reasonable accomodations in Kyoto
 

I have been looking into reasonable Western style accomodations for Kyoto. We are looking for clean, fairly quiet accomodations close to resturants,shopping tourist sights ect. Here is what I have found so far (would love some feedback)

Granvia-- a bit pricey but will get a bit of a discount with JR pass

Comfort Inn Kyoto Gojo-- Seems like a good deal...what is this property like?

Any feedback or suggestions for places to stay would be much appreciated!

I've stayed at Toyoko-Inn Shijo-Karasuma last year, and returning there soon. They have four properties in Kyoto, and all are handily placed. Modern, very clean, well equipped, with free breakfast (western or Japanese) and free LAN internet connection in all bedrooms (take your laptop). Free PC in lobby. The one in Shijo-Karasuma is two stops by subway from Kyoto station, and 10-15 min walk to Kawaramachi and Gion. About 6,500 yen single, 8,500 yen twin (plus 5% tax). You can book online at www.toyoko-inn.com

Thanks! on your advice I looked into that property and it seems to be exactly what we want. I applied for a reservation and I'm assuming that they will get back to me. One question though: because it is on a busy street is there quite a bit of traffic noise? Also, our Japanese is quite limited (I know a little bit) Do people on staff at this hotel speak a bit of English?

Only a small number of rooms face the street and windows being double-glazed, I don't think noise will be a problem. There were some Westerners staying at the hotel and they are used to dealing with non-Japanese speakers. BTW the staff, including the manager, are almost all female and I've found them to be polite, efficient and helpful.

Hi,

My husband and I stayed at Kyoto Garden Hotel and found the location to be very convenient. It is 1 minute walk from Karasuma-Oike Station and it's about a 10 minute ride from JR Kyoto station. We paid about 1000yen for the ride, worth it if you have a lot of luggage.
You can check their website at http://www.kyoto.gardenhotel.com.jp/index_e.html. We paid about 8500yen for a double. They also have internet access in their cosy lobby.

As for shopping, the main shopping area is Kawaramachi/Shijo where all the big departmental and some specialized stores are.

Gion is a must for the geishas/maikos. Go around 5 pm, that's when they come out ready to go to work. There are also a few incense shops around the area which are very good quality.

Other places you should cover are : Nijo Castle, Imperial Palace, Golden Pavilion, Ryoan-ji's zen garden.

If time allows, you should also make day trips to Nara and Hiroshima.

If you like noodles, there are lots of stalls selling ramen/udon/soba every where you go. You should try one of those where you eat standing up. Forget about good coffee. We found the best coffee at McDonald's when we were really desperate.

Let me know if you are going to Tokyo and Osaka coz I can tell you the places to go and to avoid but where ever in Japan, be prepared to walk a lot. Don't believe any signs that tell you how far your destination is. You could probably multiply that by 3 times.