Hi everyone! Welcome back <3 I am going to share about my hotel stay during my time in Kyoto…Hotel Monterey. I didn’t get a ton of pictures here, but did get some good clips of my room.
Hotel Monterey Kyoto
As the title suggests, Hotel Monterey is located in Kyoto, a 3-5 minute walk from the train station, depending on which one you’re using. On the outside, it looks like fancier stone building with columns and balconies.
Right when you walk in the front door, there is a chapel. When we were there, we saw a wedding. It was beautiful.
The lobby looks gives European vibes mixed with dark academia. I overheard a couple of people compare it to dark romance and I think that fits. There’s dark bricks, black marble tiles, and chandeliers and wall sconces. The doorways are arched. The whole thing makes me think of a modern castle in a way. Super cool. I don’t know about you, but I’m a fan of dark woods and tiles. Especially if there’s a contrasting color.
Rooms
The rooms are also “shoes off style”, so use the provided slippers and don’t wear your outside shoes on the carpet. They say that the design of the room “reflects the serene mood of Kyoto” with the colors and patterns. I think it looks very European and my new friends from Europe said so also. Especially the bathrooms. I liked it, but it surprised me at first. Was definitely not expecting the color scheme.
Speaking of rooms, they include the typical hotel stuff, like bed, tv, phone, AC unit, bathroom, toiletries and towels, free Wi-Fi, etc., however, these also had a bidet (which I liked since I have one at home), hair dryer, refrigerator, closet with shoe shine kit and shoe horn, electric kettle, and air purifier. For rent they offered baby cot, nail clippers, iron, trouser press, cutlery and tableware, gel ice packs, corkscrew/bottle opener, phone chargers, blankets, umbrellas, and wheelchairs. They also have limited PC rentals. All of the rooms are also non-smoking, which I greatly appreciated.
Amenities
Hotel Monterey offers laundry services for a fee. I didn’t look into them, but heard from others that they were on the higher end. The also offer banquet rooms for rent and the chapel I mentioned above. There is also a bar called The Library.
Breakfast is offered buffet style that is a mixture of Japanese and Western food. There were so many delicious options. Everything was marked with allergens too! I appreciated that. Also, I discovered some new foods that I will be trying to recreate at home.
Finally, the spa. It is a public Onsen on the 13th floor. Apparently the water is pumped up from a hot spring 1000m underground. I thought it was more of a Sento, but I was wrong. If you’re like me and have tattoos, you are not able to utilize the public bath. One of my friends told me there were some tatted up people in there anyway, but I didn’t end up going. You also can’t go in drunk. I really want to know the stories behind that rule. Someone had to have been acting fool to get it in writing on the check-in paperwork. The spa also offers esthetic treatments, but I didn’t see a list of offerings.
The information shared here is from my own experiences and the hotel website. Credit where credit is due.
Accessibility of Hotel Monterey
Parking
There is paid parking at the hotel, but it is limited. Another lot is available nearby if the hotel lot is full.
Bathrooms
Outside of the rooms, I did not see any bathrooms. I’d assume there around though.
My Experience at Hotel Monterey
We shipped our luggage from Osaka to Kyoto so we could take the trains without having to deal with our luggage. It was waiting for us by the time we got there. At the end of my time here, I took a taxi back to Kansai International Airport. It took about an hour and a half.
I want to put out there that I did not request an ADA friendly room (I don’t need one), so I don’t know if things would be different. Or even if they had any. This is all for a standard room.
So, what was your room like?
The rooms I stayed in here was a little larger than the one in Osaka, but it was still smaller than a typical US room. Again, not surprising. I didn’t pack light (carry on, checked bag, and personal item), and storing bags made things cramped, so that was on me. Made it work though.
The beds were comfortable. The pillows were down, if I am remembering correctly, so keep that in mind if you need to stay away from feathers. I don’t have an issue, but have never liked nor slept on down. People with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis are advised to stay away from them all together since it is a cause. That being said, you do you. I bring my own pillow everywhere, both because I have a pillow thing and because I have arthritis in my neck. Better for everyone involved if I do.
The height of the beds was lower than I’m used to (my bed is at hip height), but I can make that movement. It was raised off the floor and there was a trundle bed, if needed. The room also had a table and chair, desk, and air purifier. All of which I took complete advantage of. My favorite part was the two free bottles of water. Pajamas were offered, but they weren’t my size so I stuck with my own.
Bathrooms in the room
The bathrooms were a decent size. I expected them to be smaller, if I’m honest. There were no grab bars by the toilet but there was enough room for smaller mobility devices, if needed. I don’t think it’d be easy to get a wheelchair in there. The sinks were a typical wall sink. Again, I think it’s be tricky with wheels as it was a little high for wheelchair use.
The shower was a tub shower combo, which I appreciated because I wanted to soak just about every night. The sides of the tub were high, which made for good soaking, but getting in is a large step. I didn’t hit my shins this time though! I struggled to get out though. There is a bar to grab on to, but it’s awkward.
Other thoughts about Hotel Monterey
The breakfast area had a lot of seating, all of which was table. Finding a seat no matter your ability would be fairly easy. A lot of the food options were at typical working height, so reaching without assistance could be tricky for some of it. The staff was kind and helpful, so I’m sure someone would assist if you need it. But independent options would be preferred, I’m sure.
Unfortunately, Cardybear did not come on the Japan adventures. I wanted to bring him, but he takes up my whole backpack. He was definitely there in spirit though.
Be safe out there and remember your passport! Seeyalaterbye <3
Also, if you feel called to help a sista out with her travels, check this out!
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