ShiraumevsThe Westin Miyako Kyoto
Both hotels are rated highly by experts. Overall, The Westin Miyako Kyoto is the choice of most reviewers compared to Shiraume. The Westin Miyako Kyoto scores 90 with praise from 10 publications including Lonely Planet, Michelin Guide and Frommer's.
Shiraume
Shirakawa-hotori, Shinbashi-dori, Gionmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
From $0/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
- Laundry Service
Concierge
"Though less rarefied and far less expensive than Tawaraya, Shiraume ryokan...is poised on a picturesque canal. ... It's ridiculously charming--especially in spring."
i
When you reserve, ask for the ground-floor room with the garden view.
Oyster
Upper-middle-range
"This upper-middle-range property offers a beautiful setting, and eight rooms with traditional features like sliding doors, tatami mats, and futons spread out on the floors." Full review
Lonely Planet
Top choice
"Looking out over the Shirakawa Canal in Shimbashi, a lovely street in Gion, this ryokan offers excellent location, atmosphere and service." Full review
The Westin Miyako Kyoto
1 Awadaguchi Kachocho, Higashiyama-ku, Sanjo Keage, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0052
From $319/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
Concierge
"It's still the place to stay if you want to make the right impression on your local business associates or Japanese in-laws."
i
For runners, this is a great location; ask for a map of nearby wooded trails.
Fodor's
"At the foot of the mountains, the Westin Miyako feels far from the city while retaining great access to downtown." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"A 16-acre compound installed on the tree-covered Higashiyama Hills just outside of Kyoto, this historic 1890 hotel has hosted kings, queens, presidents, and celebrities." Full review
i
Recharge with a facial or body treatment at Sothys Skin Care Salon on the third floor, or savor Jing tea and truffles at the Mayfair Tea Room.
DK Eyewitness
"An elegant and luxurious hotel, with an annex styled as a Japanese tea room for those wanting ryokan-style accommodation."
Time Out
"The setting can’t be faulted: the 501-room Westin sits against a verdant mountain and boasts gardens by master Jihei Ogawa and his son." Full review
Star Service
"On 6 landscaped hectares on the eastern outskirts of the city, 4 kilometers northeast of Kyoto Station, this hotel is opposite Keage Station, near some of Japan's finest shrines, temples and museums." Full review
Oyster
4.0
"This large, 499-room Westin has served as a hotel since 1900 and has an illustrious history, housing Allied officers during World War II, and now hosting state officials from all over the world." Full review
Michelin Guide
"This large hotel is divided into a main building, east and south wings, and the Kasuien annexe designed by Togo Murano to resemble a tea ceremony house." Full review
i
Guest rooms vary, from double to Western/Japanese hybrid and some are designed for long-term stays; ask for one with a view.
Frommer's
"For families, there's a playroom equipped with a slide and toys for young children, plus both indoor and outdoor pools...a variety of Western-style rooms are available" Full review
Forbes Travel Guide
"The property still maintains its 19th-century charm...this beautiful blend of past and present guarantees that The Westin Miyako Hotel Kyoto will continue its long-lasting legacy.
" Full review