The Ace Hotel Group will enter the Asia market this spring when it opens the doors of the 213-key Ace Hotel Kyoto, which is now taking reservations for stays starting April 16, 2020.
Kengo Kuma, the principal architect for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Stadium, and award-winning Commune Design, a longtime Ace collaborator, partnered on the property’s design which is part new-build, part historic structure. Housed in the building designed by architect Tetsurō Yoshida that was home to the Kyoto Central Telephone Company, the hotel is in the Shin-Puh-Kan redevelopment project, which is being overseen by Kuma and also includes a ground floor marketplace and movie theatre.
“We’ve been wanting to do a project in Japan for 20 years now, and collaborating with a visionary like Kengo Kuma and longtime friends Commune make it all the more special,” said Kelly Sawdon, partner and chief brand officer, Ace Hotel Group. “Kyoto has been a longstanding global hub that has provided inspiration for countless artists, designers, musicians, filmmakers and poets. Kyoto is a city that generates creativity and inspires travel, and we hope Ace will serve as a central gathering place for locals and travellers.”
Kuma, who is the principal of Kengo Kuma and Associates, said it was his intention to design a “cultural catalyst” for various people to visit and create a seamless relationship with Kyoto’s community. To that end, the property features an east-meets-west aesthetic that blends elements such as works by local artists including nonagenarian artist Samiro Yunoki and Japanese soaking tubs with Tivoli radios and turntables. Other design highlights include multiple courtyards, including a centrally-located one between the new and historic building, three standalone restaurants, a café, an animated lobby and event spaces.
The property’s accommodation offerings are:
- Standard King (king-sized bed, window seats, Japanese soaking tub, separate shower, a Tivoli radio and turntable)
- Deluxe King (spacious room with king-sized bed, window seats, Japanese soaking tub, separate shower, a turntable and views)
- Double (two double beds, Japanese soaking tub, separate shower, window seats–some with garden views, Tivoli radio)
- Historic Double (room located in the former telephone company building that features two double beds, Japanese soaking tub, separate shower, double vanity and separate living area. All rooms have Tivoli radio and most have turntables)
- Terrace Double (two double beds, Japanese soaking tub, separate shower, Tivoli radio and a private balcony)
- Garden Terrace (king-sized bed, double vanity, Japanese soaking tub, separate shower and garden views from the private terrace)
- Tatami Suite (four tatami futons, double vanities, turntables, Japanese soaking tub, separate shower and a bar)
- Ace Suite (king bed or two double beds, a separate dining/bar/living area, double vanity, Japanese soaking tub, separate shower, and more)
The Ace Hotel Kyoto joins Ace properties in Chicago, New York, Downtown Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Portland, Seattle and London Shoreditch. A Toronto property is slated to open later in 2020.