When planning my trip to Japan, I knew I wanted to visit Kyoto and I knew I wanted to stay at the Park Hyatt. How did it stack up? Would I stay again? Keep reading to find out…

Quick Rundown

How we arrived: Bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, then taxi from Kyoto Station to the Park Hyatt (most taxis in Kyoto accept credit cards, and there are taxi stands at the station, making it easy to get one). Also, many taxi drivers in Kyoto don’t speak English; make sure to have the location in Japanese available to show them (we used Google Translate).

Nights stayed: 4

Hyatt Category: 8

Points used: 140,000 Hyatt points (35,000 points/night off-peak)

Points transferred: I transferred points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to Hyatt

Taxes/fees: $0 for Hyatt award bookings

Room booked: Two twin beds; applied a Suite Upgrade Award to a Park Suite

 

The Location

The Park Hyatt Kyoto is located in the heart of the Higashiyama neighborhood in Kyoto, Japan. This was our favorite area we explored, and it was just steps from the Park Hyatt. You cannot beat the location. Some of the nearby streets do get crowded during the day (it’s a popular area for good reason). But the area is calm and peaceful in the mornings and at night.

 

 

Check-in & Service

We arrived around 2:00 pm from Kyoto station, and we were given a warm welcome and escorted to a table for check-in (no standing in long check-in lines here)! This property has only about 70 rooms and suites, so the service is very personalized. We were offered a welcome drink of our choice (we chose champagne). Ivan walked us through check-in, then provided us with a map of Kyoto where he highlighted some of the sights and activities he recommended.

We were informed at check-in that because three adults were in our suite, we would have to pay ¥10,000/night for the extra person (this amounted to around $67/night). If the third person is a child 12 or under, you will not have to pay the additional fee, but it’s something to be aware of. Given that rooms here cost $1,500+/night, it was much cheaper to pay the fee than to get a second room.

 

 

The Suite

Ivan escorted us to our beautiful Park Suite located on the second floor. There was a seating area (plus a rollaway for my stepdaughter was later added), a king bed, and a large, beautiful black marble bathroom. There was also an additional half bath upon entry, and the suite overlooked a small garden area.

Coming from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, I immediately felt relaxed.

 

 

 

We were celebrating my stepdaughter’s 20th birthday on this trip. I informed the hotel beforehand, and there was a beautiful cake and card waiting for us in the room. It was very much appreciated!

 

 

Forgot something at home? The Park Hyatt has you covered! Skincare sets, pajamas, and even instant noodles…call the front desk and have them delivered straight to your room!

 

The Food

Thanks to my Globalist status, we had complimentary breakfast for two adults each morning at the Park Hyatt’s restaurant, Kyoto Bistro. Some properties are a little more lenient and will cover three adults (instead of two adults and two children). Unfortunately, the Park Hyatt Kyoto is strict with this benefit, so we had to pay for the third adult (¥6,050 each morning or ~$40).

 

 

Still, $40 for breakfast for all three of us was an absolute steal. We were able to order one item from the menu, coffee or tea, and we also had access to the buffet.

 

 

We also had dinner one night at Kyoto Bistro. Our waitress recommended the fish & chips (which seemed odd for Japan), but we trusted her. They did not disappoint! The fish had a crunchy miso batter, and the “chips” (potatoes with yuzu aioli) were to die for. I will have dreams about this meal.

 

 

Each evening, the Park Hyatt also hosts a champagne cocktail hour from 5-6 pm for Globalists and those staying in suites. It’s held in the Living Room (near the lobby). We went three of the nights we were there and sat near the fireplace. It was delightful.  On Sunday night, there was also live music!

 

 

Other Areas of the Hotel

The Park Hyatt Kyoto has a fourth floor terrace that is the perfect place to watch the sunset (away from the crowds). We watched it there on our first night at the property, and it was beautiful.

 

 

We did not have time for any spa treatments or to visit the wellness room, but the Japanese bathhouse looked amazing. It had a sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and jacuzzi. Men and women each have a separate bathhouse. There is also a fitness center that is open 24 hours.

 

 

 

Bottom Line

Would I return to the Park Hyatt Kyoto? Absolutely! I plan to do just that. It’s definitely a splurge, but I enjoy redeeming my points for properties I could never otherwise afford if I were paying cash. Don’t want to splurge or traveling with a larger family? Check out the Hyatt Place Kyoto.