Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [270]
Ryokan Shimizu (Map; 371-5538; www.kyoto-shimizu.net; 644 Kagiya-chō, Shichijō-dōri, Wakamiya agaru, Shimogyō-ku; r per person from ¥5250; ; Kyoto Station, Karasuma central gate) A short walk north of Kyoto Station, this fine ryokan is quickly building a loyal following of foreign guests, and for good reason: it’s clean, well run and friendly. Rooms are standard ryokan style with one difference: all have bathrooms. Bicycle rental is available.
MIDRANGE
APA Hotel Kyoto Ekimae (Map; 365-4111; www.apahotel.com/hotel_e/ah_kyotoekimae/index.html; Shiokōji sagaru, Nishinotōin-dōri, Shimogyō-ku; s/tw from ¥10,500/20,000; ; Kyoto Station, Karasuma central gate) Only five minutes on foot from Kyoto Station, this efficient business hotel is a good choice for those who want the convenience of a nearly stationside location. Rooms are adequate, with firm, clean beds and unit bathrooms. The staff is professional and is used to dealing with foreign guests. There is LAN cable internet in rooms and wi-fi in the lobby.
TOP END
Hotel Granvia Kyoto (Map; 344-8888; www.granvia-kyoto.co.jp/e/index.html; Shiokōji sagaru, Karasuma-dōri, Shimogyō-ku; d/tw from ¥23,100/25,410; ; Kyoto Station, Karasuma central gate) Imagine stepping straight out of bed and into the shinkansen. This is almost possible when you stay at the Granvia, an excellent hotel located directly above Kyoto Station. Rooms are clean, spacious and well appointed, with deep bathtubs. This is a very professional operation with some good on-site restaurants, some of which have good views over the city. There is LAN cable internet in rooms.
Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto (Map; 341-1121; fax 341-3073; www.rihga.com/kyoto; Horikawa-Shiokōji, Shimogyō-ku; s/d/tw from ¥16,170/26,565/25,410; ; Kyoto Station, Karasuma central gate) Though a little dated and too large for some people’s taste, this long-running hotel has all the facilities that you’d expect from an international hotel, including a revolving rooftop restaurant. The location is fairly convenient for Kyoto Station. There is LAN cable internet in rooms (it costs ¥1050 for 24 hours).
Downtown Kyoto
BUDGET
Kinsuikan (Map; 255-3930; Tominokōji Sanjō sagaru, Nakagyō-ku; r per person from ¥4200; ; Tōzai & Karasuma subway lines to Karasuma-Oike Station, exit 3) They don’t make locations much more convenient than this: Kinsuikan is located right in the middle of the downtown shopping-restaurant district. It’s a simple ryokan that’s used to welcoming foreign travellers. There is a wide variety of rooms, some of which have bathrooms and toilets. Wi-fi is in the lobby and you can take a soak in the large common baths downstairs.
MIDRANGE
Hotel Unizo (Map; 241-3351; www.sun-hotel.co.jp/ky_index.htm, in Japanese; Kawaramachi-dōri-Sanjō sagaru, Nakagyō-ku; s/d/tw from ¥7350/13,650/12,810; ;bus 5 to Kawaramachi-Sanjō stop) They don’t get more central than this downtown business hotel: it’s smack-dab in the middle of Kyoto’s nightlife, shopping and dining district and you can walk to hundreds of restaurants and shops within five minutes. It’s a standard-issue business hotel, with small but adequate rooms and unit bathrooms. Considering the location and the condition of the rooms, it’s great value.
Hotel Fujita Kyoto (Map; 222-1511; www.fujita-kyoto.com/e; Nijō-Ōhashi Hotori, Kamogawa, Nakagyō-ku; s/d/tw from ¥10,395/26,565/16,170; ; Tōzai subway line to Shiyakusho-mae Station, exit 2) Located on the banks of the Kamo-gawa, this hotel has rooms that are slightly larger than those you’d find in a business hotel. Rooms on the east side have great views over the river to the Higashiyama mountains. There are several good on-site restaurants and a nice bar. It’s an easy walk to the downtown area.
TOP END
Hiiragiya Bekkan (Annex) (Map; 231-0151; fax 231-0153; www.hiiragiya.com/index-e.html; Gokōmachi-dōri, Nijō sagaru, Nakagy