Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Readers of Conde Nast Traveller voted the Hyatt Regency the best hotel in Kyoto (and Japan’s second best), and it’s very easy to see why: the gorgeous interior. Designed by Super Potato’s Takashi Sugimoto, it includes a knockout lobby surrounded by over--sized kimono patterns, clever in-room lighting, and a granite bathroom that you could live in. The service is on a par with the top ryokan, the hotel bar is the best in the city and you can enjoy a feast of a breakfast. There’s impeccable concierge service too. It doesn’t hurt to be next door to one of the city’s best temples (Sanjusangen-do) and opposite the National Museum.