurant, "OPEN," offers a diverse menu, with a Korean food fair being a particular highlight for some. In-room dining or takeaway meals are also available, providing convenient options for guests. Some feedback indicated that certain breakfast items, like ramen soup or sausages, could be overly salty, and that iced coffee was not available.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, making it an excellent base for exploring Kyoto. It is situated within easy walking distance of many popular attractions, including Kiyomizu-dera, the Gion district, and the Kamo River. Guests appreciate its proximity to public transportation, with a subway station (Kiyumizu-Gojo) just a few minutes' walk away, providing quick access to the city center, Kyoto Station, and other key areas like Fushimi Inari. Bus stops are also conveniently located nearby, offering direct routes across the city. While the hotel does not have on-site parking, public parking is available in the vicinity. Some guests noted that the hotel entrance has stairs, which can be challenging when handling luggage without assistance.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, often described as going above and beyond to assist guests. The check-in process is noted as quick and smooth, contributing to a positive arrival experience. Guests appreciate the warm welcome cookie provided upon check-in. The housekeeping service is excellent, ensuring rooms are clean and well-maintained daily. Staff are commended for their willingness to provide concierge-like assistance, such as helping with train cancellations or booking local services. While many staff members are fluent in English, some Japanese guests noted occasional communication challenges with non-Japanese speaking staff for complex inquiries. However, some guests reported a lack of luggage assistance upon arrival or departure, which was a point of concern.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has a no-tattoo policy for its public bath, which is an important consideration for those planning to use this amenity. The hotel's design incorporates a unique layout where public areas like the lobby and restaurant are located below ground level, though they are well-designed to mitigate this. Some guests noted that the in-room TV primarily offers Japanese channels, which may be a limitation for international visitors. A recurring point of feedback concerns the hotel's strict cancellation policy, with some guests expressing disappointment over the lack of flexibility for unforeseen personal emergencies, even with supporting documentation. While the hotel is relatively new, some rooms have experienced noise from nearby construction or trains.