I recently changed our plans for Kyoto from next weekend (I was worried about weather) to end of October, and now have discovered that all the hotels we were interested in are totally booked. We had planned on Westin Miyako. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm pretty desperate. I'm a Starwood member, but it doesn't make a bit of difference. Thanks!

You said all the hotels you were interested in were booked- what other hotels besides Westin have you tried?

Korea Princess:

Check your e-mail..

Stu Tower

I also tried the Hyatt. Haven't tried Granvia and just want other recommendations. Thanks! kp

For that level hotel, also try the Okura.

If it is full too, start trying everywhere- the Granvia, the Miyako across from the train station (different hotel than the Westin Miyako), etc.

If all those bigger and nicer hotels are full, you will likley need to change gears and either try for a smaller hotel w/less amenities in Kyoto, or stay in Osaka at a nicer Western-style hotel (and take the train into Kyoto, 30 min).

Fall is a busy time in Kyoto, esp. as you get closer to and into Nov.

That hotel is the New Miyako hotel. Also try the Ringha Royal but I think that is probably a step up from the ones that have been mentioned.

oops, that is Rihga Royal

I also looked into the Brighton and the Nikko Princess hotels in Kyoto for our last trip (but ended up at the Okura). They are 4 star western style hotels. You might want to check those out also.

The end of October and almost all of November is the peak season in Kyoto, as the leaves turn colors and the area becomes even more the picture postcard of Japan.

My only suggestion is to find a travel agent (on line or local) to see if they can scare up a room. Nothing will be reasonable, and by now only the smaller rooms will be left. Options, not great, are to stay in Nara or Osaka. The you commute to Kyoto by rail, easy trips.

Last Nov., in peak leaf changing season, a poster on here was able to book aroom just 3 wks before going, through japaneseguestshouses.com

She ended up w/a room at a small simple mom-and-pop ryokan in Fushimi (a couple of short stops southeast of Kyoto Station, great location for last minute, and nice nieghborhood). But she got something and that was later in Nov.

I think you have a shot at finding a rm. in Kyoto if you are willing to search and perhaps take a step down in level. If not, stay in Osaka.

I stayed here while in Kyoto ... it's certainly not luxury, but very clean and comfortable. The location is right next to the train station, so it's extremely convenient.

http://www.kyoto-tower.co.jp/english...wer/index.html