Tokyo - Kyoto

My girlfriend and I will be traveling to Tokyo next month. We're thinking of maybe visiting Kyoto, and are wondering how much a train ticket is to Kyoto from Tokyo. We don't think we need a rail pass, being that we're only going to Tokyo and maybe a side trip to Kyoto. And also how long of a ride is it. Can anyone suggest any hotel in Kyoto that doesn't require reservations in advance?
Thanks in advance.

logo307,

Details can be found on this very site...
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2363.html

Note that a return trip from Tokyo to Kyoto is only slightly less than the cost of a 7-day railpass, so the pass will save you money if you also use it in and around Tokyo and when travelling to/from Narita Airport.

thank you so much. this is very helpful :)

logo 307,
It can be risky to have no reservation for Kyoto in March, as hotels are already heavily booked or sold out. If you have difficulties finding accomodation in Kyoto think of staying in the ShinOsaka area. With a JR Rail Pass the 15 min ride by shinkansen between Kyoto station and ShinOsaka station is included, otherwise local commuting train 30 min and Yen 540.