Hotel Monterey Kyoto

I stayed in five hotels while traveling to six cities in Japan, so I've had the opportunity to compare hotels. Second only to the Park Hyatt in Tokyo (which was much more expensive, needless to say), this was the best hotel I stayed at. The location is very good. It is only three stops (K8) on the subway due north of Kyoto station (K11) on the Karasuma […] Line. It cost 210 yen per adult to get there. If you exit from the right stairway, the hotel one half a block away. Hotel Monterey Kyoto is on a major street, across from a Circle K, a Family Mart grocery store, and two Starbucks. It is also right next to two ATM banks, but I found my card would only work at the Post Office ATMs above Kyoto Station. The hotel has a great clock on the outside with marching men that pass each other on the hour, and smaller men that march at other times. The picture of the lobby actually doesn't do it justice. It is very beautiful with marble/granite floors, below the hanging crystal. There is a church on the first floor, inside the building where people are often getting married. The breakfast on the second floor (available for a reasonable price per person) was great with all-you-can eat American and Japanese style breakfast choices. The food was delicious, and the décor was very elegant. The room was large for Japan style with enough room for a double bed, a chair, and room to walk between. The room was nicely decorated and very clean. All the wait staff were able to understand English and were very polite. You needed your room key to get on the floor, so the place felt more secure than places where you can go all the way to the rooms without a key. The place is within walking distance (I did it) to Nijo castle and the Nishiki market. Cabs are always outside the hotel to take you to the outer temples/shrines if you don't want to take the subway. All-in-all, I would recommend this hotel to my friends without reservation (pun not intended). Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This was a great place to stay for a week. The location is good, 3 stops from the JR train station and a short walk to the imperial palace and market.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel is nice, the lobby and rooms are modern and tasteful. Our room was small but comfortable (nice bed, bedside tables on both sides of the bed, but the closet space is small and I'm not sure where we were supposed to place the suitcase rack). The location is in a nice street and close to a subway station, so it is convenient even though there […] is not a lot to see nearby. The staff was VERY nice, helpful and accomodating. The cons: internet connection in rooms but no wifi, some difficult to operate gadgets (water heater and air conditioning) could use better manuals in english Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Good Hotel, The concierge help you wherever you want to go.

Genuine Expedia guest review

My husband and I stayed here 3 nights and were quite impressed with the hotel and especially its location. Everything was within walking distance, even the subway to Kyoto train station. We would definitely return!

Genuine Expedia guest review

The Hotel Monterey is in a great neighborhood with lots going on and many good restaurants. The hotel staff are well versed in the nearby restaurants, and made terrific suggestions. The rooms are a good size (especially for Japan!) and very comfortable. The staff are ALL welcoming and knowledgeable. I never walked into the lobby without someone stepping […] towards me to ask how they could help. I had a great, deep soaking tub in my room which came in handy after walking all over the city. Skip the expensive (but extensive) breakfast buffet for the Stabuck's across the street and duck into the shrine out Starbuck's back door to see people praying quickly on their way to work. The hotel is within easy walking for train and bus stops as well as the covered Nishiki Food Market that's worth a visit. The Library proved a great place to stop for a nightcap or desert and tea. Overall an excellent experience I would recommend to anyone. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Monterey group of hotels continue to impress me ... great staff, clean, comfortable and for Japan, large rooms.

Genuine Expedia guest review

This place had one of the largest rooms we stayed in. Its very easy to find but does require a transfer from Kyoto Station on to a non JR rail line. You can get a discounted Kyoto sub and bus pass from them. Those some of the rails to see sites are not included in it since they are another company. We really felt spoiled here.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Really a pleasant surprise. Much nicer in person than the photos indicated. I would definitely stay there again. Good location, well appointed rooms. Only issue is the room size, pretty small. But this seems to be the case with all Japanese hotels. It was a bit hard to find room to lay out two large rolling duffels in the room.

Genuine Expedia guest review

> 1. Great location, just 3 min walk from subway station. 2. Very convenient, close to coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores and pubs. 3. Relatively spacious room ( given the price and given that this is a hotel in Japan. ) 4. Complete bathroom. 5. Decent hotel facilities and bars/restaurant. 6. Good conceirge service, very helpful with local recommendations […] on dining and experience workshops. 7. Rooms come with humidifiers and a decent view. > 1. The closest subway exit is not equipped with elevator or esculator. Guests with suitcase/luggagge are recommended to read the local map and the subway station layout before barging out of the station. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Great hotel and excellent service. The negatives, which are minor, are that the A/C and heating system is fluctuate so much that it was difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature, which affected my sleep, and lousy and limited TV channels. Unless I want experience other parts of Kyoto, I would stay at this hotel again.

Genuine Expedia guest review

This is one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in for the price. I stayed for 2 weeks to see the autumn foliage. In particular, the concierge service is exceptional. I had quite a few requests regarding baggage transfers, special meal requests on ANA, and general Kyoto info. As a former concierge at the the Ritz-Carlton, I can only say that the […] assistance of Ms. Kanoko Shinhara far surpassed any concierge service I have experienced! The hotel overall was very comfortable and exceptionally clean. The location cannot be beat either. I did not eat at the hotel, so I cannot speak for the food. I highly recommend a hearty, tasty Western breakfast at one of Kyoto's endearing traditional coffee shops, Inoda Coffee. It is within walking distance of the hotel and makes a nice break from the ubiquitous Starbucks found everywhere in Kyoto. i very much look forward to staying at the Hotel Monterey Kyoto next time I am in Kyoto. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Beautiful hotel on a major street for convenience. Easy walk to many Kyoto sights, two blocks from the subway for all others. Well appointed room, and large compared to other hotels we have stayed at in Japan.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel was very nice and conveniently located. The staff were all so courteous and helpful. Our room was a little small because of the queen bed. If twinbeds were reserved, the room would have been larger, because my sisters rooms were bigger. Oh well....next time I know better. All in all, I definately would book there again.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This was my first time staying at the Hotel Monterey Kyoto, and I was immediately impressed by the service when I checked-in. There was an English-speaking staff member to show me to my room. The hotel is clean and attractive, with several floors offering dining and wedding services, so expect to see non-guests gathered in the entryway. There were always […] several people working in the lobby ready to answer any questions I had. The hotel is located close to the Karasuma-Oike subway stop, but is also walking distance from Sanjo, Teramachi and Shinkyogoku shopping arcades, as well as the Nishiki market. If you are leaving for a more distant destination it is easy to catch the subway to Kyoto station. The room itself offered many amenities, from a hair dryer to febreeze-type spray for clothes. The bathroom was especially great, with a huge bath / shower and a fancy toilet with heated seat & bidet functions. I was able to fiddle with the AC to get the room to any temperature I felt was comfortable. Although a little dark (most of the walls were brown), the room was comfortable and large (for Japan) and fairly quiet. For any travelers visiting Kyoto for the first time, I highly recommend this hotel for its excellent service, comfortable rooms and convenient location. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

the rooms are very small

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Boutique European-style hotel in central Kyoto. A short walk to many attractions and easy metro ride to almost everything else. Rooms and beds are rather small but comfortable, quiet and very clean. Hotel restaurant and cafe rather expensive but numeous alternatives exist within a 500m radius of the hotel. Very good value for money.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The room was very nice, specially compared to the room we stayed in Tokyo which was tiny. The front desk was very friendly and helpful. Subway, post office, and cafes serving breakfast near by. Kyoto train station is a 6 min subway ride.

Genuine Expedia guest review

My husband and I stayed at this hotel for 2 nights. I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive since the rate was so inexpensive, plus I have to admit, we travel frequently and are a bit of hotel snobs. In addition, we just stayed in two top-notch hotels in Tokyo and Osaka and I was prepared to be disappointed. My concerns were completely unwarranted. […] The hotel was very nice, up-to-date, and well maintained. Yes, the rooms are smaller than we are often used to in the U.S.; however, I've stayed in similar sized rooms in major U.S. cities such as New York or Chicago. The hotel was also in a good location--a quick 10-minute taxi ride from Kyoto Station, within walking distance to dining and shopping areas, and a few blocks from the subway station. There's also a community bike rental a little north of the hotel--we rented bikes one day and were able to bike to the Imperial Palace, Golden Pavillion, and other tourist areas. All-in-all, I highly recommend this hotel! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Great location and very clean room. Though I was warned about how small hotel room were Japan but was not really prepared. It was difficult for two people to walk around at the same time.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Be aware that the rooms are small. Everything is scaled down such as the wardrobe. There is a refrigerator and kettle which is great, especially if you shop at Fresco just down the street to the south. Very clean and lots of bathroom amenities. The staff is very friendly but not overly knowledgeable (we found the concierges in all our Japan hotels did […] not have adequate maps or knowledge so this is not a criticism). You need to go to Kyoto Station to tourist Info and they will tell you EVERYTHING and more. The cost was great through Hotels.com! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

What a lovely hotel. We had stayed in their sister property in Tokyo the 3 nights before arriving and while both hotels are very well located the Kyoto hotel is cleaner and has at least double the amount of space in the room. Very convenient for walking distance or easy access to the subway to all of the main sights in Kyoto. The concierge in the lobby […] was very informative, spoke great English and helped us to determine what to do in the short amount of time that we had in Kyoto. We saw some of the major sights, but also went off the beaten path a little with her guidance and it was very enjoyable. Many of the local side streets near the hotel are teeming with local "hole-in-the-wall" places to eat and we had great Japanese food while in Kyoto. If ever back in Kyoto I would stay in this hotel again in a heartbeat. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This was our first stay in Kyoto. Rooms are small compared to rooms in US but acceptable. Take short cab ride from Kyoto station but after that you quickly get accustomed to the buses and subway system and its easy to get around. Plenty of restaurants in the surrounding area. Felt safe walking around at night. Only certain ATMs accept Visa and Master […] Card but the desk clerk has map which was simple to follow. Spent 2 and 1/2 days in Kyoto, adequate but could have used another 2 days, so much to see. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I checked in at this hotel and was immediately impressed by the service the staff gave us. We recently came back (sept. 30, 2010) from a trip to kyoto and the accessibility of this hotel is perfect for us. We were in the 11th floor of the hotel. The view was great though we didnt get to enjoy it because we were out most of the day. There are nearby […] grocery and convenience stores to fast food joints located near the hotel. THe money exchange office is just 4-5 blocks away. The room was well appointed. We had a 2 double bed and the room was big. There were toiletries, slippers, robe, newspaper, and mini refrigerator you can use to store your drinks. The mini bar is a bit pricey. They have complimentary coffee and tea in the room. The staff took time to help us with directions for the nearby bus stop, called taxicab, and gave us tour brochures. There is no need for tip (IT is not common practice in Japan) but despite that, THEY GIVE YOU THE BEST SERVICE!!!! So the next time i visit kyoto, i will surely book a room in this hotel. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Excellent hotel at a great price. The staff are exceptionally helpful. The rooms are small but clean, nice and very comfortable. I did have some difficulty figuring out the air conditioning and roasted the first night but once I figured it out, it was fine. The hotel restaurant is very pricey, there is much more affordable and delicious food nearby […] . Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

I cannot even begin to explain how phenomenal my stay was at the Hotel Monterey Kyoto. I booked the hotel online because I read a couple of very positive reviews and the location and price met my criteria. To my surprise, Hotel Monterey proved to be much more than I ever hoped. (I stayed 2 extra nights!) First of all, the hotel is brand new and the […] architecture is amazing and functional. The rooms are not large, but they are elegant, stylish, and fully equipped with gadgets and a useful amenities (such as free internet in the room). Second, the staff are absolutely the best I encountered in my entire trip to Japan. They speak fluent English (which is a rarity) and they went out of their way to help me feel comfortable at the hotel and in Kyoto. Third, the concierge provided me with a wealth of information about Kyoto that really helped me to choose the best attractions to visit. I sincerely believe that the recommendations (and maps and info in general) that I got from the concierge at this hotel (including where to rent a bike) made my Kyoto experience unforgettable. Fourth, the hotel is located in the BEST area of Kyoto. Look no further: you're a block away from the metro and main bus stops (5 mins to Kyoto Station), but you're also walking distance from Gion and the entertainment district. Major temples and attractions are all located within reach by foot or short bike ride. Do yourself a favor and stay at this amazing hotel! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Beautiful hotel with decent size room and bathroom (for Japan). The service here is very attentive and the front desk/concierge go out of their way to help and direct you around this city. Definitely take advantage of their know how and inside knowledge. Would not hesitate to stay here again. Close to the Metro if arriving in Kyoto via the JR be sure […] to catch the metro to the hotel rather than walk it like we did! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This was an Expedia special and I got the room for half price. I don't usually stay in fancy hotels but this place was amazing. Super friendly staff, the room was great with nice touches like a traditional tea pot and instructions on how to brew Japanese tea. There's also a nice little sitting space right next to the window (in the room) that's great […] for watching people watching down below. Fantastic hotel that would be worth it even if it was full price. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This was a really nice hotel. The room is normal size for a Japanese room. I liked the location as it was close to many restaurants. The sights are spread out, but the trains/tram can get you where you need to go.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Beautiful hotel in excellent location in Kyoto. Located steps away from the subway. Staff was very friendly, and helpful. The room was beautiful, clean and modern with more amenities than one would expect from a hotel at this price. They provided everything from complimentary internet to a beautiful tea set for your use to air / clothing freshener spray. […] The PJs were a nice touch. We loved our stay at the Monterey and would definitely recommend it. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

My friend and I shared a twin room for a week and were happy with everything about the Hotel Monterey Kyoto. Yes, the location is perfect. We also particularly valued the concierge service - the young women on duty most of the time spoke excellent English and were extremely courteous, warm and helpful. Our room overlooked a small urban garden with a […] pond and two swans. Yes, swans. The room was well appointed, comfortably spacious and tastefully decorated. Housekeeping was excellent - everything was spotless. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I purchased 4 nights here because of a great rate being offered by hotels.com. Everything about this hotel is great. The staff were super polite and everyone I spoke to could speak English VERY well. I asked about restaurants in the area and was quickly given an area restaurant guide that listed a bunch of local eateries by name, type of food, whether […] or not they had an English menu, hours and finally budget- VERY HELPFUL, I used this list everyday for lunch and dinner, the food was awesome. For breakfast I just grabbed something quick from one of the many convenience stores close by- Family Mart, Circle K, Lawson and 7 Eleven are all very close to the hotel. There is also a Fresca grocery about a block away. The overall hotel location is great, within walking distance of the Manga Museum, Gion, Pontocho, Nishiki Market and just a few blocks in either direction from the subway. I stayed here after staying 4 nights in hectic Tokyo and I must say I really enjoyed the laid-backness and overall charm of Kyoto. The hotel room itself was nice and spacious, especially by Japanese standards. I saw plenty of reviews prior to my stay stating that the rooms were super small, I disagree. Great rate, service, location- I would totally stay here again. The only drawback was they have a sweet hotspring on the top floor but I was denied access because I'm covered head to toe in tattoos and on the list of rules NO TATTOOS is number one- oh well, rules are rules but I sure would've loved to have had a soak or two- maybe next time? Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

location was in the center of the downtown business district so it convenient to shopping but not convenient to any of the tourist destinations. The hotel was very nicely appointed with a beautiful chapel which I assumed was for weddings.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Very nice hotel, 3 stops from JR station & within 1 block of subway if you take to correct exit. Can walk to shopping, Gion district, castle and palace or take subway one or two stops. 600 yen all day pass available on subway. Very nice hotel, small room by US standards but OK. Super staff. Lost earing in sink and within 15 minutes of report, maintenance […] man had sink apart, retrieved earring and reassembled. Conciere helpful and all had good English. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The only hotel in Japan we've been to with an ice machine! We were there in early September and the ice was MUCH appreciated. Otherwise it is a standard hotel. Hair dryer kind of weak. Comes with slippers and hotel gowns. No free breakfast. There is security on each floor so that you need a hotel keycard (so no access to the ice unless you're a guest!). […] The location is hard to beat. Very close to 3 Starbucks, and the train station., Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Great hotel! Would stay here again.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Our experience with Hotel Monterey Kyoto was mixed. The location is very convenient, less than half a block from the Karasume-oike subway station. The lobby and restaurant are nice, service was great. The rooms however were a major disappointment. Our room was the smallest room I have ever stayed in. There was literally no room to set down a suitcase […] unless you wanted to step over it constantly to get around the bed. We had to put our suitcases on the window sill. The bed was usual Japan uncomfortable (about the same as your typical Japan hotel bed). The pillows, however were HORRIBLE!!! So uncomfortable. I swear they felt like the were filled with sand rocks. I wanted to cut one open to find out for sure what those rock hard materials were. Lastly, I have a complaint about the 1,000 yen fee I was charged for losing one of the plastic hotel room keys. Most hotels don't even ask for these back. I can't believe I was charged the equivalent of $13 bucks for that. And no mention was made that this would happen when we checked in. Overall, this hotel does not merit the rates they charge, based on the microscopic rooms and uncomfortable pillows. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Backpackers always looking for a good deal, this hotel was so luxurious, we thought we were in the wrong spot! The room had all the conveniences, including cozy robe and slippers. The staff was very helpful in giving directions and recommending places to go that are not typically in travel books. There is a grocery store around the corner that you can […] fill your backpack up with lots of yummy japanese snacks for your hike. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This is part of chain of Japanese hotels and this particular one is in downtown Kyoto--the neighborhood is excellent. There is a large variety of restaurants, 3 blocks from the subway, and the service was top notch.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel was built only 3 years ago, but it has a stately 'fine' feel to it. Staff is extremely professional; they had two greeters before we even got to the desk. Everyone who worked there spoke English and I'm happy to say that this is probably the first hotel we've ever stayed at that gave us better local food recommendations than guidebooks. Do […] ask them for a list, because within 15 minutes walking you can find every major Japanese cuisine. Also nearby are a few museums, a major train stop, and Kyoto's covered outdoor street mall, connected to the oldest outdoor street mall in Asia (someone said about 1000 years old), where they still prepare foods and items--from bonito flakes to tea to pickled vegetables--right in front of you using traditional methods. Kyoto is unbelievably beautiful and this hotel is a perfect base for a visit. Rooms are larger than average, as clean as you'd expect in Japan, and bathrooms are markedly enormous compared to competitors in the price range, chock full of amenities. Also five or six doors down is a supermarket that carries great inexpensive bonito box lunches that rival some restaurants, as well as 'necessities' such as toothbrushes and chocolate. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

We stayed at this hotel after a long journey. It was so nice to have such pretty surroundings, stylish rooms, comfortable beds, and extremely helpful concierge service!

Genuine Expedia guest review

This was our third different hotel during our 2 week vacation, and 2nd Monterey hotel (first one was Osaka-read my review on that one in Osaka section). I would compare this hotel to our Kimpton hotels in the USA, boutique style, traditional higher end design. Like the Osaka Monterey (La Soeur) hotel, it had the wedding chapel and caters to wedding […] set. Our room was tiny like all the other Japanese hotels. Limited English spoken, location is excellent. Bonus: two bicycle rentals shops within 5 block radius. Super cheap to rent too: about $1 per hour! Imperial Palace Park is about 10 blocks away. Many shopping districts, great (inexpensive) noodle restaurants and old shrines, temples within minutes by foot. Also, two starbucks within a block, and a supermarket 1.5 blocks away. Beware: fruits are expensive in Japan! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel Monterey in Kyoto was fantastic--the hotel itself was beautiful and perfectly situated on a main street in the downtown. While there, I ended up getting a sinus infection and had to go to a doctor. I contacted the concierge for help and I can't speak more highly of them--they were absolutely wonderful and spent over an hour helping me find what […] I needed. Because of their help, I was able to enjoy the rest of the trip and have a painless 13hour flight back home. I would definitely stay here again! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The Montery Kyoto is a reasonably priced four star hotel that makes a good base for tourism in Kyoto. It is only a block away from access to both main Kyoto subway lines and a short taxi drive from the railway station; several good restaurants are within easy walking distance. Except for a minor water drainage problem in the bathtub the room was exceptionally […] nice. It was a decent size and quiet. Most of the staff spoke English well and were helpful with tourist and show information. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel Monterey Kyoto is a beautiful hotel located in central Kyoto. Although it's a bit away from "old Kyoto" the hotel itself is outstanding, first class all the way. Starting from their impressive lobby, through check out, my wife and I were treated like royality from the hotel's great staff. Our room was on the ninth floor and offered outstanding […] views of the surrounding neighborhood. The room was nice and big. It had a big, comfy bad and the bathroom was spotless. Can't go wrong with the Hotel Monterey Kyoto. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review