Trying to decide between the Osaka Hilton or the Hankyo International. Prices won't be the decisive factor as both are in my price range. Ambiance, Service & Location will be. Any comments or suggestions? Also which stop of the airport limousine bus from Itami airport is the correct one for each hotel?

The locations are just about the same...equidistant to the staion. Service in Japanese hotels is always good. The Hilton is a bit more upscale than the New Hankyu. The limo bus goes to both hotels, with the New Hankyu hotel being the New Hankyu stop, and the HIlton is across from the Hanshin and Herbis Osaka stops. I'd pick the Hilton, though prices for the New Hankyu are usually quite a bit lower than the Hilton.

Kim; It's not the New Hankyo, but the Hankyo International. They are 2 different properties, I guess belonging to the same chain. I was asking because my "japan tour guide" recommmended the Hankyo International.
I'll be taking a cruise departing from Osaka, but have "mixed feelings" in staying in Osaka rather than in Kyoto. There are tons of things to do & see in Kyoto, but Osaka is closer to the port. Any feedback, so I'll decide where to stay.
Thanks.

OK. The limo bus doesn't stop there as far as I can tell. It says on the Japanese site that it's 10 minutes walk from Osaka station or 3 minutes walk from subway station. Location isn't as easy as the Hilton for train or for limo bus.

Through August, they have great rates...¥19,000 superior double, ¥26,000 deluxe double. Looks like you can add ¥2000 for 2 breakfasts to those rates as well. Their English website is less than functional though.

Note that both hotels you mention will require a taxi to the cruise port if you have any amount of luggage, as it isn't easy to navigate subway with luggage, and the subway station to the cruise ship dock is a bit of a walk. If you are staying there just to be close to the port, don't. Stay in Kyoto, and when you need to go to the port, take a train to Osaka and pick up a taxi.

I think the decision to stay in Kyoto is almost done, but have a HUGE concern. Your comment on: "when need to go to the port take a train to Osaka & then a taxi to the port".
With 3 big pieces of luggage, the train is not an option. What's the distance from Kyoto to the port? I"ll probably have to hire a driver for the ride. Any idea of the cost?
Also, any recommendation for a hotel in Kyoto?

You know, I'm not sure exactly, but it won't be cheap from Kyoto to the port - I'm thinking at least ¥10,000 but probably more like ¥20,000. You could e-mail the hotel and ask them if they could recommend a taxi company or service. This company has quite a few services for foreigners and is reputable though not cheap...you could e-mail them for a price. http://www.mk-group.co.jp/english/.

In Kyoto, the Hyatt, Granvia and Okura are all nice and have been liked by other posters here.

Kim; Thanks so much for your replies, they have been very helpful, still have few questions. Final decision, will stay at the Hyatt in Kyoto for 5 nights.Is the hotel location GOOD for walks & restaurants?. Will take the limousine bus service at Itami aiport, how far from the airport to Kyoto? Which ticket to buy at the airport & which stop to get out of the bus. Kyoto sights are wide spread, so decided to hire a private tour guide for 2 full days. 1 full day for Kyoto & the other day to Nara. Should I do Osaka & Nara on the same day? Or Nara & something else & take the train on our own to Osaka another day. We do not feel very comfortable doing many things on our own for an awful experience in Naples, Italy. I know this a very different country but want to be on the safe side. I emailed the car service for the transfer to the pier, no reply yet.

With two days, I suggest that you just tour Kyoto. You can skip Nara unless there is a site there that you are particularly interested in (even then, with only two days, you could skip it). No need to go to Osaka at all.

Kyoto certainly is not Naples. Japan is very safe. Safety is not really a reason to get a tour guide in Kyoto, but the convenience and professional service that you will get are. The convenience is important with only two days.

You will easily fill your time in Kyoto.

Limo bus information here: http://www.okkbus.co.jp/timetable/un...;rosen=itm_kyt
I don't see the Hyatt as a stop, so you could go to Kyoto station and take a taxi. In fact, that's what the Hyatt recommends you do. http://kyoto.regency.hyatt.com/hyatt...pMapDirections

Like MrW said, Kyoto is no Naples. It is very safe, and relatively easy to get around. Kyoto sees the most foreign tourists of anywhere in Japan and is very tourist friendly. It's easy to go from place to place by taxi or bus or subway, taxi being the easiest and most convenient...also not too badly priced, under 1000 yen for tourist sight to sight in our experience.

MrW. I have 4 full days in Kyoto. I just hired the private tour guide for 2 days, 1 day for Kyoto & the other day for Nara. The other 2 days I"ll tour on my own around Kyoto. Not interested in Hiroschima, so opted to tour Nara, or another suggestion that you or KimJapan may have.
Thanks to both of you