Published date: October 23, 2024
[Shinkansen View] New Hotel in Front of Kyoto Station
Room Type Stayed
Some info has been automatically translated by AI.
Experience of the stay
I stayed at DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station, which opened on March 29, 2024, through HafH!
It was an absolute delight for train enthusiasts... I was thrilled to have a room with a view of the Shinkansen.
When staying at the “DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station” for the first time, you might wonder what the hotel is like… (We shared the same curiosity.)
In conclusion, it was a conveniently located hotel close to Kyoto Station and the limousine bus stop, making it ideal for sightseeing near Kyoto Station.
【Access】
The hotel is a 5-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station, with no stairs, making it easy to move around with a suitcase. It’s also just a 6-minute walk from the airport limousine bus stop for excellent access!
Various train lines converge at Kyoto Station, allowing for efficient travel.
【Reservation details】
We booked a King Premium Room (room only) through HafH.
The bed was quite large, measuring 200cm x 195cm, and very comfortable.
【Interior】
The hotel features a modern Japanese atmosphere that incorporates traditional Kyoto crafts from the entrance. There’s a photo spot made of “Kita-Yama cedar” wood and also a spot with folding tea umbrellas.
【Welcome gift】
One of the fun aspects of staying at DoubleTree by Hilton is the welcome gift of special cookies! They are a popular item, American-sized cookies filled with lots of chocolate.
【Shinkansen view】
From Room 521 that we were assigned, we had a perfect view of the Shinkansen platform.
Watching the Shinkansen arrive and depart was thrilling, and the overlapping views of the tracks was a luxurious and delightful experience! It might not be visible in a few years due to building construction next door… so seize the opportunity now!
【Amenities】
Amenities are pre-set in the room. The yukata (Japanese robe) is designed in a Kyoto style featuring two types, allowing you to enjoy the travel vibe. We were pleased to find green tea and herbal tea available in addition to coffee and black tea.
【Dining】
We didn’t have meals at the hotel, but there was a discount for breakfast for guests. The breakfast buffet using ingredients from Kyoto is available from 7:00 to 10:00 (last order at 9:30), and you can use it without reservation.
The café on the first floor has long operating hours, from 8:00 to 23:00 (last order for food at 22:00, drinks at 22:30), making it convenient.
【Overall review】
It was a new and comfortable hotel! Being close to Kyoto Station, I recommend booking it for the first or last day of your trip.
Experiences during the trip
I stayed at DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station on the first night of my 4-night, 5-day trip to Kyoto. (The second night was at Galleria Nijo Castle, the third night at Le Fouquet’s Kyoto, and the fourth night at NOHGA Hotel Kyoto Shimizu.)
I booked this Kyoto trip entirely through the travel subscription service HafH!
We took a half day off on Friday and caught a JAL flight from Haneda Airport that departed at 15:00 to Osaka Itami Airport. We arrived at Itami Airport a little later than scheduled, around 16:25. After picking up our luggage, we took the airport limousine bus that departed at 16:50 and arrived at Kyoto Station in about 55 minutes.
Actually, Kyoto Station Building is one of Kyoto’s top gourmet spots with about 100 restaurants! It was great to have the hotel so close as we could easily go and enjoy more of Kyoto’s gourmet scene.
We set out from the hotel around 18:00 to explore Kyoto Station's dining options!
While enjoying the night view of Kyoto Station, we headed to the popular ramen restaurant “Daiichi Asahi” and then proceeded to Porta underground at Kyoto Station.
For dinner, we queued at the “French Tavern GOLD.”
Each dish was of high quality for the price, and the sauces were generous.
The blue crab pasta was packed with meat and extremely filling! Above all, the prices were reasonable, and we could relax and enjoy ourselves which was just perfect.
For breakfast, we ate at Inoda Coffee in the “Omotenashi Koji” area of Kyoto Station.
This location is a hidden gem with no lines compared to the main shop. The morning-only option “Kyoto breakfast” is available for 1,780 yen, and you can only order it from OPEN until 11:00.
Though it resembles a set menu like hotel breakfasts, the quality of each item was high, providing a great sense of satisfaction.
The texture of the salad was particularly remarkable, and I was impressed by the fresh vegetables!
The croissant, which I didn't expect much from, was incredibly delicious with a rich buttery aroma.
Additionally, the mixed juice was super delicious, so definitely give it a try!
After the meal, I recommend checking out the souvenir shop in the underground department store of JR Kyoto Isetan.
In the morning, the souvenir shops were also less crowded, and there were plenty of tastings available.
I hope this story becomes a reference for everyone's travel plans. If you liked it, please support me with a thumbs-up!