Hotel Review: Park Hyatt Kyoto (King Bed Garden Terrace) - Luxurious Property with Excellent Service Along Ninenzaka in the Higashiyama Ward
Kyoto is a city that is steeped in history and cultural significance, with a juxtaposition of traditional charm and modern innovation. The city used to be the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years and it has a rich heritage of temples, shrines, and palaces that stand as living testaments to its illustrious past. There are various ways of getting to Kyoto and if you have a JR pass, one of the quickest ways is to hop on a Shinkansen which takes under 20 minutes. Since JR passes are fairly tricky and require quite a bit of planning, I simply went on Google Maps for the most convenient route - since I was staying at the Conrad Osaka prior to this, I simply walked to Yodoyabashi Station and hopped on the Keihan Main Line for Gion-Shijo Station. While the journey took approximately 50 minutes (which is comparatively longer than the Shinkansen), I thought that it was pretty decent.
Entrance
Park Hyatt Kyoto
The Park Hyatt Kyoto is one of the best properties to stay in Kyoto - it is the pinnacle of luxury and tranquility in the heart of this ancient city, and it is also located in the Higashiyama Ward which makes it easy for you to walk around (and take incredible photos in the morning or evening). While there are buses that will take you from the train stations to the hotel, the easiest way is to hop on a taxi which you can flag from outside the stations - a short ride from one of the nearby stations should not cost you more than JPY 3,000 and it will save you the hassle of having to bring your luggage to the property.
Welcome Champagne
Park Hyatt Kyoto
Upon approaching the Park Hyatt Kyoto, I was quickly met with an eager staff who helped me with my luggage immediately. This is one of my most highly-anticipated hotels to stay in and while a room night here can easily cost above JPY 200,000 (approx. S$2,000) a night right now with tourism in Japan at its peak - you may consider purchasing World of Hyatt points (especially when there is a sale) to bring the cost down significantly. I was quickly ushered into the living room of the property where a welcome drink of choice was served - I opted for a glass of Champagne, naturally, as the staff proceeded to check me into the hotel. The Park Hyatt Kyoto is a Category 8 hotel which means you will require 35,000 points (off-peak), 40,000 points (standard), or 45,000 points (peak) for a free night here - this is expensive but as I have mentioned before, the average room night in this property is also fairly high so you can get more value out of your World of Hyatt points if you can find availability for your dates of travel.
Room Entrance
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
The Park Hyatt Kyoto is extremely popular amongst luxury travellers and well-heeled locals so it is very difficult to score a suite upgrade even if you are a Globalist member - this is one of those properties where you should seriously consider using one of your Suite Upgrade Awards. As a Globalist member who is celebrating his actual birthday at the property, I was accorded a two-category upgrade from a King Bed to a King Bed Garden Terrace room. The King Bed Garden Terrace room comes with 45 sqm of space that follows a design concept inspired by the mountains. The local materials and fragrant tamo wood used in this room exude old-world charm in a gorgeous modern space.
Bedroom
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
The entire Park Hyatt Kyoto is stunning and the rooms are no exception - this is by far the best Park Hyatt property I have ever stayed in my life, and I honestly think it would be hard to top this experience. The first thing you will notice about the bedroom is how spacious, and brightly-lit it actually is. I am obsessed with the aesthetics of this place and if perfection had a face to it, the Park Hyatt Kyoto would truly be it.
Birthday Amenity
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
As mentioned earlier, the team over at Park Hyatt Kyoto has also learned that I will be celebrating my actual birthday at the property so they have actually arranged for a ridiculously-delicious cake (featuring Japanese strawberries) to be placed in my room. At my time of visit, I was still a little sore that Conrad Osaka completely forgot to place any additional amenities for a Hilton Honors Diamond member despite staying for four nights so this gesture was very much welcomed. The hotel also left a tote bag on the bed for me to take home as a welcome amenity which I thought was a really nice gesture - I am still using it today since it is the perfect size for me to bring out.
Living Space
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
The King Bed Garden Terrace rooms at the Park Hyatt Kyoto open up to a private Japanese garden (which is known as a tsuboniwa). Since I was accorded a corner room on this stay, it came with wraparound full-length windows that looked out to that zen and calm. Do note that while your neighbour is unable to access this area (since it is private), the room next to yours can look into this garden area so be mindful if you are a naturist. The room also came with a beautiful working area and daybed/sofa that is perfect for relaxing throughout the day. While I was definitely not at the Park Hyatt Kyoto for any work, it was a great spot for me to catch up on some emails in the late afternoon before adjourning down the lobby for complimentary Champagne (but more on this benefit later).
King-size Bed
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
Hotels in Japan are known to offer firmer beds that are typically less popular amongst Western travellers but it goes without saying that the bedding here at the Park Hyatt Kyoto is perfect - it is made immaculately and the soft sheets were a dream to sleep in every night.
Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
On the bedside table, you will find a Bose SoundLink Revolve II Bluetooth Speaker which is perfect for playing your favourite tunes while you enjoy a nice soak in the bathtub, or just simply hanging around in your room. To be honest, I did not even touch the speaker once since I was pretty happy with the peace and quiet that the property exudes - I also did not wish to disturb the peace of this property (and my neighbours) by playing any music. Like any well-designed property, there is a master light switch located by the side of the bed for you switch on and off all the lights if you require.
Bedroom
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
There are only 70 rooms here at the Park Hyatt Kyoto and out of which, nine of them are suites. The property is also located in one of Kyoto’s most desired locations and therefore, it is highly unlikely that you will receive any significant upgrades - just book the room or suite that you wish to stay in because upgrades are definitely on the rare side here. While I did receive a nice upgrade on this stay as a Globalist, this is certainly something that you should not expect unless you are visiting during a low season (likely December to February each year).
Living Area
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
While the Garden Terrace room is not a suite, the abundance of living space makes it feel like a Junior Suite of some sorts - being assigned a corner room means having even more natural daylight and that is a huge plus in my books. I love the sofa and seating area of the room and I wish I could spend more time in the property but there is just so much to see in Kyoto.
Bedroom
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
The rather boxy layout of the Garden Terrace room also makes it feel larger than it actually is - even though 45 sqm of space in a prime location is already on the larger side of things, the room just feels extremely spacious which is also probably a result of the natural daylight streaming in.
USB Charging Ports and Power Outlet
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
I have been to many great hotels around Japan but strangely, universal power outlets do not seem to be a thing here at all. Apart from the Park Hyatt Kyoto, I have also visited hotels like the Conrad Osaka, HOSHINOYA Tokyo, as well as the Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills (just to name a few) and none of them actually have a universal power outlet (or a universal power adapter). Honestly, it bugged me so much that I have actually gotten a power cord extension cable from BIC Camera just to make my trips to Japan a little bit more comfortable. USB charging ports are fairly common now amongst newer luxury hotels but unfortunately, most of the sockets are only USB-B compatible instead of USB-C.
Bathroom
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
The bathroom of the Garden Terrace room here at the Park Hyatt Kyoto is also seamlessly integrated into the entire space but it can also be partitioned off to create a private space when required.
Bathroom
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
The bathroom comes with double vanity sinks and you will also find just about anything you need without having to request for it. Disposable razors and toothbrushes of the highest quality can be found in one of the boxes in the bathroom and it is honestly one of the nicest bathrooms I have ever been in in my life.
TOTO Washlet
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
I have a hypothesis for hotels in Japan - there is a positive correlation between how fancy a property is and the number of buttons the TOTO washlet has. The ones here at the the Park Hyatt Kyoto have way more buttons that you can imagine but honestly nothing beats having a heated toilet seat in the winter.
Bathtub
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
All of the rooms and suites at the Park Hyatt Kyoto feature a massive bathtub that is suitable for a deep-soak and it is probably large enough to fit two adults inside. The water pressure from the shower and the tub is always fantastic so it does not take too long to fill it up at all - you can also very easily make a decent bubble bath if that is something up your alley.
Bath Amenities from Le Labo
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
Bath amenities at the Park Hyatt Kyoto are provided by Le Labo but it is not the usual Bergamote 22 scent that I typically get on my Park Hyatt stays. Instead, the Le Lebo bath amenities at the Park Hyatt Kyoto are from the Santal 33 range which is a little bit hard to describe - this is how Le Labo describes it: “Imagine sitting in solitude on the rugged, wide plains of the American West, firelight on your face, indigo-blue night skies above. There is nothing around save for the soft, desert wind. You. Are. Free. From this defining vision was born SANTAL 33: a perfume that touches the vast and wild universality of this dream... that intoxicates... It combines a mix of cardamom and notes of iris and violet, which crackle in the formula. Added to this smoking wood alloy (Australian sandalwood, cedarwood) are some spicy, leathery, musky notes, giving this perfume its signature and addictive comforting scent. Here is, in a few words, what SANTAL 33 is... An open fire…The soft drift of smoke…Where sensuality rises after the light has gone.”.
Dyson Hairdryer
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
For those who require a hairdryer, you would be glad to know that a Dyson-branded one is provided in one of the drawers in the bathroom.
Nespresso Coffee Machine
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
You will find a Nespresso coffee machine here in the room alongside a proper water kettle that is suitable for even a V60 drip coffee if that is something that you fancy. Drinking water is also provided in glass bottles and these are recycled by the property, and replenished throughout your stay.
Complimentary Nespresso coffee capsules as well as these beautiful teabags from Tea Forté can be found in one of the drawers under the minibar. While I am typically a coffee drinker, I was really intrigued by the pyramid teabags which I later found out came from Singapore - they are also priced at approximately S$4 each per piece when you buy them in bulk.
Tea Lounge
Park Hyatt Kyoto
As I made my way out of my room to the Living Room on street level for some Champagne in the evening, I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets in Kyoto from the Tea Lounge (which does not actually serve any tea). This private space can be utilised by hotel guests but it was almost always empty when I walked past it.
View of Yasaka Pagoda
Park Hyatt Kyoto
Being right in the heart of Kyoto allows you to enjoy amazing views over this ancient city - the silhouette of the Yasaka Pagoda in the evening is also something to behold.
Lobby
Park Hyatt Kyoto
One of my favourite parts of the Park Hyatt Kyoto stay is the complimentary Champagne that is served to all guests staying in suites (there are only nine of them in this hotel), as well as Globalist guests staying at an eligible rate (regardless of room type booked). Free-flowing Champagne Thiénot Brut is served in the Living Room each night from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM - while this space does not have any windows or view per se, there is a beautiful open fireplace in the middle which makes it such a cozy spot.
Champagne for Globalists and Suite Guests
Park Hyatt Kyoto
As you might already know, Park Hyatt properties do not have an executive lounge or equivalent - you will have to go to a Grand Hyatt or Hyatt Regency property for that - so whatever the Park Hyatt Kyoto is offering is definitely above and beyond what is expected as far as brand standards go. While I do think that an hour is rather short (but don’t mind me because I drink like a fish), it is certainly a nice touch to reward high-value guests who are staying at the property. Even though Champagne is only served from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM each night, my glass was refilled even after 6:00 PM which I thought was super generous.
Evening Turndown
King Bed Garden Terrace - Park Hyatt Kyoto
When I got back to my room at the Park Hyatt Kyoto after dinner, I realised that evening turndown was already completed and everything was done immaculately - it looked almost as good as when I first checked in on the very first day. The strangest thing about housekeeping at the Park Hyatt Kyoto is the fact that I have never once seen them during my stay - there were no unsightly trolleys in the hallways, and I did not even see a single housekeeper throughout my stay. Yet magically, my room was always made up perfectly, and everything was replenished as if they went through a thorough checklist to ensure that everything was flawless.
Ninenzaka
Higashiyama Ward
The Park Hyatt Kyoto is a great hotel with a beautiful product but one of the main advantages of staying at this property is its location. Being right at the doorstep of the Higashiyama District means being able to get out early enough to get that perfect photo in - before swarms of tourists descend into what is possibly Kyoto’s most famous street. It is always nice to be able to enjoy this historic area of Kyoto with minimal distractions and staying at the Park Hyatt Kyoto gives you access to that - so long you wake up early enough.
Beyond the famous Starbucks that is housed within a Japanese-style house on this street, you may also choose to explore Sannenzaka which is just a short stroll away. Obviously, this is also your opportunity to get a shot with the famous Hōkan-ji Temple (or the Yasaka Pagoda) before heading back to the hotel for breakfast.
Breakfast is served at Kyoto Bistro each day and if your room rate comes inclusive of breakfast, or if you are a Globalist guest, you will be able to enjoy it here from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM each day. There are two options here for breakfast - Western (which is included in the ‘cost of breakfast’) or a Japanese option (which requires a supplement of approximately ¥3,300 if I did not recall wrongly). Even though breakfast is complimentary for Globalist guests, you will have to pay the supplement should you opt for the Japanese breakfast - you will also need to pre-order this as there are limited sets available each day. The food comes from Sanso Kyoyamato (which is a one-Michelin-star restaurant located within the Park Hyatt Kyoto) and I highly recommend that you opt for this experience at least one morning because it was really good.
View of Yasaka Pagoda
Park Hyatt Kyoto
The Park Hyatt Kyoto is quite possibly the best hotel I have stayed in in a post-COVID world and if you do not have Globalist status in the World of Hyatt program, I highly recommend booking a stay through a Luxury Travel Advisor like ClassicTravel.com (free to use) or HoteLux (requires a paid membership) to enjoy perks like complimentary breakfast and USD 100 property credit to spend at no extra charge. The Park Hyatt Kyoto is an expensive property that easily exceeds S$2,000 each night but if you are looking for what I think could be Kyoto’s best luxury hotel, you will not be disappointed by this amazing property and what it has to offer.
Park Hyatt Kyoto
360 Kodaiji Masuyacho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan, 605-0826
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