630 Takahashicho Karasuma Takatsuji Higashi-iru, Shimogyo, Japan | (618) 248-8274
Central location convenient for sightseeing, dining, and shopping
Rooms are comparatively large and include satellite TV and mini-fridges
Five popular restaurants on-site, including a teppanyaki eatery, and a main bar
Five meeting rooms and a wedding chapel
Internet corner with computer for guests' use
On-site gift shops
Free Wi-Fi throughout
No fitness facilities
Dated, stuffy decor throughout
Breakfast buffet isn't included in room rate and often entails a long wait
This upper-middle-range hotel, part of the worldwide Jal hotel chain, offers upscale accommodations in a central location near Shijo-karasuma subway station. The 216 rooms, which range from Standard to Princess Suites, are spacious, especially for Japan, and are more in the style of a European hotel, though the decor could use some updating. The five on-site restaurants include a teppanyaki grill, where food is cooked at the table, and the Amber Court serves a sumptuous buffet breakfast, but the wait for a table can be long. The similarly priced Kyoto Hotel Okura has more modern decor, and fitness facilities.
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Scene
Decades-old luxury hotel with traditional decor and popular restaurants
The Nikko Princess Kyoto has 1980s-style luxury with an impressive lobby featuring a grand white marble staircase, a dome-shaped crystal chandelier, and a small fountain. Couches and chairs upholstered in stodgy fabrics contribute to an overall dated look, but the hotel is clean and well-maintained despite not being fashionable, and its restaurants remain popular. The hotel draws mainly families and couples, but the five meeting rooms and convenient location make it a practical choice for business travelers, too.
Location
Centrally located near the subway, restaurants, and shops
This hotel is located on a quiet street in central Kyoto, within a five-minute walk of the Shijo-karasuma subway stop, and it's close to restaurants and shops. It's about a 12-minute trip from Kyoto Station. The Gion Geisha District is about 20 minutes away on the subway, while the Fushimi Inari Shrine is about a 30-minute ride on public transportation. It’s about an hour's drive or an hour and 20 minutes by public transportation to Osaka International Airport.
Rooms
Large rooms and bathrooms, with dated, European elegance
The 216 air-conditioned rooms, which include Standard and Executive Rooms, and Suites of various sizes, are large for Kyoto. But the decor, which includes curved fabric headboards and beige and gray colors, is dated, and the carpeting shows wear. Rooms include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, hairdryers, slippers, and pajamas. Beige-tiled bathrooms are also large with roomy vanities and glass-doored “shower rooms” with shower heads on the wall and separate bathtubs. Toiletries and magnifying mirrors are also provided.
Features
Five restaurants, a bar, plus meeting rooms and a wedding chapel
The Amber Court cafe serves a buffet and a la carte breakfast, along with lunch and dinner, and it's a casual spot to stop for cake, fresh bread, and pastries. Sagano Japanese restaurant specializes in traditional kaiseki cuisine, and has a small courtyard, while Tempura-Kappo Sagano serves tempura at a small counter. Hoen is a teppanyaki restaurant, where the food is cooked at the table, and Hisuien specializes in Cantonese fare. The Darley bar serves cocktails and snacks until late in the evening. There are also five rooms for meetings and banquets, and a modern wedding chapel. An Internet corner off the lobby gives guests a few computer terminals to use. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
