Sakura Terrace

Although it's close to Kyoto's hectic center, the Sakura Terrace Hotel feels somewhat like a tranquil resort hotel, with its stylish open courtyard. The lobby is lined with glass, adding to the effect of being in a spacious and airy setting, and a fire pit surrounded by a shallow decorative pool in the middle of the lobby is a nice touch. Sofas provide seating throughout. Large silhouetted signs in English direct guests to the Cafe and Bar, Open Terrace, Entrance, Front Desk, Gallery Lounge, and Public Bath. Hallways to guest rooms are wide and open to the courtyard. The setting is modern, hip, and relaxing. Guests younger than 12 are not allowed, so it's a good place for couples and families with older children. Its location also appeals to business guests who like a quieter spot away from the busy city. 

The hotel is located in Minami, on a quiet tree-lined street that's a ten-minute walk from Kyoto Station. Both leisure and business travelers will find the location ideal as a base for exploring Kyoto. Although there's little of interest immediately around the hotel, except for convenience stores, it is within walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants, bars, and department stores. It is also conveniently located for taking various public transportation via buses, trains, and the Shinkansen bullet train. The Kujo Subway station is right next to the hotel, making trips to the stunning Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine is about 30 minutes away by subway. The closest airport is in Osaka, a 40-minute drive from the hotel, or around 80 minutes away by using the subway and trains.

While many rooms are more spacious than others in Kyoto, the most basic Standard Double Rooms only have 18 square meters (194 square feet) of space. Rooms are attractive, with wood laminate floors, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, electric kettles, yukata robes and slippers, and mini-fridges. Decor is minimalist, with soothing color schemes of gray and taupe. Teal or purple pillows on the bed add a subtle splash of color. Furnishings are light-toned wood veneer and lack hardware, for a clean look. Some rooms have upholstered sofas and chairs for seating. There is no closet, so clothes hang on the wall, not unusual in mid-range Kyoto hotels. Some rooms have nice balconies with lounge chairs overlooking the city. Bathrooms are the size typical in Kyoto -- that is to say, tiny -- but they offer amenities in eco-friendly large bottles, hairdryers, and towels with sleek gray tiling and light walls.

The on-site restaurant has indoor seating in booths and simple tables and chairs. Guests also can dine on the terrace, which features cafe tables and chairs under umbrellas, as well as sofas in front of lovely stone fire pits. The on-site bar provides each guest with a free cocktail daily. Breakfast is offered each day with Japanese and western selections, though it's not included with room rates. The onsen communal bath is separated into men's and women's sections. An area has been set aside for smokers and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.