Hotel Monterey Kyoto

We choose this hotel because it showed good reviews and it seemed trust worthy. Well Me and My girlfriend recently stayed at this hotel May 1 to May 2. I called the front desk in the morning on May 2 to ask how much it would cost for a late checkout. The person who answered the phone said it would be about 1300 yen and the latest we could check out […] is 2pm. The person never said it would cost $13.00 per hour. So I went down stairs to the front desk around 10am to pay the 1300 yen but the person at the front desk said I need to pay when I check out at 2pm. That person also didn't mentioned to me that it was $13.00 per hour. No one !! told us that it would cost $13.00 per hour. When we finally checked out at 2pm I was totally shocked when the front desk charged us an additional 4,000 yen. If we had known that we would be charged $40.00 we would have "never" stayed 3 hours longer!!! I recently emailed the hotel management when I got back home to explain to them exactly what happened. They emailed me back saying sorry for the miss communication but we cannot refund you. They didn't even try to offer a hour refund for the miss communication. Geez ! The total cost we payed for our stay at this hotel $150 for one night and we thought we were getting a good deal not ripped offed ! I would definitely choose another hotel before booking this one. Last thing you need on your vacation is to be rippe off. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Rooms are a little small, but the convenience of the location more than makes up for that. Convenience stores, grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants -- all just a minute or two away. The subway station is just three short blocks away, and it's a hub. Staff is friendly and efficient. Two pluses in the small room: the window opens, and there's an […] air purifier. This has been my hotel of choice in Kyoto for several years now, confirmed by my most recent stay. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel Monterrey has character, which is not something you could say about most Japanese hotels. Most are bland to the extreme. The Monterrey, which was converted from an old bank, has a lovely, sophisticated lobby, and the rooms are done by a tasteful decorator. Ours had bold red stripes on the walls, and the high ceilings were a cheerful yellow with […] pink accents. Most rooms are pretty darn small, which can't be helped, though they try their best to make the most our of the space. My primary complaint is the location. Although the hotel is one block from a subway station (Karasuma station), the subway doesn't take you to most of the places a tourist would want to go. Most people take the bus -- and unless you want to transfer 2-3 times, most bus stops that get you where you need to go are a good 5-8 blocks away on Oike Dori or Kawaramachi Dori. The Monterrey is in a business area primarily, so the only thing that caters to tourists nearby are two Starbucks and a drugstore. Otherwise, it's mainly banks and offices. If I were doing it again, I'd prefer to stay closer to where the action is. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I booked this hotel 2 months ago and got a very good rate. Check in was easy.The hotel has more of a European feel, although was somewhat dark with the blue decor. The room size is smaller than US standards, but relatively well organized, although the bathroom was slightly cramped, with no counter space (just shelves). Shower pressure was good, as well […] as the bidet toilet. It came equipped with disposable toothbrushes, hairbrush, and razor, as well as PJs and slippers. There was a hot water heater as well as tea for drinking. No complimentary water. The bed was on the firmer side, but still comfortable. We were able to change out the pillows and comforter due to feather/down allergies. Wifi was easy to log on and there was no trouble getting on the internet with the laptop, Ipad or Iphone. The staff was helpful in making restaurant reservations, taking care of stamps and mailing out postcards, as well as directing us to the grocery store (1 block south) and the bike rental place (Inoue-ya, 1 block West, $735Yen per day). They let us store the bikes overnight in the parking area. We didn't get a chance to try the restaurant or the baths. Location was great for this hotel. Very central, 1.5 blocks away from the subway, in walking distance to most sightseeing in downtown. Grocery store, convenience stores (including 7-11, which was 2 blocks away), bike rental were all close by. Cons: Small sized bathroom, no in-room safe Pros: Helpful staff, location, Wifi Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Cons: small rooms, but not uncomfortable for two average Americans (5'4" and 6'1", medium builds) w/2 backpacks, 2 carry-ons. Noise level was high in the mornings (8am onward) despite bein far from the elevator, although perhaps due to noisy neighbors. Pros: Location to central bus routes, very walkable to downtown/central K, but not in the middle […] of everything either. EXCELLENT concierge. By far the most patient and helpful we enountered in Japan. Other pros include promixity to Gogyo (must-try burnt style ramen), windows that open a bit for fresh air, comfortable bed, and interesting ambience/decor (modeled off Scottish vibes; one could easily picture Gothic-Lolitas having tea here). For convenience, Doutour, Lawson's, Starbucks, Family Mart, Circle K, are very close. Misc note: coming out of the subway station (ack threw out the map but it's two away from Kyoto station), exit 5 is closest.Exit 3 has an elevator but you'll walk a bit farther and watch out bc you're in an intersection with lots of bicycle traffic and in Kyoto you can bike on the sidewalks. The hotel's sign is not that visible from far away, but from the subway it will be on your right hand side on that main street. Tripadvisor's free city guide app (doesn't use data) was also very helpful for navigating around Kyoto. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Close enough to the subway and food. Small-ish rooms (as seems to be true in all of Japan) but clean and comfortable.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The Monterey in Kyoto is reasonably priced, well-appointed rooms, and a fantastic friendly staff. They even arranged for a delicious cake for our stay as one member of my party was celebrating a birthday. Service was friendly, and they went out of their way to make our stay great.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great Location! You can hoop in and out to the train station anytime because the station is just underneath the hotel so it saves your time. It's so closed to Namba. You can eat and shop there! The only complain I have, the pillow is so uncomfortable compare with hotel monterey in Kyoto.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Excellent choice for a business hotel: there is adequate room to move about around the bed and desk, individual bathroom nicely designed, superior security, convenient location.

Genuine Expedia guest review

We were in Kyoto for 3 nights and enjoyed staying at this hotel. Hotel staff was friendly and helpful in answering our sightseeing inquiries. Conveniently located near a train station, restaurants, and shops!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This is a great value for a Japanese hotel, seems to have been remodeled more recently than most. More room than many Japanese hotels, and convenient to subway and restaurants.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Your Review Hotel Monterey Kyoto Original room was just large enough for a double bed (AFAIK, it was 20 sq meters); this was unsatisfactory. A regular twin room might have been a bit bigger (26 sq m?). We asked for a larger room & for a supplemental charge were upgraded to a "twin corner" room that was double the size & was quite satisfactory. All […] in all, we were pleased with the hotel & its convenient location for the activities we had in mind. AFIK, the relatively modest supplement might have been a one-shot accommodation. As the saying goes, your mileage may vary Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

We enjoyed are stay at this hotel as it was very convenient to the subway and buses where we could access the entire city easily. The staff spoke some English which was helpful. The rooms were very tiny which was okay with us since we were out and about all day and just used the hotel to sleep. I would stay here again.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

It was a wonderful experience. The staff were friendly and helpful and the rooms were comfortable and clean.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Very good stay. Location is adequate but not very near sites.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel itself is very riitzy. Walking to the front desk in casual clothing felt inappropriate. The hotel is very accommodating. The location is nice and close to the shopping arcades and Karasumaoike station. Unfortunately, just about everything else in Kyoto requires bus or train, along with ample walking, to see. The train almost always required […] traveling back to Kyoto Station for 210 yen. It wasn't that much money but it was bothersome to always have to make the transfer. The area around the hotel has great shopping and eating all within a 20 minute walk. The concierge is more than happy to help you find out what you are needing to know. If I come back to Kyoto, I will make sure to stay next to Kyoto Station. This hotel is very nice though and a prime choice for where it's located. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

It was top rate! They had another desk in the lobby that just assisted guest with directions and travel tips and this was so helpful! The one thing that may have been helpful is the ability to have a small microwave available in the room or on the floor to assist in breakfast or snacks. Otherwise, we felt very welcomed, and were well taken care of!

Genuine Expedia guest review

Comfortable room, centrally located and most helpful staff at reception. I'd certainly stay there again!

Genuine Expedia guest review

This place was fabulous. If you are traveling to Kyoto on business or sightseeing in Kyoto for the first time, stay here. It was beautiful, clean and had very easy access to the best train lines for getting around the city. And the surrounding neighborhood is beautiful and fun to walk around at any time of day or night. The only drawback was that the […] room was very small. Even smaller than our Tokyo room. Also, if you have been to Kyoto before, you might prefer staying in a less busy area. But overall, my wife and I loved this place. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I have only good things to say about this hotel. The lobby and restaurant are lovely, but I cannot speak to the quality of the food as I did not eat in the hotel. The staff was very friendly and helpful, particularly the concierge who made great recommendations for local restuarants. The hotel is in a good location away from the congestion of Kyoto […] station, but conveniently located near Gion, Nijo Castle, shopping and restaurants with good access to bus and subway. There are also many convenience stores nearby where you can pick up breakfast and picnic lunch items. My room was small as is typical in Japan, but quite comfortable and immaculately clean, also typical. There was a sign in the room touting the delicioius mineral spring water piped into each room, which is a special characteristic of the Hotel Monterey Kyoto, and they are right, it is delicious water. My room was on the back side of the building and had a lovely view of the mountains surrounding Kyoto. I got a very reasonable rate through Expedia and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

great location, friendly staff, nice property, very clean. overall a great choice.

Genuine Expedia guest review

This hotel was in a good location to go anywhere in the Kyoto area. Just a few subway stops from Kyoto Station, but in a much nicer neighborhood. Easy access to buses and trains. The hotel room was small but comfortable. Free wifi throughout the hotel was a big plus. The concierge was very patient and helpful for selecting restaurants and making reservations […] for us. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The room is tiny, but i guess it is the trend of Janpanese hotel.

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Apart from the dreadful experience with both employees I have dealt with in the front desk, the hotel itself is very nice and has a great location. The staff in the front desk is not helpful and have no politeness when talking to guests (not only me, but other guests made the exact same comment on check-out)

Genuine Expedia guest review

My friend and I really enjoyed this hotel even though it was only for 1 night. It has a very boutique, high class feel. Our room was a bit small (which I assume most Japanese hotel rooms are) but well decorated/renovated and pleasing to the eyes. The free wi-fi helped, as it is surprisingly not offered everywhere. The hotel was walking distance from […] train & subway station, castle and shopping. We walked to Gion and Yasaka Shrine too, which might be a bit of a walk for some, but we were able to do it. The subway station is a block away from the hotel and can take you there. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This is an update to our review of this same hotel last year as we were back in Kyoto this past week and stayed there again. We picked this hotel originally for its location near the center of the city and close to the Kyoto Train Station where the Shinkansen (or "Bullet" trains) come in from Tokyo. The hotel is close to shopping and dining areas (both […] old and new). It is easy to move around the city from this location. The hotel is comfortable (see comment below), easy to get to, and may have decent views (ours was of a business building across the street). We have still not eaten in the restaurant at the hotel but have had drinks in the bar. The beds did not seem as comfortable as before. My wife complained how hard the bed was (& pillows) and did not sleep well. The desk staff had no problem with English if that is your first language. This is an upscale hotel and the beds could be better. This is part of a chain that includes a hotel in Osaka that we have reviewed with the same problems with the beds. While we would stay here again if necessary, we might look for another hotel with better sleeping conditions next time but the location is very good for us. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We received a 40% discount due to a 4 day stay so enjoyed an upscale environment at reasonable cost. Rooms very small and bed on the hard side which seems to be the norm in Japan.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

HMK is not a bad hotel; it certainly is not a memorable one though. It is in a good location, walking distance from major tourists sites, restaurants, shops and more. A quick three stoops to the central train station, the HMK is a good choice for getting to and getting around. The front desk personnel are pleasant, friendly and helpful. Rooms are small […] but functional and quiet. Nothing great here, but a dependable choice for a good stay in a fascinating city. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great location, specious rooms and very nice staff. Enjoyed the stay (4 nights), and if were to come back to Kyoto will definetly stay at this hotel again.

Genuine Expedia guest review

This hotel is quite nice, has a good location and will allow you to get to know Kyoto since it is locate near metro, JR and bus stops.

Genuine Expedia guest review

hotel was very accomodating. Easy to get to off of the subway. Room view that we got was the not best, but was able to see the main street. No noise issue from the street. Closet space here was very tight, not ideal for one to stay long term here, no drawers etc to place your belongings. Free wi-fi which was good, room AC was a bit hard to understand […] control but we eventually were able to get it squared away. With a small tattoo on my arm, I was not allowed to enjoy the onsen at this site. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

We stayed in Hotel Monterey on April 9-10 2012. The hotel is definitely a solid 3-star, not more, not less. It's very clean and the staff is very friendly and helpful. The spa is great if you like onsen /hot springs. The room we had was very small. We had the breakfast buffet and it wasn't very good but it was very convenient. The hotel is very close […] to the subway. In hindsight we would've stayed in a nicer hotel but Hotel Monterey was as advertised and expected. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Close to shops, sights, restaurants, and subway. Great location! Nice hotel. Will stay there again.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We were in Kyoto to attend a conference. The accomodations were excellent, the neighborhood was nice and had everything we needed or wanted, and the subway was handy for travel to/from the conference and places we wanted to visit.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

My second time staying here, this hotel is great. Friendly staff, comfortable rooms and this hotel is pretty much close to everything. Anything that is out of walking distance can be reached in minutes via subway or taxi. Would definitely stay here again.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel Monterrey was very nice. The rooms are very clean, albeit small. It's along the main road, so it's fairly convenient to get to and from the train station (with a cab ride).

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Good location, within walking distance of shopping arcades and plenty of restaurants. Also near public transportation. The room was very small, but adequate. But, the price point was excellent. Would not recommend for stays longer than 2 or 3 nights. But, you're in Kyoto so who lives in their hotel room? Overall, a good hotel with a courteous staff […] . Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great hotel! Very happy with our stay and would definitely recommend. Pros: - 1.5 blocks from Karasuma Oike station (take exit 6, turn right and walk about a block) - 4 blocks from Shijo street, bus station, lots of department stores and restaurants. - Starbucks across the street, Fresco, Lawson, 7-11 within a block. - Very clean, room is not big, […] but good for Japan, comfortable. Normal size western bathroom. - Reasonable price - Hotel looks new, very professional - Front desk very helpful and friendly. Mailed a postcard from the front desk, they had a binder with all the stamps. He even put the stamp on for me. - Concierge useful. Able to buy the all day bus pass (RECOMMEND) for 500yen from the concierge. They also gave us a map for the bus in English, which bus to take, and a map of where the bus station is. - Have comfortable pajamas, hotpot in room with tea, LCD tv, nice room. Cons: - Funny stripe decor, but didn't really bother us too much. - No fitness center or health club! Only irritated cause EXPEDIA says they have a health club. There is a spa/massage place only. The hotel website does not indicate a health club. - English at the front desk and concierge was not perfect, but they tried very hard to help. Would definitely stay again. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

I love the location of this hotel, close to bus and subway lines. The staff is very helpful and pleasant. The room was always clean. My only complaint was the temperature was set a little too warm for my liking. Other than that, it's a wonderful hotel!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This hotel exceeded all expectations - it was centrally located with great access to subways, buses and just two stops from the main Kyoto train station. The size of the room was standard for Japan - by western standards a small, but extremely well laid out and clean. The added bonus of the free english newspaper was great to wake up and see at our […] door. We stayed for four days and were extremely happy. The cost per night was very affordable. We'd definitely recommend this hotel. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel is nice, centrally located, fairly close to a subway station and major bus stop and the bed was comfortable. My only real complaint that the room was small. Barely enough room for someone to walk between the end of the bed, and the desk positioned against the wall on the other side of the room.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great value for the price. Staff very helpful with directions and advice on buses.

Genuine Expedia guest review

We selected this hotel based on recommendations online. For the price, it was a very nice room in central Kyoto. We could walk to Gion and the Imperial Palace (15 minutes) and there were plenty of restaurants down the side streets. The hotel was quiet and the bathrooms were immaculate. This hotel caters to the Japanese market, as you can tell by the […] decor. All of the staff were absolutely wonderful. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to two subway stations and bus routes to major sightseeing sites. There are several convenience stores, two Starbucks shops, and one small grocery store close by. It is on a trendy street with modern office buildings, book stores, shops selling arts and expensive clothings, etc. The hotel looks […] very modern and tastefully designed and furnished. Its staff are very polite, some speak good English. The room is large by Japanese standards. We had a small room, which, however, was large enough to accomodate two of us and several pieces of luggage. It is equipped with a LCD television. a refrigerator, and an electric hot water pot. In-room high speed Internet is free. The bathroom is spotlessly clean. Hot water flows out instantly. An abundance of toiletries are provided. The toilet itself is of high-tech construction: heated seat, jet sprays, etc. The room is very quiet, its deco pleasing. We were very impressed. Kyoto has many beautiful sites. Besides the temples and castles, we recommend the Miho Museum, an architectural beauty designed by I. M. Pei. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

For the money and location, Hotel Monterey might just be the best buy in Kyoto. The hotel is located on one of Kyoto's major streets (convenient for taxi and bus), one block from a Metro Station (necessary to visit many of the landmarks and attractions in the immediate area) and a US$14.00 taxi ride to the Kyoto Station. Be sure and purchase an All-Day […] Pass for Metro (and combined with bus if you plan to use both). Pass makes using the Metro easier, less expensive than multiple tickets in a single day. A major shopping street is only 4 blocks south, Imperial Palace grounds six blocks north, Post Office just 4 very short blocks to the east (for ATM, foreigners must use Post Office machine - opened 24-hours a day). Numerous shops and restaurants in the east-side neighborhood stretching about 1/4th of a mile on the east side of the street. Room size was convenient for single occupant. Plenty of storage space; pajamas available; huge bathroom tub for hot-water soaking after a long day of sightseeing! Very quiet and complimentary International Herald Tribune every morning. Draw backs: staff with limited English language ability; food in the hotel is expensive! Breakfast buffet during my visit: US$35.00. Several coffee shops, including a huge Starbucks, with sandwiches and pastries, near-by. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

My wife and I were very impressed by the Hotel Monterey Kyoto. The price was as low as a bare bones business hotel, but the experience was of a much nicer hotel. The room was not large, but this is in Japan so it is to be expected. The location is great, convenient to multiple subway lines, bus stations, and the Nishiki and Shoji shopping areas. We'll […] be looking for Hotel Montereys whenever we travel to Japan from now on. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review