"We had a lovely stay at the Kyoto Brighton Hotel. Located north of the main city center, it offers a wonderful, quieter escape, though you should expect to take a taxi to get to the main train station and most major sightseeing hubs.
For us, the location's unique perks far outweighed the distance:
Historic Walkability: Nijo Castle (Kyoto Castle) is well within walking distance and made for a fantastic, highly enjoyable excursion.
Local Neighborhood Vibe: We absolutely loved walking around the immediate neighborhood. It feels authentic and local, yet remains incredibly convenient. Within a short walk, we found a great grocery store, several 7-Eleven locations, and a very handy coin-operated laundry.
The Best Part: The hotel is an easy, beautiful walk to the expansive Kyoto Imperial Palace park grounds.
One minor downside to note: Be careful with your physical room keys! The hotel will charge you a fee if you lose them or if you want to keep one as a souvenir.
Overall, if you don't mind relying on taxis to venture further out, the Brighton offers a peaceful, authentic, and highly comfortable base for exploring Kyoto."