Colorful, quiet, efficient, modern, a fine example of Japanese hospitality. The property is a taxi ride from anywhere in town, as the neighborhood is not interesting, but for all that, it's an elegant choice in Kyoto.

We just spent 3 nights at the Brighton in Kyoto. The rooms are very large by Japanese standards, but it is as if you've stepped back into the 80's. It needs some serious remodeling to bring it into the 21st century. We were so shocked at the decor, both in the lobby and in the rooms, that we actually considered leaving. Unfortunately, we couldn't because all the hotels were booked. The pictures on their site make the place look very modern, and the outside of the building is in fact, very modern. The inside and the guest rooms are an entirely different story.

I would definitely recommend the Hyatt over the Brighton. The Hyatt is modern with a great feel when you walk in. The Brighton seems very old fashioned. In fact, it seems to be a favorite of the much older crowd. Everyday around 3:00 to 4:00, there were numerous groups of much older Japanese ladies and men (in their 60s and 70s) all over the lobby drinking tea and having desserts. I think that's why they don't update it. Their clientele is much older.

It is also very out of the way. It's only close to the Imperial Palace, but once you've seen that, it's impossible to walk anywhere else. You'll have to ride a bicycle or use public transportation.

On the positive side, the staff is very friendly and helpful.

If you're younger than 60, I don't recommend this hotel at all. If you're older and don't mind using public transportation, then you will enjoy this hotel.

The hotel was a little hard to find but the wait was worth it.
The rooms were beauifully decorated and the bed had lovely crisp sheets. It was spacious and airy.

The staff were so polite and friendly and they spoke english. They had free internet access on 2 computers but there was no time limit so beware other travellers as they tend to hog the computers. Overall
a great place to stay.

I arrived from Fukuoka on the Shinkansen to be welcomed at Kyoto station by an attendant who directed me to a taxi, which delivered me to the Brighton. Arriving at the Brighton Hotel is a (pleasant) sociological experience in itself. Before you are out of the taxi, there is a young bell man (or more likely a young bell woman wearing a fetching pill box hat), there to help you with your luggage. It doesn't end there. Despite my suitcase weighing a ton, she resists my efforts to help and insists on loading it on to a trolley and into reception. Once you are checked in, the young bell woman shows you round your room - and, if you need, an extra adaptor, she is off like a shot to get you one. Almost needless to say, she speaks English. (If you call housekeeping for, say, additional coat hangers, there's someone knocking at your door within minutes presenting the said item with a bow and a welcome smile).

After the cupboard I lived in (sans wardrobe/closet) in Fukuoka, the size of my Brighton room was a pleasant change, especially the bathroom. In my twin room, there was also a settee, an armchair and a desk cum dressing table, where there is free and fast internet access. (Don't complain about the lack of wireless connection in your room. As I discovered minutes before I left two days later, there is an internet cable in the top drawer so you do not have to go down to the lobby to use the free internet room.) The room was spotless and maintained throughout my stayas near as possible to perfection.

The hotel has 4 different restaurants, all off the huge lobby - 2 Japanese, one Chinese and one sort-of western cuisine. I stayed for two nights at the hotel and tried the (slightly less expensive) Japanese and the Chinese. On the first night, I made a reservation for one of the Japanese restaurants and went to the wrong restaurant. The maitre D actually ran to direct me to the correct restaurant! Forget about European dinner times. The kitchens close at 9.30! Both meals were excellent and service was impeccable - even though no tip is expected or was offered. Given the choice, I would probably go for the Chinese. Although the Japanese meal was excellent, negotiating round the eye in the fish head with my chopsticks probably coloured my preference.

Yes, the Brighton is expensive but it is excellent value. It is also a little out of town, near the Imperial Palace, which I was unable to see because it was closed for the Gion Matsuri festival. (It also poured down. so I did not even see the grounds). However, the hotel has a regular shuttle bus to the nearby Idemewaga subway station, and then it's only three stops down (250Y) to Shijo subway station, which is the centre of the festival and a main shopping centre. A pleasant but unexpected bonus was an excellent half-hour classical music concert in the atrium on Saturday night. (Also barber shop singing on Sunday, if you care for this).

The concierges are also excellent and one must have given me about an hour explaining (in English) which sites I needed to visit, how I got downtown, and how, when I left, I could take a direct train to Nara from the Idemewaga station. They booked me on the Kyoto 1-day tour with JTB Sunrise, for which they have brochures. In intermittent rain, I visited Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, Kitano Tenmangu, had lunch (which is included) at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, where you can buy decent quality souvenirs, Heian Shrine, Sanjusangendo, and Kiyomizu Temple for 11,200Y. A long day and a lot to take in, but well worthwhile, particularly if you are travelling on your own and welcome a chat over lunch or someone to take your photo. The only downside is that they do not pick up from or drop down at Brighton. You have to take a 5-minute cab ride to the ANA Hotel and vv.

If I ever visit Kyoto again, I will not even consider another hotel. I will, however, hope the weather is better.