Trying to decide between the Westin Miyako or the Kyoto Hyatt Regency. Two very different styles of properties, we are a bit more traditional that prefers an hotel with an old world charm, but a sleek, modern hotel will be acceptable. My priorities are accomodations (size of rooms), location & service. Are all rooms at the Miyako refurbished?. I do not want a room with a 70 look. I know the Hyatt is a new property. Some feedback will be appreciated.

For old world charm, I would consider the Okura in Kyoto.

We recently stayed at the Hyatt Regency.The decor was sleek modern with gorgeous traditional Japanese accents.The staff went out of their way in making arrangements for us and helped us sort out a problem that seemed to come from left field.It is also very close to Sanjussangendo and across the street from the Kyoto National Museum.Rooms were spacious.I would highly recommend the hotel.

Doris:

If you want the experience of a quasi- Ryokan, I suggest the Three Sisters Inn Annex...we delighted in our 5 night stay there last month. We can highly recommend this wonderful inn...good location, lovely, caring hostess (one of the sisters, Kay Yamada).

Bus stop nearby to everywhere in town...walking distance to several shrines and temples, and the not-to-miss "Philospopher's Walk"...at a rate of 18700 JPY ($158), with en suite bathroom.

Stu T.

Stu T., how was your trip? I recall that you were going back there after being away a long, long time-- from your previous post:

"I was last in Japan from 1946-1948 as a young US soldier..but in April, I plan to return to Beppu, Kyushu where I was stationed then..."

I am really interested in your perceptions of Japan after all those years, returning there after having been stationed there 1946-48.

I hope you will post on your trip. You have a unique perspective, and I really would love to hear about it. I am sure others here would also.

mflickermd;
Thanks for the reply. I just booked the Hyatt Regency & got a very reasonable Hyatt Gold Passport package. Very positive reviews on tripadvisor, ranked #2.
Looking forward for my Asia experience.

emd:

Thank you for your interest...but I don't want to hijack Doris' thread. Suffice it to say, fantastic in every way. Write me and I'll write back with pix...I don't intend to write a full report on this board.

Stu T. ([email protected])

I hope you have a wonderful time in Kyoto.I would also recommend a yakitori restaurant although it is more like a Japanese tapas place.It is called Kushya.It is very small. Food was delicious,although the smokey atmosphere takes getting used to.You might give it a try.

I have stayed at Westin Miyako Hotel, that is incredible hotel. I got the good price from HotelsGuru.com, it is only $240 for 5 star hotel. They have large choice for restuarant, as I remember it is about 12 restaurant, I don't need to spend time to find the restaurant outside hotel. Let's check it out from this website :

http://www.hotelsguru.com/showhotel-5755.html

Let's share your idea after stayed at this hotel. I have a positive experience.