$$$$, Kamigyo-ku
Fodor's Review:
The Brighton, on a quiet side street close to the Imperial Palace, is one of the city's best top-end Western-style hotels. Its simple, clean design gives it an airy and spacious quality lacking in most other Kyoto hotels. Hallways circle a central atrium with glass elevators, and plants hang from the banisters of every floor. Rooms are large by Japanese standards, with separate seating areas that include a couch and TV. Forever updating and upgrading its facilities, the hotel installed a water-purification system to keep the PH balance just right. An excellent concierge staff will help you plan your sightseeing. Be sure to visit the restaurant, Hotaru; the resident chef won the renowned (and nationally televised) Iron Chef contest for his inventive cuisine. Lunch kaiseki obento at ¥3,700 include 12 different dishes.
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