Imperial Hotel Kyoto, KyotoImperial Hotel Kyoto in Kyoto, Japan has a corrected score of 4.1 ± 0.4 (thin evidence, 1 of 4 platforms), ranked 13 of 105 hotels we score in Kyoto. Its platform ratings, normalised to 0-5, average 4.6 before correction: Booking.com 4.6. Rooms from about $1,111 a night (cached, not a live quote).The Imperial Hotel Kyoto is a 55-room five-star hotel in the Gion Kobu district, set inside a Registered Tangible Cultural Property that began life in 1936 as the Yasaka Kaikan theatre. Rooms combine the heritage building's character with modern fittings, and facilities include a spa, sauna, gym, indoor swimming pool, two restaurants serving Japanese and French food, a cocktail bar, a rooftop bar with city views, and on-site shopping. Kenninji Temple and Yasaka Shrine are close by. With a small room count and rates from around $1,111 a night, it suits travellers wanting an intimate, high-end stay in Kyoto's historic quarter; the compact size means fewer facilities than larger resort hotels.What stands out

Attentive, helpful staff

Indoor pool with illuminated walls

24-hour reception desk

Heritage building with modern rooms

Watch out for

Very high nightly rates

Small hotel, limited facilities

Better-scored in Kyoto

Stitch Hotel Kyoto, Kyoto: 4.4 ± 0.2 (fair evidence, 2 of 4 platforms). Stitch Hotel Kyoto is a five-star property in central Kyoto, set in a renovated five-storey building where 51 rooms were created by joining spaces together, which gives…

Nazuna Kyoto Gosho, Kyoto: 4.4 ± 0.2 (solid evidence, 3 of 4 platforms), from $562 a night. Nazuna Kyoto Gosho is a small luxury ryokan in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, made up of two renovated kyomachiya townhouses joined by a garden.

The Shinmonzen, Kyoto: 4.3 ± 0.2 (fair evidence, 3 of 4 platforms), from $1,915 a night. The Shinmonzen is a nine-suite boutique hotel in Kyoto's historic Gion district, designed by architect Tadao Ando.