GRANBELL HOTEL KYOTO

GRANBELL HOTEL KYOTO: A Michelin Key Selected Gem in the Heart of Gion

GRANBELL HOTEL KYOTO, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise from guests, offering a harmonious blend of traditional Kyoto aesthetics and modern comforts. With an impressive overall rating, it stands out as a top choice for travelers seeking a memorable stay in Kyoto.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for GRANBELL HOTEL KYOTO is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 8.8 out of 10 from over 3,300 reviews, and a 9.0 on Agoda.com, classifying it as "Exceptional". Guests frequently describe it as "one of the best hotels" they've stayed at in Japan, highlighting its beautiful design, prime location, and excellent service.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel for several key aspects:

• Location: Its unbeatable setting in the heart of Gion provides easy walking access to historic sights, shopping, diverse eateries, and public transportation, yet the immediate street remains quiet.
• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel strikes a beautiful balance between modern and traditional Japanese design, with tasteful, elegant interiors that evoke a sense of "new Kyoto-ness." The semi-subterranean public spaces, including the reception and lounge, have a good vibe.
• Amenities: The on-site public bath (onsen) is a significant draw, often described as relaxing, clean, simple, beautiful, and a luxurious amenity, especially for those new to the onsen experience. It's also noted for being accommodating to tattoos. The availability of free amenities in the lobby is also appreciated.
• Service: The staff consistently receives commendation for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and going "above and beyond" to ensure a comfortable stay.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at GRANBELL HOTEL KYOTO are described as stylish, comfortable, and spectacularly clean. While some guests note that rooms can be "small by Western standards," they are well-designed and feature plush modern comforts. Many rooms boast spacious bathrooms and amazing showers. Japanese-style rooms with tatami floors are available, offering a modern interpretation of a ryokan. Guests have particularly praised the comfortable beds and soft mattresses and pillows, ensuring a wonderful night's sleep. Some rooms offer views of the mountains or a garden.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's dining experience, particularly breakfast, is a highlight for many. The restaurant and bar, Takedokoro, offers a delicious buffet breakfast with a wide variety of Japanese and Western options, including popular "Kyoto Obanzai" (traditional Kyoto home cooking). Special traditional New Year's food has also been noted. The food is supervised by the hotel's executive chef, who also works at famous inns and luxury hotels throughout Japan. Bar Konjiki, with its gold-leaf decor and traditional wooden designs, provides a tranquil evening spot.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at GRANBELL HOTEL KYOTO are consistently lauded for their exceptional hospitality. They are described as welcoming, friendly, helpful, attentive, and accommodating, often going out of their way to assist guests, such as with luggage forwarding. Their English proficiency is also noted as being better than some guests anticipated.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location in the Gion district is considered "unbeatable" and "perfect." It's just a 2-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, providing excellent access to public transportation. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of numerous Gion attractions like Yasaka Shrine (an 8-minute walk), Nishiki Market, temples, shopping areas, and a plethora of great restaurants and bars. Despite being central, the immediate street is quiet, offering a peaceful retreat. The hotel is also a short bus ride from Kyoto Station.

7. Value & Pricing

GRANBELL HOTEL KYOTO is generally considered to offer excellent value for money, with a rating of 8.6 for value. Guests feel they are getting a great deal for the quality of service and amenities provided. While specific price ranges vary depending on dates and policies, rooms can be found at around $87 nightly.

8. Common Complaints

While overall complaints are few, some recurring points include:

• Room Size: A common observation, particularly from Western travelers, is that the rooms can be "quite small." However, this is often considered a worthwhile trade-off given the excellent location.
• Limited Lobby/Dining Atmosphere: One review suggested that the lobby and dining space might lack some atmosphere.
• Laundry Facilities/Microwave: A minor complaint from one guest was the absence of an in-hotel microwave and laundry facilities, though a laundromat was available nearby. The hotel does offer laundry service and self-serve laundry.
• Traffic in Gion: During certain times, traffic in front of the hotel can be heavy, potentially affecting taxi pickups.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. agoda.com
3. booking.com
4. michelin.com
5. youtube.com
6. thehotelguru.com
7. granbellhotel.jp
8. reddit.com
9. hotels.com
10. reddit.com
11. reddit.com