kja

@ lcuy: Perhaps you missed the wink in the emoji I attacked to my comment? Or perhaps I misunderstand you?

Kavey

MrWunrfl Well, yeah!

tonygabe

From what I hear, some Japanese toilets are pretty amazing! Thanks, Kavey! This suggestion came at the right time. Will take a look now.

kja - I tried those websites and the traditional ryokans are all occupied at the time. Crossing fingers for Auberge Watanabe to be available.

tonygabe

At the risk of becoming a pest, I was hoping people here have good suggestions for hotels in Kyoto? Airbnb may be an option in Miyajima, but given we are spending 5 nights in Kyoto, we would like the comforts of room service, concierge, etc. I have searched the forums already to see what the community has recommended in the past. My budget is between $150 to $250 a night.

Kavey, I see you once suggested Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa. It seems to be available and within that budget but wanted to see if you still recommend it and if any others you like come to mind.

Thanks so much. Very grateful to everyone here for all the feedback. These forums never let me down.

mrwunrfl

>>perhaps I misunderstand you

I think you did. lcuy was referring to an outhouse:
http://www.familytree.com/wp-content...thouse-old.jpg

Meaning here is outhouse = outhouse toilet, not just any shed or barn our out-building.

kja

Oh, that one went way over my head! Thanks for the explanation, mrwunrfl, and thanks -- belatedly -- for the laugh, lcuy.


@ tonygabe: If it helps to narrow your search for a hotel in Kyoto, I was pleased with my decision to stay in the Kawaramachi district.

Kavey

Tonygabe, I stayed there for 6 nights on our most recent trip, in April last year, and still like it. If you can request a corner room, they are larger, though we felt that their rooms were a fair size for the price we paid (both this time and the previous time a few years previously). It's not fancy, but the rooms are comfortable, we find service helpful and most of all, the location is PERFECT for us. We don't eat in the hotel, we don't think it's good value and there are so many options for breakfast, dinner or even bars in the immediate vicinity. Whether your not others will like will depend on what "level" of lux they are looking for in a hotel. But personally, yeah, I totally recommend it and it'd still b be my first thought for Kyoto on a mid-budget.

Kavey

That should say "Whether or not others will like will depend on what "level" of lux they are looking for in a hotel."

marvelousmouse

I believe upthread you asked if anyone had visited Tokyo Disney, but I don't think anyone responded- I have, in case you are still interested. I've been to the parks in CA, Florida, and Paris, and Tokyo is probably my favorite in terms of rides and cleanliness. If you have time to do just one Park, go to Disneysea, it's awesome and very different. But both parks are worth visiting.

If all else fails on Myajima- I had a ryokan reserved at first but ended up having to cancel. Stayed at a hotel- sakuraya- in a traditional Japanese room. Not fancy, definitely more basic but it turned out to be clean and really well located.

tonygabe

Thank you! The hotel search for Kyoto has proven to be difficult to find something with a good location, good level of comfort and a good price. I may still end up at the Royal Hotel and Spa.

Does anyone have any experience with Hotel Lotus?

https://www.hotels.com/ho542862/hote...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

mrwunrfl

That looks nice. As for "location", which was first of your three priorities, I noticed that everything under "What’s around" is over 2 miles away or is a 41- or 45-minute walk.

tonygabe

Thanks. This hotel search has become increasingly frustrating! I booked Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier which seems PERFECT but comes out to about $280 per night. It's really beautiful and a nice location but pricy. Was hoping to find something similar to this but a bit more affordable.

mrwunrfl

That is on the same block as Royal H&S.

>>increasingly frustrating!
ok, but it is a good problem to have.

At Nanzenji I learned something about perfection. They try to achieve perfection when they create their rock garden. I'm not sure what the Zen thought is. I think they realize that humans are imperfect and are therefore unable to achieve perfection. They know that their ability to detect an imperfection is imperfect. Something like that. So, they deliberately create an imperfection in their work so that they can't have the conceit in thinking it is perfect. Perfectionism is a curse, they say. It is a trap!

Several fodorites liked Hotel Okura. I stayed at a place that was around the corner from Gion on a stay when I wanted to visit there for dinner and go to Gion corner. Westin Miyako was a good location when Philosopher's Path was my prime target.

tonygabe

Hah, thanks mrwunfrl. Hoping I pick up some of that enlightenment on my trip. Man, I'm really looking forward to this trip.

I looked at Okura but unfortunately it is completely booked during my time in Kyoto. Perhaps I will keep what I have and cut costs elsewhere. More street food than dine-in, maybe. I love Fodors! I think I owe the group a trip report when all is said and done.

mrwunrfl

ok, comfort > cost

maguro for you, then. no chu-toro or ho-toro

marvelousmouse

Hey, if you like onigiri, check out ao onigiri. Well out of the main tourist district, worth the detour. Started out as a street cart but now is a hole in the wall restaurant. Incredibly delicious!

And you've probably checked all of these but just in case:
https://www.insidekyoto.com/best-boutique-hotels-kyoto

Mume shows up a lot here but I know it's on the expensive side so I'm doubting the list will help. I took a tour with some guys from Paris and they stayed at a new hotel, but unfortunately the name escapes me...

tonygabe

Thanks, MarvelousMouse!

Kavey

I see Hoshinoya Kyoto is on that list, it's a gorgeous place. We visited to review their kaiseki restaurant and it was one of the best meals we had during the four week trip. I'd love to stay there next time! https://www.kaveyeats.com/2016/06/ca...oya-kyoto.html

If there's more budget available, I also recommend Shiraume ryokan, we stayed there a couple of nights on our first visit to Kyoto back in 2012 and dropped in just to say hi (and deliver a thank you gift for the owner's above and beyond assistance) in 2013. It's often listed in top ryokans of Japan lists. https://www.kaveyeats.com/2013/03/he...n-me-into.html