Kyoto Accommodation
Aug 20th, 2004, 11:34 PM
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Kyoto Accommodation
My husband and I are going to Japan for about 1 week in October. Our accommodation in Tokyo has been arranged but I need some advice re 3 Kyoto hotels that are of interest to us - does anyone know about the Royal Hotel Kyoto, the Princess Hotel Kyoto (formerly Nikko Princess) and the Westin Miyako? We are particularly concerned about the location (with regard to the Gion area and restaurants) and the quality of the hotels.
One other question - has anyone booked accommodation through the 'Wired-destinations' site - are they ok - absolutely great rates.
Many thanks for any advice (we received fabulous help for our family trip to England a few years ago from you Fodor's folk).
One other question - has anyone booked accommodation through the 'Wired-destinations' site - are they ok - absolutely great rates.
Many thanks for any advice (we received fabulous help for our family trip to England a few years ago from you Fodor's folk).
Aug 25th, 2004, 07:44 AM
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We stayed at the Kyoto Royal hotel last year. It is in a good location for touring and shopping. You can walk to Gion, although it's a bit of a long walk. Probably at least 20-25 minutes. We walked it once or twice though and it wasn't too bad. Our room was pretty small by Western standards, but not too bad. The hotel itself is pretty large and nice, similar to a Marriot or Hilton. I don't know about the other hotels you mentioned.
Aug 26th, 2004, 07:12 AM
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I lived in Kyoto for 3 years and I stayed at Princess hotel once about 4 years ago. Princess Kyoto hotel was good hotel, I think. The room was not big but normal size in Japan, everything was clean and confortable. The district is calm and about 5 - 10 minutes walk to Shijo subway station. It is not big hotel comparing to another 2 htoels.
As for the location, Royal Hotel would be the best in the 3 hotels as it is very near from restaurants, shops etc. The Takase River or Pon to cho street is just a few minutes walk.
Westin Kyoto hotel is authentic hotel in Kyoto, a lot of celeblities have used it especially when it was independent hotel (I don't know well about current situation.) I've been there several times but have never stayed, just for conference. I guess the servise would be reliable. The location is not very convenient, but not bad. About 10 to 15 minutes by taxi for Gion.
As for the location, Royal Hotel would be the best in the 3 hotels as it is very near from restaurants, shops etc. The Takase River or Pon to cho street is just a few minutes walk.
Westin Kyoto hotel is authentic hotel in Kyoto, a lot of celeblities have used it especially when it was independent hotel (I don't know well about current situation.) I've been there several times but have never stayed, just for conference. I guess the servise would be reliable. The location is not very convenient, but not bad. About 10 to 15 minutes by taxi for Gion.
Aug 30th, 2004, 08:08 PM
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We stayed at the Westin Miyako a few months ago and it was quite nice. Had one of the Japanese traditional rooms instead of one of the western rooms. Location is good for exploring the eastern part of Kyoto. They have a hourly shuttle to/from the train station to the hotel from about 0800 to 1800 which is quite convenient.
Sep 13th, 2004, 01:24 PM
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We visited Kyoto three times and always stayed at the Miyako.
We liked it better before it became a Westin and became more western.
It has the great advantage of being a relatively quiet location for Kyoto. Great location for the Path of Philosophy and its famous temples.
The shuttle used to run every half hour but stops around 6 pm. There is a nearby subway stop that we found very convenient and a great deal of fun. Easy access by subway to Gion, Ponto-cho, Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, RR station, etc. The taxis are very expensive.
While you're in Kyoto, you might vary your dinner menu and avoid high-priced Japanese restaurants by joining the locals in buying food-to-go in the big basement food hall of Isetan, accessible from the RR sta.
We liked it better before it became a Westin and became more western.
It has the great advantage of being a relatively quiet location for Kyoto. Great location for the Path of Philosophy and its famous temples.
The shuttle used to run every half hour but stops around 6 pm. There is a nearby subway stop that we found very convenient and a great deal of fun. Easy access by subway to Gion, Ponto-cho, Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, RR station, etc. The taxis are very expensive.
While you're in Kyoto, you might vary your dinner menu and avoid high-priced Japanese restaurants by joining the locals in buying food-to-go in the big basement food hall of Isetan, accessible from the RR sta.
Sep 13th, 2004, 01:25 PM
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We visited Kyoto three times and always stayed at the Miyako.
We liked it better before it became a Westin and became more western.
It has the great advantage of being a relatively quiet location for Kyoto. Great location for the Path of Philosophy and its famous temples.
The shuttle used to run every half hour but stops around 6 pm. There is a nearby subway stop that we found very convenient and a great deal of fun. Easy access by subway to Gion, Ponto-cho, Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, RR station, etc. The taxis are very expensive.
While you're in Kyoto, you might vary your dinner menu and avoid high-priced Japanese restaurants by joining the locals in buying food-to-go in the big basement food hall of Isetan Department store, accessible from the RR station.
We liked it better before it became a Westin and became more western.
It has the great advantage of being a relatively quiet location for Kyoto. Great location for the Path of Philosophy and its famous temples.
The shuttle used to run every half hour but stops around 6 pm. There is a nearby subway stop that we found very convenient and a great deal of fun. Easy access by subway to Gion, Ponto-cho, Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, RR station, etc. The taxis are very expensive.
While you're in Kyoto, you might vary your dinner menu and avoid high-priced Japanese restaurants by joining the locals in buying food-to-go in the big basement food hall of Isetan Department store, accessible from the RR station.
