A classic example of a western style hotel in Japan. The large atrium reception area looks impressive but the service does not match the price. There are a lot of staff just hanging around bowing at anything that moves. Besides this we did sleep well and the breakfast buffet was second to none. However, I would not stay here again for 1 main reason - location. It is near nothing and a shuttle service is required to take you to the nearest subway. Visiting the town, going out to eat etc made very difficult.

This hotel is a little out of the way, but very nice. The staff is extremely helpful, the rooms are fantastic and rather large for Japan. We rented bicycles from the front desk and were able to get around Kyoto easily. The only thing keeping them from getting a perfect score is the lack of affordable dining. Even the cafe was outrageously overpriced and since the hotel is in a residential area, you have to go quite a way to eat out.

This hotel was difficult to get to and a little way away from most of the sites and stations, although once you do get there, they have a shuttle to the nearest station at certain times of the day. The hotel seems to cater mainly for coach parties as there were always large groups of them coming and going and they seem to be older. The hotel itself is big, lots of rooms around a huge atrium/indoor courtyard. The rooms were very spacious and felt a little bit like a suite (the standard room had a separate living area) it was nice to be able to spread out, a rare treat within Japan. It is not modern but not tired either it is nice enough, it kind of feels like it used to be grand but it's charm has lost it's lustre. The concierge service was good and knowledgeable and the young lady spoke good English which was very useful.
There are hardly any shops around the hotel itself, and in fact feels quite residential so make sure you stock up on anything you need before heading back to your room.

My second time at The Brighton, both times because I could get great rates (this time, 2 nights through Expedia for $300 - less than 12,000 yen at the current exchange rate. I'm sure this place used to be around 30,000 yen). The refurbished rooms (I see people have posted photos) are great - the bathroom is just fantastic. Very relaxed atmosphere, in a very quiet area. Not much going on nearby, but the hotel is only 5 minutes walk from the sublime "Au Coin Tranquille" restaurant. Food and drink inside the hotel are typically scary Japanese prices, but the 7-11 is only 5 minutes away for little treats and replenishing the minibar (yes, I'm that cheap...).
A bit off the beaten track for sights and action, but a very nice walk around the Imperial Palace grounds is close at hand. About 1000 yen taxi ride or a 30 minute trek on foot to the action around Gion and Sanjyo, or 1500 yen down to Kyoto Station.