Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
Higashiyama-ku Komatsucho 572, Kyoto
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Good
879 reviews
8.9
Luxurious Accommodation in Historic Kyoto
Convenient Location: The Celestine Kyoto Gion is ideally situated just a 10-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, allowing easy access to the city's attractions.
Relaxation and Comfort: Unwind in the property's public bath after a day of sightseeing, and enjoy the complimentary toiletries provided in each guest room for your convenience.
Culinary Delights: Indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine at Tempura Endo Yasaka, the on-site restaurant, or explore the nearby dining options and cafes within a short walking distance.
Experience the charm of Kyoto with a stay at The Celestine Kyoto Gion. Book now for a memorable and luxurious getaway.
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Guest Reviews
Overall
8.9(879)1/10 Microaggression and Racism Packaged in Japanese Hospitality
I've visited Kyoto five or six times, and this time I originally planned to stay at a friend's mansion. However, due to changes in my itinerary, I ended up booking Hotel Celestine Gion. Overall, the location is excellent, but the service is difficult to describe succinctly; various subtle gestures left me feeling like I had just experienced a finely prepared kaiseki meal with a fly decorated on top.
First, when I checked in, a Korean intern assisted me. I speak Japanese fairly fluently, so I mentioned that we care about feng shui and requested not to be given a room at the end of the hallway. She said she would check. After about five minutes, she returned and asked if room 0414 would be acceptable. Well… how should I respond to that? Note: even in Japan, there's an inclination to avoid the number 4 (which sounds like "to die" in Japanese). If I hadn't mentioned our concern about feng shui, I wouldn't have said anything. But since we emphasized it, receiving such a "lucky combination of numbers" (die twice) felt intentional. The intern looked innocent, and we guessed it wasn’t her decision but rather someone else's behind the scenes. I politely asked for a different room, and eventually, we received another one.
Not long after checking in, I called Room Service. The front desk could clearly see my guest information, yet when they answered the phone, it was a cold "Hello" with no basic greetings in Japanese or English. I was surprised and thought the person might not speak English. However, I later discovered they were fluent, leading me to believe this was a deliberate difference in treatment—what some might call microracism.
These two incidents left me in a bad mood. To ensure I wasn't overreacting, I contacted a Japanese friend and shared my experience. Their response was, "OMG, I can't believe they would do something like that; it's just too shady.
ChengxuanApr 11, 2025
8/10 Lovely hotel in beautiful area but Gion is crowded
We saw this hotel on a previous trip and thought this time we should stay at The Celestine, and in Gion. It is a lovely hotel and a beautiful area but of course Gion is crowded with tourists. Getting to the hotel from Kyoto Station after a day of sightseeing is tricky (unless you are nearby, on foot) due to the public buses being over-crowded. And the restaurants in Gion at night are already full, with queues of people waiting outside. And we were there in the off-season!
Even though it's a busy area, the hotel is very quiet and relaxing.
Pros:
- Windows open - yay to fresh air! Even in winter we like to switch off the air conditioning and open the windows.
- Bathroom design is great. You can separate the bathroom from the rest of the hotel room by a large sliding door.
- Great room induction by staff. Very thorough.
- Walk straight out the front door and cut through the Kenniji temple opposite. You can then continue your way into the heart of Gion.
Cons:
- You need to remove your shoes to go into your room. But there is no bench or seat provided. For non-Japanese and "older" folk this is a bit tricky. We requested a stool.
- The train station seems close but then you have to walk a long way underground. However it is better than squishing into the buses.
- There are no coffee shops nearby that serve espresso-based coffees. Some cafes don't open until 11am, so breakfast can be tricky.
- Complimentary small hotel bus to and from Kyoto station fills up quickly. You have to line up early to get on.
N.B. We didn't use the public bath, so can't comment.
We had breakfast at the hotel one day, but we didn't go back. We found the espresso-based coffee (cappuccino, caffe latte) at Tully's in Gion Hanamikoji Street to be worth the 10 min walk.
TheWardMar 5, 2025
9/10 Lovely hotel and situated in a superb spot of Kyoto.
Lovely position in Kyoto and rooms are very nice. On the whole the front of house staff were very nice. Breakfast was fantastic which had a very vast varied selection. Superb.
DavidApr 20, 2025
6/10 We stayed in 5 five different hotels and were excited for this one but the insincerity of staff was very disappointing
In concept, happy hour providing free drinks was nice but providing a room so small and drinks that “sold out” in an hour was inconvenient and no other option to purchase wine in the premises was not good in a cold and rainy evening where every restaurant with a bar nearby was full. We offered to purchase wine but it was not possible. Coffee machine in our room broke and again, no coffee could be purchased unless you opt for full buffet breakfast. Staff kept apologizing but yet told us we can’t have our glass of wine from the lounge in the main lobby while others who just arrived were served and drinking wine next to us. It was very rude and we left with a very bad feeling after spending 5 nights in an expensive hotel.
CelesteApr 15, 2025
9/10 Superb
Wanted to follow up on my trip to Kyoto and lodging. I spent the first evening at the Candeo
which was lovely but not particularly in the location nestled in the cultural elements of Kyoto. I ended up at the Celestine which I loved. It had just enough Japanese customs to feel immersed but easy to communicate in English if new to Japan. It is located in Gion. Walking distance to several Temples…. Fabulous restaurants of all levels. The concierge does a little tour on Wednesday and Friday around the neighborhood which is a good introduction. After several weeks in Shikoku hiking from temple to temple and staying in traditional lodging ryokan and guest houses a bit of luxury was in order. I highly recommend the Celestine Kyoto in Gion.
KimberlyFeb 18, 2025
7/10 Expensive for what it is. Still a good quality hotel
The rooms are a good siza and has all the comfort needed , even if I find the price a bit high for what the hotel offers
TravelApr 13, 2025
10/10 This hotel exceeded our expectations!
The location was ideal. Situated right next to a quiet park with beautiful temples. Within walking distance of many famous Kyoto sights and close to a train station. We were immediately greeted on arrival with a nice tea service while they checked us in. The lobby is gorgeous and peaceful. Were really liked the layout of the hotel with separate wings for the rooms, lobby, and onsen. The onsen was relaxing and very clean. Comfortable rooms and a great attention to detail.
LisaApr 8, 2025
8/10 Very good
Great location and beautiful hotel
OliviaApr 22, 2025
10/10 Luxurious boutique hotel with lovely onsen.
Beautiful hotel in the heart of Gion (a 15 to 20min walk to the centre of Kyoto).
Stunning onsen which you have access to from 3pm to 10am
The staff couldn’t have done more for us and our baby, providing a crib and nappy bin.
The onsite restaurant is delicious but a little expensive.
The beds were so comfortable and I slept really well.
JenniferMar 31, 2025
4/10 Disappointing although the location was great and we enjoyed the Onsen.
We liked the position in Gion.
Room small but bed comfy
Enjoyed the Onsen
RochelleApr 9, 2025
8/10 Beautiful location and staff
The rooms were spacious and quite comfortable. Staff were always very accommodating and respectful. Location was excellent and the shuttle service was also efficient.
EnzoApr 23, 2025
10/10 Would return to Hotel Celestine, and partner hotels across Japan.
Very good location in Gion area, close proximity to local visiting spots. They offer a shuttle service to and from the station. Very good breakfast and clean/ good facilities and room. Staff were wonderful. We took part in a complimentary walking tour organised by the hotel also.
IsobelApr 7, 2025
8/10 Good hotel but location challenges.
Nice bedding, quiet. Great breakfast buffet.
CarrolApr 21, 2025
9/10 Great hotel in the Gion District! You could walk to many attractions and restaurants. Excellent!
Location was fabulous! All staff were kind and incredibly helpful!
The Celestine had the charm of a boutique hotel yet well staffed as a large hotel. Well done!
JacquelineApr 20, 2025
10/10 A fabulous stay.
Very centrally located close to a lot of major sightseeing spots in Gion. Very comfortable stay and the staff were exceptional. They were very helpful and went above and beyond to help us. I would stay here if I visited Kyoto again.
ArunApr 23, 2025
10/10 Amazing experience, would recommend 10/10.
Amazing hotel in the heart of Kyoto! Staff was super friendly made you feel welcomed and super helpful, hotel rooms were amazing and breakfast was delicious.
AlvarezApr 3, 2025
10/10 Great hotel in quiet part of Gion.
Great hotel and great service. Rooms are very good, breakfast was outstanding. Located in the quiet part of Gion, but not too far from the main Gion restaurants.
StephenApr 12, 2025
8/10 Beautiful cozy property with nice bath on site
Property was fabulous and good location . I joined the club but was still charged for breakfast. Not a big deal but for 1000./ night seems odd
SusanApr 1, 2025
7/10 Good
Breakfast was good.
AdrianApr 22, 2025
10/10 Centralized, near the key attractions yet quiet.
A good location, very centralized and quiet at the same time. Concierge was very helpful in suggesting restaurants to dine.
SupriyaApr 13, 2025
9/10 Amazing Gion and the hotel located in its heart
The location is perfect and the facilities are modern and practical
NataliaApr 5, 2025
10/10 A trip of a lifetime
The Concierge Walking Tour was exceptional as it gave us an insight of Kyoto we will never forget- Fabulous
DanielaApr 12, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
Great location, great skincare and in room amenities. Staff was helpful and informative.
SaraApr 21, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
Great staff, great breakfast.
Perfect location.
Recommended
DeanApr 5, 2025
10/10 Excellent Hotel
Excellent Service, location of hotel and cleanliness of room
GeorgeApr 9, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
ChrisApr 23, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
CathleenApr 22, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
ElenaApr 20, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
DavidApr 12, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
ApurvApr 11, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
TriciaApr 10, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
PennyApr 10, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
YaelApr 8, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
IzelApr 7, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
SushirApr 5, 2025
8/10 Very good
GlennApr 7, 2025
9/10 Superb
RobertApr 22, 2025
9/10 Superb
VictoriaApr 19, 2025
9/10 Superb
NailaApr 16, 2025
9/10 Superb
RobertApr 15, 2025
9/10 Superb
WanApr 13, 2025
9/10 Superb
MohamedApr 13, 2025
9/10 Superb
FlorianApr 7, 2025
9/10 Superb
AbdullaApr 7, 2025
9/10 Superb
TanyelApr 5, 2025
9/10 Superb
ChristopherApr 4, 2025
7/10 Good
AsabanApr 22, 2025
2/10 This is not a child friendly hotel.
I stayed in this hotel last May with my daughters (7 and 8 year old). We enjoyed our stay so when we planned to visit Kyoto again later this month, I made reservations with them again. I checked the terms again last week and notice that they state "Children 6 years and above will be charged as adults at this property."
I made queries with them, and they replied saying all kids 6 and up are treated as adults. If I am traveling with my daughters and choose to stay with them, I will need to make reservations for 2 rooms as they are over 6. I find the child policy ridiculous considering my children's age. I questioned them with the legality of leaving children unattended as suggested. They reverted advising that it is acceptable is we sign a Minor Accommodation Consent Form. I am not familiar with the law in Japan. I don't even know if we are allowed to leave minors unattended in a hotel room like this.
This hotel is only suitable for couples traveling to Kyoto. Families with children over 6,
not old enough to take care of themselves and stay in the hotel room alone should never consider staying in this hotel.
Further - I agree with other reviews that their staffs are really unhelpful. They will need to consider further staff training.
EricaC1013Jan 16, 2025
10/10 YOU WILL NOT REGRET BOOKING THIS HOTEL.
AMAZING hotel. As someone who travels often, I would consider this amongst the nicest hotels I’ve ever stayed in. From the moment you arrive they go out of their way to treat you as an honored guest — serving tea while you check in, escorting you to your room personally and explaining all hotel amenities. The rooms are beautifully appointed and the beds are ultra-comfy. They even gave us free stamps to mail our post cards back home to the US (and mailed them for us). Every detail is thought out and focused on the user experience. They booked our dinner reservations (asked about allergies, price range, food preference, etc). They even held our luggage for a day while we did a side excursion. TOP NOTCH! They are the best. And, the location is fantastic! Down the street from a park with multiple temples, a 5 min walk to Gion’s main shopping/dining locations, and just down the hill from a beautiful temple (the Disneylandf Kyoto).
avbandsjrJan 24, 2025
10/10 Home away from home
Had a warm welcome at check-in which was also effortless. The ambience of the main lobby was very zen. It was nice to come back to the hotel for a restful night after a long day of walking in Kyoto. The location was within walking distance to restaurants and several sights, and away from large crowds.
NoeMar 15, 2025
10/10 Great Location, Family favorite hotel during our Travel
Great hotel to go with Family, 2 kids 6 & 8 years old. They both voted for this hotel as the best in our month in Japan.
Location is amazing, we went walking everywhere.
Lots of restaurants close by.
Gion is the best area to stay in Kyoto, and seeing it transform from the morning, to evenings and nights.
PompougnacFeb 10, 2025
10/10 Fabulous had everything we needed
Fantastic amenities provided and the use of the onsen was incredible. Absolutely perfect stay in Kyoto, wish we had a few more nights here. The rooms were spotlessly clean, the 12pm check out was also very helpful for us.
Could not recommend staying here enough. One of the best hotels of our trip.
IsabelleFeb 27, 2025
8/10 Very good
Nice rooms and location. Good supply of products and good coffee in the room. Beds were confortable.The staff outside in the cold was very nice to us.
HananeMar 10, 2025
8/10 Extremely comfortable and really outstanding staff
Excellent location, very clean, good ambience (lighting, smell, etc)
MartaMar 1, 2025
10/10 Gorgeous hotel with fabulous service
This is an elegant hotel with impeccable service. Serene atmosphere, delicious breakfast, and lovely staff.
The Gion neighborhood is historic and quiet but not close to public transportation. Restaurants in the nearby area are expensive and require reservations.
Peacenik88Feb 27, 2025
10/10 Zen retreat with all the amenities
Service at check in and check out time was exceptional. Big room, big bathroom. Love the robes and slippers provided. Pristine and zen feels. Loved the Public bath and amenities. Excellent location in Gion.
JackieMar 3, 2025
9/10 Superb
Great location in the Gion area
Very nice onsen
Very comfortable yukata provided
Breakfast was excellent
JohnMar 1, 2025
9/10 Great first few days in Japan!
Clean, the hotel rooms themselves were cute and the onsen was lovely. Really close to a busy district but far enough way that there was no noise
EvansFeb 21, 2025
10/10 Enjoyable stay, will definitely recommend
Location, spacious room, clean, friendly and helpful staff, excellent service. Provide shuttle bus service to Kyoto station.
QingFeb 24, 2025
10/10 Beautiful hotel in a great location.
Everything about this hotel felt like an oasis. Loved it! Staff was exceptionally helpful. And breakfast buffet was well worth the cost.
SabrenaFeb 19, 2025
9/10 We loved the ambience and location of this hotel
Exceptional staff, delicious buffet breakfast, perfect location
LeslieFeb 25, 2025
10/10 Fave hotel
This is our favourite hotel ever and our second time here. Will keep coming back. Love going to the bar every night for a night cap and relaxing onsen.
CamilleMar 12, 2025
10/10 Great stay despite being a bit costly overall. Excellent staff polite and helpful.
An oasis and a superb location .
SethMar 21, 2025
8/10 A small, boutique hotel, clean. Nice but modest spa. Everything is functional but nothing special. A little depressing.
Nice, clean
InnaMar 26, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
Fantastic stay! Beautiful, serene, perfect location. Extremely accommodating staff. Absolutely great experience for our stay in Kyoto
RyanFeb 23, 2025
9/10 Great stay!
Great location. Onsen really nice comfortable rooms beds and pillows:) great huge breakfasts
CorinneFeb 22, 2025
9/10 Superb
Onsen is great and the concierge is very helpful
ThalesMar 15, 2025
10/10 Definitely stay here again walking location to everywhere quiet neighborhood
Location and staff !
DianneMar 23, 2025
9/10 Superb
Beautiful property with innovative room designs with the sliding bathroom doors.
JasonMar 8, 2025
8/10 Very good
Great location and wonderful park next door...relaxed atmosphere.
HelgiFeb 18, 2025
10/10 Fantastic staff, amazing location, beautiful onsen. I hope to stay again!
JenniferMar 4, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
The location, the staff, the room was amazing
NihalFeb 25, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
it is a very nice hotel, people are very friendly
HelenaMar 28, 2025
10/10 friendly and quiet in Gion area
location
TaoMar 7, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
Excellent location
TamaraMar 1, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
SaraMar 28, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
HuyMar 23, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
ChristinaMar 23, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
ToddMar 22, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
MonikaMar 18, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
AndreiMar 17, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
ChongMar 14, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
EmmanuelleMar 11, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
NirMar 9, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
MargiMar 2, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
RafaelFeb 28, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
TeresitaFeb 28, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
ViktorFeb 27, 2025
10/10 Exceptional
MahdaviFeb 23, 2025
8/10 Very good
RonanMar 18, 2025
9/10 Superb
LauraMar 30, 2025
9/10 Superb
EricMar 27, 2025
9/10 Superb
JessicaMar 27, 2025
9/10 Superb
AnirudhaMar 27, 2025
9/10 Superb
Su-linMar 15, 2025
9/10 Superb
SeanMar 3, 2025
9/10 Superb
JohnFeb 27, 2025
9/10 Superb
MarkFeb 25, 2025
9/10 Superb
MayFeb 20, 2025
7/10 Good
KouFeb 23, 2025
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Amenities
Free beach shuttle
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
Facilities for disabled guests
Private check-in/check-out
Concierge service
Public transport tickets
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
Physical distancing rules followed
Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
Cashless payment available
Fire extinguishers
First aid kit available
Sanitized tableware & silverware
Contactless check-in/check-out
Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
Smoke alarms
Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
Guest room sealed after cleaning
Property cleaned by professional cleaning companies
Physical distancing in dining areas
CCTV outside property
Process in place to check health of guests
Access to health care professionals
Screens / Barriers between staff and guests for safety
Face masks for guests available
Thermometers for guests provided by property
Key card access
Television in common areas
Front desk (limited hours)
Free wired internet
Self parking (surcharge)
Free beach shuttle
Internet access
Housekeeping on request
Covered parking
Accessible shuttle
No accessible shuttle
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House rules
Check-in
03:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Cancellation policy
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.