Help in Choosing a Hotel in Kyoto and Tokyo
Apr 24th, 2009, 03:52 PM
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Help in Choosing a Hotel in Kyoto and Tokyo
I'm starting to plan a family trip to Japan, visiting Kyoto and Tokyo with my wife and teenage son. Hotel choices I'm initially looking at in Kyoto are the Westin Miyako near Gion and the Hotel Granvia (at Kyoto Station). I'm leaning towards the Westin, since its near the beautiful eastern part of the city and would be located in a quieter area than busy Kyoto Station. Room quality and price look fairly comparable, so both are attractive. Pluses for the Granvia are convenience for shopping, restaurants, subway, and Shinkansen access.
In Tokyo, I'm considering the Royal Park Hotel next to the Tokyo City Air Terminal, the ANA Intercontinental in Akasaka, the Keio Plaza and the Hyatt Regency which are both in Shinjuku. Here I'm leaning towards choosing the Intercontinental for its proximity to the Tameikessano subway station with 4 lines running through it making it a fairly convenient location.
I'm not locked into any one hotel, so I'm hoping some of you who are familiar with these properties would be able to give me some advice. If you have any preferences I'd appreciate hearing about them as well. Thanks for your help.
In Tokyo, I'm considering the Royal Park Hotel next to the Tokyo City Air Terminal, the ANA Intercontinental in Akasaka, the Keio Plaza and the Hyatt Regency which are both in Shinjuku. Here I'm leaning towards choosing the Intercontinental for its proximity to the Tameikessano subway station with 4 lines running through it making it a fairly convenient location.
I'm not locked into any one hotel, so I'm hoping some of you who are familiar with these properties would be able to give me some advice. If you have any preferences I'd appreciate hearing about them as well. Thanks for your help.
Apr 24th, 2009, 05:44 PM
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kolohe keoki,lol
I have stayed at the Keio and Hyatt Century in Tokyo and the Granvia in Kyoto. I would choose the Hyatt over the Keio(I like the neighborhood adjacent to the Keio a lot) and both of them over the ANA or RP.
I like the Granvia in Kyoto because of the reasons you mention. Click on my profile and read my last two trip reports on Japan. I have my reviews of these hotels in there.
Have you checked the "Trendy Pak" specials that Panda Travel in HNL is having? You can get r/t on Japan Airlines HNL/NRT + 3 nights in Tokyo for $779.00 p/p.
They can also get the Keio and Century Hyatt at a little more p/p.....something like 78.00 more. Check it out if you haven't gotten your tix yet. They also have great rates on a JR Pass if you need.
http://www.pandaonline.com/vacations...-dy-pak-tokyo/
Aloha!
I have stayed at the Keio and Hyatt Century in Tokyo and the Granvia in Kyoto. I would choose the Hyatt over the Keio(I like the neighborhood adjacent to the Keio a lot) and both of them over the ANA or RP.
I like the Granvia in Kyoto because of the reasons you mention. Click on my profile and read my last two trip reports on Japan. I have my reviews of these hotels in there.
Have you checked the "Trendy Pak" specials that Panda Travel in HNL is having? You can get r/t on Japan Airlines HNL/NRT + 3 nights in Tokyo for $779.00 p/p.
They can also get the Keio and Century Hyatt at a little more p/p.....something like 78.00 more. Check it out if you haven't gotten your tix yet. They also have great rates on a JR Pass if you need.
http://www.pandaonline.com/vacations...-dy-pak-tokyo/
Aloha!
Apr 24th, 2009, 08:28 PM
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I have stayed in Granvia. The rooms were actually very quiet. We went to several day trips so the proximity to JR station was very convenient. Also convenient was a Post Office next next to the station where I had access to 24hr ATM machine that accepted U.S. ATM cards. Japanese retail commerge is still cash based. Some pretty pricy things like day transit pass, must be paid in cash, that was about $60 for my family. I also had to wait almost 30min to pay $300 worth of goods at Daimaru. The sales girl had to get an authorization from the store business office to complete the transaction. The cash register was not set up to complete the transaction on the floor. While waiting, I noticed that Japanese buyers used cash for $400 purchases by whipping out 10,000 yen bills the way we whip out $20 bills in the U.S.
I have stayed at Keio Plaza. I didn't care for its business oriented location. I stayed at the Imperial last time to be closer to the shopping area. I used a corporate rate to stay at the Imperial at discount.
I have stayed at Keio Plaza. I didn't care for its business oriented location. I stayed at the Imperial last time to be closer to the shopping area. I used a corporate rate to stay at the Imperial at discount.
Apr 25th, 2009, 02:11 AM
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I would counsel against the Granvia, because I dislike its location. It is near neither the shopping nor the sites that are interesting. It is a good location if you'll be taking day trips all the time by train, but otherwise the location sort of stinks in comparison to other places.
My favorite hotel for location is the Okura. You step outside and you're in the middle of the best shopping, including the Teramachi-dori pedestrian area, and you're just a step away from the terrific Ponto-cho area. If you need to take the subway somewhere, there's direct access to the subway from the hotel.
The Okura itself is a very comfortable hotel, though it is a bit old-fashioned.
My favorite hotel for location is the Okura. You step outside and you're in the middle of the best shopping, including the Teramachi-dori pedestrian area, and you're just a step away from the terrific Ponto-cho area. If you need to take the subway somewhere, there's direct access to the subway from the hotel.
The Okura itself is a very comfortable hotel, though it is a bit old-fashioned.
Apr 25th, 2009, 06:13 AM
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In Tokyo I would definately stay in Shinjuku, by far my fave area to hang out in. Rizutto is right about Kyoto, Granvia is too far. We had to take subway to our hotel which is right in the heart of the action. I would recommend ours to you but it seems a a little too cheap. Good luck.
Apr 25th, 2009, 01:15 PM
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Curious George...my kids and grandchildren all loved your books...and I read most of them to each. Nice to see your profile and that you have aged well...
all kidding aside...I'll just add a small comment to all of the above recs. Been to Kyoto twice..once 63 years ago when there were NO tourists...we GI's had the entire undamaged city to roam..and roam we did. I must add that we, as young pccupying GI's, treated the city and it's populace with dignity and respect.
In '07, wife and visited for a week en route back to US from China...IF you'd like to share with wife and son a sort of quasi-Ryokan experience, I can highly recommend The Three Sisters Annex...short bus ride to other downtown areas (Gion, Pontocho, etc.) and well located to take a beautiful ten minute amble to the gorgeous Philosopher's Walk and the eastern temples (golden and silver pavilions)...another short bus ride to some of the "northern sites"...the Zen Temple (Ryongi).
One tip...be sure to take the time to visit the remarkable Miho Museum...15-minute train ride, followed by 40-minute bus ride through the wooded countryside.(see pix)
The bus stop is one block away from the Inn, and the schedule is very convenient.
Just wanted to throw my two yen in...here are a few selected Kyoto photos to whet your appetite.
http://picasaweb.google.com/stuartto...ndOtherScenes#
http://picasaweb.google.com/stuartto...hoMuseumIMPei#
***(rates at Three Sisters Annex are about $150 with breakfast)
Stu Tower
all kidding aside...I'll just add a small comment to all of the above recs. Been to Kyoto twice..once 63 years ago when there were NO tourists...we GI's had the entire undamaged city to roam..and roam we did. I must add that we, as young pccupying GI's, treated the city and it's populace with dignity and respect.
In '07, wife and visited for a week en route back to US from China...IF you'd like to share with wife and son a sort of quasi-Ryokan experience, I can highly recommend The Three Sisters Annex...short bus ride to other downtown areas (Gion, Pontocho, etc.) and well located to take a beautiful ten minute amble to the gorgeous Philosopher's Walk and the eastern temples (golden and silver pavilions)...another short bus ride to some of the "northern sites"...the Zen Temple (Ryongi).
One tip...be sure to take the time to visit the remarkable Miho Museum...15-minute train ride, followed by 40-minute bus ride through the wooded countryside.(see pix)
The bus stop is one block away from the Inn, and the schedule is very convenient.
Just wanted to throw my two yen in...here are a few selected Kyoto photos to whet your appetite.
http://picasaweb.google.com/stuartto...ndOtherScenes#
http://picasaweb.google.com/stuartto...hoMuseumIMPei#
***(rates at Three Sisters Annex are about $150 with breakfast)
Stu Tower
Apr 26th, 2009, 06:32 AM
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Kyoto seems more overrun with tourists than Tokyo. You might welcome that though, I am not sure. Checked out Kyoto Station today and it is a fantastic area as well if you have $$$$$, lots of it. Many options there. I would not hesitate to stay there at all. Have a great trip.
Apr 26th, 2009, 06:57 AM
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Loved the Granvia in Kyoto. Shopping was great, and certainly being the transportaion hub we had no problem getting anywhere. Train, buses, taxis, even walking. And Mr. Donut !! Can't wait for our next trip.
Apr 26th, 2009, 07:07 AM
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We just returned from Japan a couple of weeks ago, also traveling with teen. We stayed at the Keio Plaza and the Granvia. While I haven't finished our trip report (waiting on daughter to write her part), I did post our thoughts on the hotels.
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...rom-mrmsgo.cfm
The location of the Granvia worked well for us, as we had a couple of day trips planned by train. If we'd had a shorter stay and were focused only on sites in Kyoto, we probably would have chosen something a bit more centrally located. That said, we found it easy to get around from the Granvia.
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...rom-mrmsgo.cfm
The location of the Granvia worked well for us, as we had a couple of day trips planned by train. If we'd had a shorter stay and were focused only on sites in Kyoto, we probably would have chosen something a bit more centrally located. That said, we found it easy to get around from the Granvia.
Apr 27th, 2009, 10:38 AM
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Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful responses and comments. I'd been looking them over but hadn't had a chance to respond until today, busy weekend and all.
I'm surprised how many people have stayed at the Keio Plaza, myself included. While I like the Shinjuku area and agree my son would enjoy staying there, friends who live in Tokyo are encouraging us to stay closer to where they live, hence the Royal Park and ANA Intercontinental options. The Akasaka Prince hotel, right across from the Akasaka-Mitsuke station has also come up as a possibility.
I'm also not too surprised at the split between people who like and dislike the Granvia in Kyoto as it mirrors my initial thoughts about the hotel. Nice and convenient to transportation versus staying in a quieter, more central area like the Westin or Okura, away from the busy transportation hub.
As I sort through our options, room size and quality, price and location will all come into play. While I haven't made any firm decisions yet, I'm still leaning towards the Westin in Kyoto and ANA Intercontinental in Tokyo. I may make initial reservations there as long as they can be canceled and will continue to look at the other choices as well.
Thanks again for your posts and feel free to add any thoughts or ideas you may have. This has been a great help to me as I plan our family trip and I really enjoy hearing about everyone's travel experiences in Japan.
I'm surprised how many people have stayed at the Keio Plaza, myself included. While I like the Shinjuku area and agree my son would enjoy staying there, friends who live in Tokyo are encouraging us to stay closer to where they live, hence the Royal Park and ANA Intercontinental options. The Akasaka Prince hotel, right across from the Akasaka-Mitsuke station has also come up as a possibility.
I'm also not too surprised at the split between people who like and dislike the Granvia in Kyoto as it mirrors my initial thoughts about the hotel. Nice and convenient to transportation versus staying in a quieter, more central area like the Westin or Okura, away from the busy transportation hub.
As I sort through our options, room size and quality, price and location will all come into play. While I haven't made any firm decisions yet, I'm still leaning towards the Westin in Kyoto and ANA Intercontinental in Tokyo. I may make initial reservations there as long as they can be canceled and will continue to look at the other choices as well.
Thanks again for your posts and feel free to add any thoughts or ideas you may have. This has been a great help to me as I plan our family trip and I really enjoy hearing about everyone's travel experiences in Japan.
Apr 27th, 2009, 12:52 PM
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I'd agree that Shinjuku is not a terrific location as a base for seeing Tokyo.
Have you considered the other ANA InterContinental property in Tokyo, The Strings, in Shinagawa? It's an especially nice, medium-sized hotel with top-notch service. It is adjacent to Shinagawa station, which makes it one of the most convenient locations for getting around Tokyo. (Shinagawa is on the JR Yamanote line, the Narita Express line, and a few other JR lines.)
Have you considered the other ANA InterContinental property in Tokyo, The Strings, in Shinagawa? It's an especially nice, medium-sized hotel with top-notch service. It is adjacent to Shinagawa station, which makes it one of the most convenient locations for getting around Tokyo. (Shinagawa is on the JR Yamanote line, the Narita Express line, and a few other JR lines.)
May 1st, 2009, 12:51 PM
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Kyoto station is convenient but not very beautiful. I recommend the Higashiyama (eastern) area as this is where most of the sights are. It is also quieter. You also might want to think about staying at a ryokan like Motonago in this area.
You can get around Tokyo very easily so you can stay anywhere. Shinjuku is a lot of fun and your sons will enjoy it.
You can get around Tokyo very easily so you can stay anywhere. Shinjuku is a lot of fun and your sons will enjoy it.
May 12th, 2009, 06:50 AM
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We stayed in the Granvia for one night, because it made it easy to return from Nara daytrip late at night and leave for Himeji/Miyajima early morning the next day. The hotel is very nice, but I would not stay there for any other reason.
On our return from Miyajima, we stayed at the Westin for two more nights. I thought it would have been handy for the philosopher's path area, but it was actually quite far, you had to take a bus to get there, the stop was quite far and there was limited public transportation. But, the Westin has a little van that will take you to the station every half hour and you can get to anywhere from there. The hotel itself was quite nice, the area is quiet and if you are going in the summer, the swimming pool is a nice relief.
On our return from Miyajima, we stayed at the Westin for two more nights. I thought it would have been handy for the philosopher's path area, but it was actually quite far, you had to take a bus to get there, the stop was quite far and there was limited public transportation. But, the Westin has a little van that will take you to the station every half hour and you can get to anywhere from there. The hotel itself was quite nice, the area is quiet and if you are going in the summer, the swimming pool is a nice relief.
May 12th, 2009, 11:38 AM
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Everyone, I appreciate the additional comments and suggestions. For Kyoto, the eastern part of the city still sounds the most appealing.
However I am a bit surprised at scheldekaai's comments about the Westin. I figured it would be in a quiet area but like scheldekaai, I also thought it would be conveniently located to the Philosopher's Path and the temples along that route when looking at the map. Guess I'll have to take the Westin transportation and location issue into account as I consider our Kyoto hotel options. Thanks again.
However I am a bit surprised at scheldekaai's comments about the Westin. I figured it would be in a quiet area but like scheldekaai, I also thought it would be conveniently located to the Philosopher's Path and the temples along that route when looking at the map. Guess I'll have to take the Westin transportation and location issue into account as I consider our Kyoto hotel options. Thanks again.
