Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
Stay: March 2024
How I paid: cash (it coincided with Japan’s school holiday and cherry-blossom season; a usual rate should be under $200)
Status: Hilton Honors Diamond
Perks: complimentary breakfast for two; simple lounge drinks and snacks; no room upgrade; no welcome amenity
I picked the Kyoto DoubleTree mainly because it was fairly new, and because the location is good. Overall the value is fine. It was just crowded — a bit tight — and the hotel was sold out that day. Late March cherry blossoms in Kyoto were not much to look at. If you are going only for sakura, you may as well wander around Vancouver.
Location
The hotel sits by the Kamo River. Kiyomizu-Gojo station is nearby. Walk one more block and you reach a larger station, Shichijo. Kiyomizu-dera and the Kyoto Imperial Palace are not far. I walked to both.
The building runs parallel to a main road. You pass under the DOUBLETREE sign, then look left for a very easy-to-miss sliding door. Go in and down half a level, and you finally see the front desk.
Front desk
Take the elevator or stairs down half a level and you are at check-in. The desk staff were friendly. The Japanese lobby manager I met that day was fluent in both Chinese and English.
It was afternoon, so I used the Diamond lounge benefit for a few soft drinks and some simple nuts. Since the trip was for cherry blossoms, I also ordered the limited-time sakura drink. It was very good.
Other lobby details
The room
Not much space, which seems to be the usual story with hotels in Japan. Washbasin on the left; dry and wet areas split on the right, with the toilet and bath separate.
A single panel at the head of the bed controls the room lights. There is a sofa, a TV, and an air purifier.
Looking back toward the entrance from the bedroom
Vanity
The toilet. The washlet is excellent. The controls sit forward on the left, by the toilet paper.
The bath: you can stand, lie down, or sit.
Other small items in the room
Breakfast
Diamond members get complimentary breakfast for two. The hotel was sold out, and breakfast was packed. Staff had to seat people.
The breakfast area is on the same level as check-in.
Official photos of the restaurant layout
The food is simple. Enough. A pass, no more. There is both Japanese and Western.
Details
I took a plate from the buffet and also ordered an omelette.
Other facilities
Bathhouse
No photos allowed inside. There is a soaking pool and seated showers.
Gym
Water dispenser and ice machine
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