Hotel Review: Mercure Kyoto Station
- August 28, 2023
-
Travelling to Kyoto, Japan is always a wonderful experience, whether on business or pleasure. Kyoto has it all – history, culture, heritage, and an abundance of nature’s gifted elements that makes it one of the most popular and visited destinations in the world.
I was travelling to Kyoto from Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo and was looking forward to my first experience of Kyoto. I was also looking forward to being in Kyoto for a few days and my experience at Mercure Kyoto Station, a hotel that I had heard much about.
Convenient location from Kyoto Station
If you have been through Kyoto station, you’ll know that it is a big junction of train lines connecting regional and local destinations. A hotel that is close to the station (if travelling by train) is very handy. Mercure Hotel Kyoto is a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station or a brief taxi ride. This makes the hotel’s location close to the city’s hub. On a pleasant day, walking to the hotel is a walk across the streets of Kyoto with a glimpse of local architecture and businesses.
Distinctive entrance
The captivating ensemble of art and design didn’t fail to impress at first sight. The bright, soft-white lighting through carefully angled glass panels on the roof were unique. The front-office was busy with guests checking in and I took the opportunity to stroll around the lobby and embrace the art. The grand staircase led down to the plush lounge and the library area that is designed in the ancient Japanese court music image of ‘Gagaku’. The soft tones of violet and walnut were a pleasure to the senses and was ideally suited to get away from the buzz and relax. Dotted with carefully selected artifacts from local artists, the lounge was brimming with guests having an amazing time at the hotel.
The coloured blown glass art piece on the main wall is a depiction of traditional Japanese tops from the Heian era. It looked spectacular as it refracted light to create an ambience that was sublime and welcoming. The lobby was comfortable with a long communal table and Apple computers to catch-up on emails while waiting. Kyoto’s rich aristocracy spanning over 1,200 years subtly reflects in the design and elegant soft furnishings. At the front-desk, a magnificent glass dome awaits that gives an impression of an illuminated cave as pleasant staff checked me in.
Privilege King Room
My room was a Privilege King Room at a good size of 23m3 and with striking views of the city from the 10th floor. Soft grey and violet tones complemented with white lighting added to the minimalist approach in the room’s architecture that once again evoked the image of the traditional Kyoto aristocratic era. The 180X200 cm King-bed with a semi hard mattress was just what I wanted after a long-day.
The crisp cotton linen and the pillows were the makings of a great nights sleep. The room had all amenities that made my stay comfortable. The bathroom was well stocked with daily use vanities, a hair dryer, and fresh soft towels. For the early-morning coffee fix, there was an espresso maker with a selection of flavoured coffees. The room offers a good variety of video on demand that is available on the large television. USB charging points are located with the bedside cabinet making it a convenient charging station for devices.
Accor group’s first Italian restaurant in Japan
Trattoria M Kyoto is Accor group’s first Italian restaurant in Japan. The restaurant serves traditional Italian fare using local ingredients and produce.Breakfast is served daily at the restaurant till 10 AM. Breakfast buffet at the restaurant is a delicious mix of international spread and local delicacies. The open kitchen does eggs to order and there are a variety of sumptuous dishes that are a delight to the eyes as it is to the palette. A must try are the mushrooms, which were my favourite – a millefeuille of local fungus subtly wilted with local herbs to add a crunchy flavour to the breakfast. Divine!
Trattoria serves lunch and dinner at the restaurant and the menu comprises of carefully crafted Italian dishes with a Kyoto fair. The kitchen uses free-range local ingredients and hydroponic herbs for their unique creations. Their special deli-banzai cuisine is a concoction of Kyoto’s obanzai cuisine with an Italian twist. I chose their kiln-baked prosciutto pizza which a delightfully baked with a generous serving of prosciutto and local leaves and washed it down with a Negroni cocktail that was perfected mixed by the barman.
My stay at Mercure Hotel Kyoto has left a lasting image of a modern hotel that draws inspiration from a rich-cultural heritage and delivers that in an original fashion and style.
My ratings: 4 Stars
