The Hiiragiya is one of the most exclusive ryokans in Kyoto. Since the mid-19th century, it has hosted the rich and famous in its exquisitely decorated rooms. There are two wings – the oldest is full of traditional aesthetic charm, and the more modern (completed in 2006) is a complement of modern Japanese design. The service is impeccable and truly an experience in itself.

A leader for luxury in Kyoto, the Hyatt Regency is superbly located next to the Sanjūsangen-dō Temple, with the Kyoto National Museum across the road and the Gion district within walking distance. The 178 rooms and suites are tastefully decorated with natural tones and traditional Kyoto fabrics. There are various in-house restaurants and bars, a Japanese garden, a relaxing spa and yoga studio.

A machiya (a traditional merchant townhouse) is an excellent hotel alternative, especially for group rental. Try one of the eleven Iori residences found dotted across central Kyoto, each one luxuriously restored and decked in Asian art. Varying in size, the houses combine traditional architecture, such as characterful wooden beams and tokonoma alcoves, with modern conveniences, to give a taste of traditional Japanese living in lavish style.

A well-designed hotel for both business and leisure, Hotel Granvia Kyoto is conveniently located in the JR Kyoto Station building. The hotel is spread across 15 floors with 536 tastefully decorated rooms, an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness room as well as 12 different restaurants and bars. Local artwork is on display in the lobby and guest rooms.

Set in a sleek four-story building in Gion, this warm and welcoming boutique stay has seven rooms decorated around the nature-inspired concept of ‘ka-cho-fu-getsu’ (flower, butterfly, wind, moon). In Flower, guests gaze up at cherry blossom karakami ceiling panels, Butterfly is defined by sumptuous red antique furniture, Wind is bright and breezy, and Moon plays on a lunar theme with monochrome tiling.

Adding a modern twist to the traditional ryokan (Japanese inn), Nishiyama offers affordability, comfort and welcoming staff. The Japanese and Western-style rooms are spacious and relaxing, and there are shared baths (separate men and women), a dining room and a comfortable lounge with laptop ports. The ryokan is conveniently located downtown close to shopping, sightseeing and nightlife.

A minute’s walk from Kawaramachi Station and located on Kyoto’s largest shopping street, this capsule hotel offers simple, functional and sleek accommodation at an affordable price. Amenities include a terrace lounge, free WiFi and a flat-screen TV in each capsule.

For a sacred night’s sleep, Shunkion is located within the Myoshin-ji temple complex in the northwest of the city. Its eight simple and serene rooms are decked out with tatami mats and offer shared kitchen facilities; some have en suite bathrooms. The real draw is that guests can enjoy morning meditation classes and strolls in the temple by night. There’s also free bicycle rental on offer.

This modern hotel is located within walking distance of an array of historic landmarks, restaurants and nightlife spots. Its well-equipped rooms appeal to both business and leisure guests with free WiFi, a coffee station and comfortable beds. The restaurant has buffet-style Western and Japanese breakfast spread.