Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei — Hotel in Kyoto

This is understated elegance in the cool Okura way. In a quiet but still convenient part of Kyoto. A fair bit of attention has gone into the design, though there are form-over-function sins such as the cutlery and some of the dishes and the rectangular flat washbasins in the bathrooms. The problem I had at the hotel was that my four-night stay was spoiled from the beginning. I get that the hotel wants to create the uber-service style of a ryokan, with guests seated in the lounge, while staff come to check them in personally. An oshibori is provided and tea and cookies are offered. But having travelled all day, I really needed to have a rest and prepare for a dinner meeting so I was very much hoping for a speedy check-in. Instead, the process played out over half an hour. It became a comedy of communication. A lady brought a hand-held reader to run my credit card through to get a deposit. It apparently did not work because the deposit-taking process did not work on the hand-held machine. She asked if I had another credit card. Then we had an awkward circuitous conversation about how my card would be fine for payment but would work for taking a deposit. This made no sense to me. Finally, she explained that the hand-held reader had limitations. I asked her to try my card again. It took a while before she said that it would work if she used the machine at the reception desk. I asked her to use it. But the hotel protocol was such that she could not just take my card. I had to accompany her to the desk where she could then run it through the machine there. It took many more minutes before she and a colleague sorted the issue out. When finally the process was done, I just took my bags from the baggage cart and said that I did not need to be shown the room and I would find it myself. Then came the breakfasts. The first started well enough, though the menu/ordering process was strangely confusing. There are two breakfast options – the “American breakfast”, which is really the Japanese-style American breakfast (hint: It starts with a green salad), and a “Kyoto breakfast”, which really is the American breakfast but with the option for a “special” dish such as Eggs Benedict or French Toast at additional cost. There is no buffet. I was fine with this, though, the same limited choice did get old after the second day. I don’t drink fruit juice usually and would have preferred if they also offered, say, a glass of milk or sparkling water as a replacement option. The breakfast is essentially just one choice – the Japanese-style American breakfast – which by my fourth morning was not at all interesting or an inspired way to start the morning. On my third morning, I tried to vary things up by ordering the Eggs Benedict (an extra 1,000 yen). But there was a failure of communication and what I got was two poached eggs. I tried again on my fourth morning and succeeded but was disappointed that the Eggs Benedict was actually a One Egg Benedict that was not at all substantial and certainly did not seem to warrant the additional cost. The bento box breakfast includes fruit, some ham, two small slices of processed cheese, a small cup of yoghurt with cereal and a jam. Why they don’t serve the jam with the croissants and bread, I don’t know. The croissants are offered but they are small, not hot and are way too flakey. My last morning, the service hit a real low when there was a long hair draped across the fruit. That was a cardinal sin. The staff are typically polite and deferential but frankly not all that warm. Because of the way the lobby is organized, a guest heading out walks the length of the reception area, with staff greeting you. All very nice, but rather too much. There should be more privacy, discretion. The room was perfectly fine. The air controls were impossible to figure out. It would get too hot even when I lowered the temperature. I slept without the covers or it would have been...

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei for a week, and I must say, the experience was truly remarkable. From the moment we stepped into the hotel, we were greeted by the most wonderful front desk staff who went above and beyond to ensure our stay was nothing short of perfect.

One of the standout moments was when we needed to mail some boxes back home to the US. The front desk staff not only helped us with the logistics but also took the initiative to make sure the process went smoothly. They assisted in packaging the boxes and even walked us to post office 3 blocks away to ensure they would be shipped, relieving us of any stress.

Moreover, the bellman at Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei deserves special recognition for his incredible assistance throughout our stay. He not only helped us with our luggage but also generously donated his time and energy to ensure our packages were properly sent out. His dedication to providing exceptional service was evident, and we are immensely grateful for his efforts.

The hotel itself offers a level of service that deserves every bit of its five-star rating. We had the pleasure of staying in one of the fourth-floor suite rooms, and they were absolutely incredible. The spacious rooms provided breathtaking views of the nearby temple and offered ample space to work, relax, and enjoy restful sleep. It was a true haven of tranquility and comfort.

The hotel grounds were meticulously maintained and adorned with the most stunning fresh flowers, which showered the lobby with natural beauty. It was a pleasure to enter such an elegant and inviting atmosphere every time we returned to the hotel.

While Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei offers a serene and peaceful retreat, it is also conveniently located just a short car drive away from the bustling central area of the city. The hotel thoughtfully coordinated bikes for us to explore the city, and in just eight hours, we were able to see the sights and have a fantastic time. Additionally, there is parking available across the street, which was a convenient feature.

The breakfast at the hotel was very good, offering a variety of delicious options to start the day. However, if there is one minor request, it would be to have different options each day to add some variety to the menu. Nonetheless, this small detail did not overshadow the overall exceptional experience we had at Hotel Okura Kyoto...

We recently had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei, and I must say, it exceeded all our expectations.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality that set the tone for our entire stay.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Tien, the reception captain, whose genuine kindness and professionalism made us feel instantly at home.

Tien and her team went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of our stay was perfect, from assisting with check-in to providing helpful recommendations for exploring the city.

The room itself was impeccable, combining traditional Japanese elegance with modern amenities. The attention to detail in the design and furnishings created a serene and luxurious atmosphere, perfect for relaxation after a day of sightseeing.

Throughout our stay, the service from the staff was exemplary. Whether it was arranging transportation, luggage transfer, or simply offering a friendly greeting in the hallway, every interaction was marked by genuine warmth and attentiveness.

The hotel's location in the charming Okazaki neighborhood was another highlight. With its tranquil surroundings and proximity to key attractions such as Heian Shrine and the Gion area, we found it to be the perfect base for exploring Kyoto.

Our experience at Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei was nothing short of exceptional. The combination of superb accommodations, impeccable service, and genuine hospitality made for a truly memorable stay.

A special thanks to Tien and her team for their outstanding efforts in ensuring that our time at the hotel was nothing short of perfect. We cannot wait to return and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone...