680 Higashi Shiokoji-cho, Shimogyo, Japan | (586) 210-9239
Right across from Kyoto Station
Close to trains and surrounded by shops and restaurants as well
Most of the large rooms have modern decor and amenities
Rooms rates with breakfast included are available
A few on-site restaurants, including a teppanyaki grill, are tasty
Several banquet rooms and a small on-site chapel are nice for events and weddings
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Rooms that have not been renovated are dated
Rooms lack safes
Some guests complain of a lack of power outlets by the beds
This 222-room hotel has a modern look and an excellent location just across from Kyoto Station. It’s close to trains and busses and is surrounded by restaurants; it also has a few of its own, including a teppanyaki grill and a patisserie that sells colorful desserts. Many of the rooms have been updated with stylish, modern decor, though some others still have a dated look with worn carpeting. The several banquet rooms and small chapel make this hotel popular for events and weddings, but it’s also a nice base for sightseeing.
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Scene
Sophisticated lobby and lively atmosphere in the restaurants
The hotel’s soaring lobby has dark, sophisticated decor, with lots of brick and a small central area with plush armchairs surrounding what looks like a giant floor lamp. The space is mostly taken up by the hotel’s restaurants, including the Bonheur teppanyaki grill, which has long bars accented with bright blue tiles, and Rantei, which mixes traditional and modern -- the windows are covered in rice paper, and purple and gray velvet-covered chairs are pulled up at the tables. The mix of eateries give the hotel a lively atmosphere. The banquet rooms and small chapel also make it a popular wedding spot.
Location
Across from Kyoto station, close to trains, busses, and restaurants
The hotel is located right across from Kyoto Station, with easy access to restaurants and shops, along with trains and busses. It’s a five-minute walk to Kyoto Tower and its observation deck. Other attractions are a short ride away. The Gion geisha district can be reached in about 20 minutes by bus and the Fushimi Inari Shrine is a 25-minute trip by subway. It’s about 50 minutes by car and an hour by bus to Osaka International Airport.
Rooms
Though they lack safes, most rooms are updated and spacious, but non-renovated rooms are dated.
The 222 rooms, which include twins, doubles, and family rooms, are spacious and clean. Many have been renovated and have a smart modern style. Comfort rooms have bright green and blue carpeting with a pixelated look and brown and lilac fabrics and pillows. Bathrooms range in size depending on the room. In the Deluxe Comfort room, bathrooms have long vanities, while in the Comfort Superior rooms, the counters are more compact. The Deluxe Family Room has a seating area with upholstered chairs overlooking a rock garden and the bathroom has a vanity with double bowl-style sinks. Some rooms overlook the garden and chapel. Non-renovated rooms have plain furniture and older fabrics. Rooms don’t have safes and lack power outlets close to the beds,which is a downside for guests who want their charging mobile phones handy. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, kettles, robes, and slippers.
Features
Japanese- and Western-style buffet breakfast, several restaurants, and a small chapel
The hotel has several restaurants. La Jyho serves a Western- and Japanese-style buffet breakfast, a buffet lunch and dinner, and a la carte meals as well. Casane serves lunch and dinner and has a view of the garden; it often hosts wedding parties. Bonheur is a teppanyaki grill, where the food is cooked at the table, and Rantei serves traditional Kyoto cuisine, including sushi. The Essex bar serves drinks and has a cafe-style menu, while Joie Joue sells colorful pastries and desserts. Room service is available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, aside from some of the banquet rooms and the chapel. There are 11 banquet rooms that can hold up to 260 people.
