The Park Hyatt Kyoto delivered the best hotel service I've ever experienced and an 80,000-point redemption worth $5,000 in a property that perfectly blends modern luxury with traditional Japanese culture.
The Park Hyatt Kyoto sits in the heart of Kyoto's historic district, masterfully blending modern luxury with traditional Japanese design. This is what happens when a luxury hotel brand truly respects and integrates local culture.
The property opened with immediate acclaim, earning a Michelin Key and quickly becoming one of the most sought-after point redemptions in the World of Hyatt portfolio. Availability is notoriously difficult to find.
I used 80,000 World of Hyatt points for two nights in what would have been a $5,000 stay. Thanks to Explorist status, I was upgraded to one of two corner garden terrace rooms.
But the real story here isn't about the points value or the room upgrade. It's about experiencing service at a level I didn't know existed in hotels. Service so exceptional it rivals three Michelin star restaurants.
Here's my complete review of the Park Hyatt Kyoto, from the 300-million-year-old stones in the garden to the best French toast I've ever had.
I originally booked a standard two twin bed room. Thanks to World of Hyatt Explorist status, I was offered an upgrade to a one king bed garden terrace room.
Not just any terrace room either. One of the two corner terrace rooms, which might even beat a pagoda view.
The upgrade only came with one bed though, which presented a challenge since my travel companion needed a separate bed. They solved this with a rollaway. He took the rollaway since I used my points for the stay.
The room was incredibly spacious. A foyer, bathroom, ample closet space, and a massive bedroom.
The Foyer
Starting in the foyer, there was space to store shoes and drop a bag or two. The left wall had a massive bureau that held my checked bag while open.
Behind that was a mini-bar that deserves its own mention. The top had a coffee maker, bottled water, and some alcohol. Below were fancy pull-out drawers with snacks and drinks available for purchase.
On the right side of the foyer was a double-doored entrance to the bathroom, also accessible from the main bedroom.
The Bathroom
The bathroom featured a his and hers double sink vanity. Below was a Japanese woven basket that created beautiful patterns when the under-vanity lighting was on.
An individual toilet room housed a fully-featured Japanese toilet behind a mirrored door. There was also a stand with provisions like towels, dental kit, and shaving kit.
The walk-in shower was spacious with a tub next to it.
The bathroom was stocked with Le Labo amenities, typical for Park Hyatt properties.
The Bedroom
The corner bedroom had one king bed with side tables on each side. The bed was firm and incredibly comfortable for my two nights.
Across from the bed sat a couch and large armchair.
Waiting upon check-in was a basket of fresh fruit, a bottle of Ruinart Champagne, and a welcome note from the general manager. There was also a mini chocolate pagoda, which was frankly impressive.
Two sliding doors opened onto the terrace. Two chairs and a small table outside let us enjoy the champagne waiting in our room.
This is by far the most special property I've ever seen. The perfect blend between modern luxury and cultural relevance. Plopped square in the middle of Kyoto's hustle and bustle, it felt like a luxurious traditional Japanese property.
Arrival
When you first arrive, staff greet you at the front. You walk down a perfect walkway with a traditional wood awning.
This sits right next to the Pritzker Garden. The Pritzkers are the family that owns the Hyatt brands. The garden features 31 stones supposedly over 300 million years old, moved from the Pritzker's mountain residence in Aspen, Colorado. There's a plaque explaining all this. Weird flex, but ok.
The hallways are stunning. Minimalist Japanese design, slightly dark, with lantern lighting that's awesome.
The Lobby
The lobby is stunning with a bar, sit-down check-in area, both a concierge and front desk, plus bathrooms. The lobby floor also features the restaurant Kyoto Bistro.
The Gym & Bathhouse - Floor 3
The first main floor features the gym with great design but no outdoor views. All inner courtyard views.
Behind that is the bathhouse with a locker room plus amenities like dry sauna, steam room, showers, cold plunge, and hot jacuzzi.
We ironically made friends in the jacuzzi with fellow points and miles enthusiasts. We've kept in touch even after our stay.
Teppanyaki & Bar - Floor 4
Moving up to the fourth floor, you'll find the Teppanyaki restaurant and a bar with outdoor lounge space between the two venues. Both have floor-to-ceiling glass walls with views of the pagoda.
We met our newfound friends at the bar one night for drinks. Some of the best views I've ever seen at a bar. What a place to enjoy a drink.
Library - Floor 5
The fifth floor had a library and study area that was quiet. Perfect for getting work done. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked Kyoto, though unfortunately not the pagoda. You could see tons of greenery and typical Kyoto design though, which was absolutely beautiful.
Yasaka
There's also a two Michelin star restaurant, Yasaka, that we didn't go to. Our friends did and said it was very good.
The food and beverage at this property was top notch. I only ordered breakfast since it was included with our room, and it didn't disappoint.
If you frequent this blog, you know I'm a sucker for good hotel breakfast. This delivered.
There are two options: Western and Japanese menu. Both come with access to the buffet.
The Japanese breakfast is recommended to order in advance since they sometimes sell out. It's guaranteed if you order ahead. There's also a small supplement charge. The Japanese breakfast is created by the two Michelin star Yasaka.
My companion ordered it one day and said it was really good and unique, but he wouldn't do it again.
The Western breakfast can be ordered on demand. You can order whatever you want off the a-la-carte menu.
Over my two days, I ordered one of everything off the Western menu. The highlight was the French toast. Easily the best French toast I've ever had.
If I could make a comparison, this service would be like three Michelin star service. Although the hotel only has one Michelin Key, the service was by far the best I've ever received.
We were seated for check-in. Both the manager and front desk agent came over to welcome us, take our passports, and offer a welcome drink. We both chose champagne.
After that, the manager gave me a personal tour of the property including all amenities. His name was Yo, and he deserves special recognition for how good he was. Incredibly knowledgeable about both the property and Japanese culture.
Every time we walked by any staff member, they stopped what they were doing, acknowledged you with a bow, then continued once you left. Unlike anything I've ever seen before. Truly stellar service.
The room was made up every day and was spotless. Waters restocked, and they learned your preferences too.
Everyone was so unbelievably friendly. I can't imagine any better service.
I booked a standard room for 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night, totaling 80,000 points for two nights.
The real problem is that availability is hard to come by. I found this the day the points calendar opened up, about five weeks before my stay.
Most people either need to book when the calendar opens around a year out, or super close in. Last-minute availability is increasingly difficult to find.
The room we had starts at about $2,500 USD per night, so this was an exceptional redemption.
The Park Hyatt Kyoto isn't just one of the best hotels I've stayed at. It's the best service I've ever experienced anywhere.
The property itself is stunning. The blend of modern luxury and traditional Japanese design feels effortless rather than forced. From the lantern-lit hallways to the pagoda views from the fourth-floor bar, every detail reinforces that you're somewhere special.
The room was spectacular, especially for a points upgrade. Corner terrace rooms with champagne and fresh fruit waiting, Le Labo amenities throughout, and thoughtful Japanese touches like the woven basket under the vanity creating beautiful patterns when lit.
The food exceeded expectations. That French toast alone justified breakfast, and having unlimited access to the Western a-la-carte menu meant I could try everything over two mornings.
But the service is what sets this property apart from every other luxury hotel. Yo's personal property tour, staff stopping to bow every time you passed, spotless daily housekeeping that learned your preferences. This is three Michelin star level hospitality in hotel form.
At 40,000 points per night for rooms that retail at $2,500, this represents exceptional value. The challenge is actually finding availability. Book when the calendar opens a year out, or get lucky within a few weeks of your stay like I did.
The Park Hyatt Kyoto proves that luxury hotels can authentically integrate local culture without sacrificing modern comfort or service excellence. It's set an impossibly high bar for every hotel stay going forward.
If you have the points and can find availability, book this immediately. It's worth the effort.
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The Park Hyatt Kyoto sits in the heart of Kyoto's historic district, masterfully blending modern luxury with traditional Japanese design. This is what happens when a luxury hotel brand truly respects and integrates local culture.
The property opened with immediate acclaim, earning a Michelin Key and quickly becoming one of the most sought-after point redemptions in the World of Hyatt portfolio. Availability is notoriously difficult to find.
I used 80,000 World of Hyatt points for two nights in what would have been a $5,000 stay. Thanks to Explorist status, I was upgraded to one of two corner garden terrace rooms.
But the real story here isn't about the points value or the room upgrade. It's about experiencing service at a level I didn't know existed in hotels. Service so exceptional it rivals three Michelin star restaurants.
Here's my complete review of the Park Hyatt Kyoto, from the 300-million-year-old stones in the garden to the best French toast I've ever had.
I originally booked a standard two twin bed room. Thanks to World of Hyatt Explorist status, I was offered an upgrade to a one king bed garden terrace room.
Not just any terrace room either. One of the two corner terrace rooms, which might even beat a pagoda view.
The upgrade only came with one bed though, which presented a challenge since my travel companion needed a separate bed. They solved this with a rollaway. He took the rollaway since I used my points for the stay.
The room was incredibly spacious. A foyer, bathroom, ample closet space, and a massive bedroom.
The Foyer
Starting in the foyer, there was space to store shoes and drop a bag or two. The left wall had a massive bureau that held my checked bag while open.
Behind that was a mini-bar that deserves its own mention. The top had a coffee maker, bottled water, and some alcohol. Below were fancy pull-out drawers with snacks and drinks available for purchase.
On the right side of the foyer was a double-doored entrance to the bathroom, also accessible from the main bedroom.
The Bathroom
The bathroom featured a his and hers double sink vanity. Below was a Japanese woven basket that created beautiful patterns when the under-vanity lighting was on.
An individual toilet room housed a fully-featured Japanese toilet behind a mirrored door. There was also a stand with provisions like towels, dental kit, and shaving kit.
The walk-in shower was spacious with a tub next to it.
The bathroom was stocked with Le Labo amenities, typical for Park Hyatt properties.
The Bedroom
The corner bedroom had one king bed with side tables on each side. The bed was firm and incredibly comfortable for my two nights.
Across from the bed sat a couch and large armchair.
Waiting upon check-in was a basket of fresh fruit, a bottle of Ruinart Champagne, and a welcome note from the general manager. There was also a mini chocolate pagoda, which was frankly impressive.
Two sliding doors opened onto the terrace. Two chairs and a small table outside let us enjoy the champagne waiting in our room.
This is by far the most special property I've ever seen. The perfect blend between modern luxury and cultural relevance. Plopped square in the middle of Kyoto's hustle and bustle, it felt like a luxurious traditional Japanese property.
Arrival
When you first arrive, staff greet you at the front. You walk down a perfect walkway with a traditional wood awning.
This sits right next to the Pritzker Garden. The Pritzkers are the family that owns the Hyatt brands. The garden features 31 stones supposedly over 300 million years old, moved from the Pritzker's mountain residence in Aspen, Colorado. There's a plaque explaining all this. Weird flex, but ok.
The hallways are stunning. Minimalist Japanese design, slightly dark, with lantern lighting that's awesome.
The Lobby
The lobby is stunning with a bar, sit-down check-in area, both a concierge and front desk, plus bathrooms. The lobby floor also features the restaurant Kyoto Bistro.
The Gym & Bathhouse - Floor 3
The first main floor features the gym with great design but no outdoor views. All inner courtyard views.
Behind that is the bathhouse with a locker room plus amenities like dry sauna, steam room, showers, cold plunge, and hot jacuzzi.
We ironically made friends in the jacuzzi with fellow points and miles enthusiasts. We've kept in touch even after our stay.
Teppanyaki & Bar - Floor 4
Moving up to the fourth floor, you'll find the Teppanyaki restaurant and a bar with outdoor lounge space between the two venues. Both have floor-to-ceiling glass walls with views of the pagoda.
We met our newfound friends at the bar one night for drinks. Some of the best views I've ever seen at a bar. What a place to enjoy a drink.
Library - Floor 5
The fifth floor had a library and study area that was quiet. Perfect for getting work done. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked Kyoto, though unfortunately not the pagoda. You could see tons of greenery and typical Kyoto design though, which was absolutely beautiful.
Yasaka
There's also a two Michelin star restaurant, Yasaka, that we didn't go to. Our friends did and said it was very good.
The food and beverage at this property was top notch. I only ordered breakfast since it was included with our room, and it didn't disappoint.
If you frequent this blog, you know I'm a sucker for good hotel breakfast. This delivered.
There are two options: Western and Japanese menu. Both come with access to the buffet.
The Japanese breakfast is recommended to order in advance since they sometimes sell out. It's guaranteed if you order ahead. There's also a small supplement charge. The Japanese breakfast is created by the two Michelin star Yasaka.
My companion ordered it one day and said it was really good and unique, but he wouldn't do it again.
The Western breakfast can be ordered on demand. You can order whatever you want off the a-la-carte menu.
Over my two days, I ordered one of everything off the Western menu. The highlight was the French toast. Easily the best French toast I've ever had.
If I could make a comparison, this service would be like three Michelin star service. Although the hotel only has one Michelin Key, the service was by far the best I've ever received.
We were seated for check-in. Both the manager and front desk agent came over to welcome us, take our passports, and offer a welcome drink. We both chose champagne.
After that, the manager gave me a personal tour of the property including all amenities. His name was Yo, and he deserves special recognition for how good he was. Incredibly knowledgeable about both the property and Japanese culture.
Every time we walked by any staff member, they stopped what they were doing, acknowledged you with a bow, then continued once you left. Unlike anything I've ever seen before. Truly stellar service.
The room was made up every day and was spotless. Waters restocked, and they learned your preferences too.
Everyone was so unbelievably friendly. I can't imagine any better service.
I booked a standard room for 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night, totaling 80,000 points for two nights.
The real problem is that availability is hard to come by. I found this the day the points calendar opened up, about five weeks before my stay.
Most people either need to book when the calendar opens around a year out, or super close in. Last-minute availability is increasingly difficult to find.
The room we had starts at about $2,500 USD per night, so this was an exceptional redemption.
The Park Hyatt Kyoto isn't just one of the best hotels I've stayed at. It's the best service I've ever experienced anywhere.
The property itself is stunning. The blend of modern luxury and traditional Japanese design feels effortless rather than forced. From the lantern-lit hallways to the pagoda views from the fourth-floor bar, every detail reinforces that you're somewhere special.
The room was spectacular, especially for a points upgrade. Corner terrace rooms with champagne and fresh fruit waiting, Le Labo amenities throughout, and thoughtful Japanese touches like the woven basket under the vanity creating beautiful patterns when lit.
The food exceeded expectations. That French toast alone justified breakfast, and having unlimited access to the Western a-la-carte menu meant I could try everything over two mornings.
But the service is what sets this property apart from every other luxury hotel. Yo's personal property tour, staff stopping to bow every time you passed, spotless daily housekeeping that learned your preferences. This is three Michelin star level hospitality in hotel form.
At 40,000 points per night for rooms that retail at $2,500, this represents exceptional value. The challenge is actually finding availability. Book when the calendar opens a year out, or get lucky within a few weeks of your stay like I did.
The Park Hyatt Kyoto proves that luxury hotels can authentically integrate local culture without sacrificing modern comfort or service excellence. It's set an impossibly high bar for every hotel stay going forward.
If you have the points and can find availability, book this immediately. It's worth the effort.
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