The best thing about the 25-room Maifukan is its location in the center of romantic and historic Gion, within walking distance of several tourist sights. Though advertised as an upscale hotel, it's closer to mid-range decor here is bland and outdated. The traditional Japanese-style guest rooms offer more charm and atmosphere than the drab Western-style ones, but the plastic prefab Japanese-style bathrooms are a disappointment. The on-site French restaurant is a highlight, and the traditional Kyoto-style breakfast (for a fee) gets enthusiastic reviews. Travelers not fussy about location should compare rates at the upscale Westin Miyako Kyoto, which features indoor and outdoor pools, several on-site restaurants, a spa, gym, tennis courts, and a Japanese garden.
The best thing about the 25-room Maifukan is its location in the center of romantic and historic Gion, within walking distance of several tourist sights. Though advertised as an upscale hotel, it's closer to mid-range decor here is bland and outdated. The traditional Japanese-style guest rooms offer more charm and atmosphere than the drab Western-style ones, but the plastic prefab Japanese-style bathrooms are a disappointment. The on-site French restaurant is a highlight, and the traditional Kyoto-style breakfast (for a fee) gets enthusiastic reviews. Travelers not fussy about location should compare rates at the upscale Westin Miyako Kyoto, which features indoor and outdoor pools, several on-site restaurants, a spa, gym, tennis courts, and a Japanese garden.
This large, 499-room Westin has served as a hotel since 1900 and has an illustrious history, housing Allied officers during World War II, and now hosting state officials from all over the world. It’s set in the Kyoto’s charming Higashiyama district, at the foot of the Kyoto’s eastern mountains and is surrounded by beautiful Japanese-style gardens. The location is a bit removed from the city center, which is about 20 minutes by public transportation, though it's within walking distance of temples and museums. The hotel also runs a free shuttle to the Gion district and Kyoto station. There are several on-site restaurants, including one where guests cook food in traditional Japanese hot pots, as well as indoor and outdoor pools and a spa. Some parts of the building are a little dated, but it’s a nice option for travelers who appreciate history and the natural surroundings.
This large, 499-room Westin has served as a hotel since 1900 and has an illustrious history, housing Allied officers during World War II, and now hosting state officials from all over the world. It’s set in the Kyoto’s charming Higashiyama district, at the foot of the Kyoto’s eastern mountains and is surrounded by beautiful Japanese-style gardens. The location is a bit removed from the city center, which is about 20 minutes by public transportation, though it's within walking distance of temples and museums. The hotel also runs a free shuttle to the Gion district and Kyoto station. There are several on-site restaurants, including one where guests cook food in traditional Japanese hot pots, as well as indoor and outdoor pools and a spa. Some parts of the building are a little dated, but it’s a nice option for travelers who appreciate history and the natural surroundings.
This mid-range hotel is situated along the Hakone Ropeway, an aerial lift that offers gorgeous views of the mountainous surroundings. It's a scenic spot, and even affords views of Mount Fuji on fair weather days, but there's not much in the area in terms of restaurants or shops -- though the hotel offers both, providing free breakfast and dinners at two on-site restaurants, as well as a couple of shops selling an array of items. The hotel's hot spring baths, or onsen that the area is known for, includes both indoor and outdoor facilities. Both Western-style hotel rooms and traditional Japanese-style rooms are available here -- some with private outdoor spring baths -- but decor is a bit tired and bathrooms are tiny. For a more convenient location with onsen, check out the Tenseien.
This mid-range hotel is situated along the Hakone Ropeway, an aerial lift that offers gorgeous views of the mountainous surroundings. It's a scenic spot, and even affords views of Mount Fuji on fair weather days, but there's not much in the area in terms of restaurants or shops -- though the hotel offers both, providing free breakfast and dinners at two on-site restaurants, as well as a couple of shops selling an array of items. The hotel's hot spring baths, or onsen that the area is known for, includes both indoor and outdoor facilities. Both Western-style hotel rooms and traditional Japanese-style rooms are available here -- some with private outdoor spring baths -- but decor is a bit tired and bathrooms are tiny. For a more convenient location with onsen, check out the Tenseien.
This historic ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn, occupies an atmospheric wooden building on the banks of the Haya River in Hakone, within walking distance of two train stations. A tranquil atmosphere permeates throughout the three-pearl property, and rooms offers beautiful views over the inn's lovely garden or the river and mountains beyond. The 17 traditional rooms have tatami mat floors and spare furnishings that include futons laid out by staff nightly. All units have flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, but only one room offers a private en-suite bathroom -- the rest share communal hot spring baths, or onsen. A free breakfast is served in-room, and traditional Japanese-style dinner can also be included in rates. There's also a karaoke bar on-site. For rooms with Western-style beds, check out the nearby Tenseien, which also has hot springs.
This historic ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn, occupies an atmospheric wooden building on the banks of the Haya River in Hakone, within walking distance of two train stations. A tranquil atmosphere permeates throughout the three-pearl property, and rooms offers beautiful views over the inn's lovely garden or the river and mountains beyond. The 17 traditional rooms have tatami mat floors and spare furnishings that include futons laid out by staff nightly. All units have flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, but only one room offers a private en-suite bathroom -- the rest share communal hot spring baths, or onsen. A free breakfast is served in-room, and traditional Japanese-style dinner can also be included in rates. There's also a karaoke bar on-site. For rooms with Western-style beds, check out the nearby Tenseien, which also has hot springs.
There are 229 guest rooms at this three-and-a-half-pearl property in Osaka's vibrant Namba District. Guests will find a huge variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, and tourist attractions within a short walk, so it’s an ideal base for exploring the city. Shopping is also a major deal here, with the popular Amerikamura area just an eight-minute walk away. The hotel has a restaurant and a bar -- although the restaurant doesn’t serve dinner -- as well as beauty salons and a gift shop. Rooms are small, but decor is contemporary, and they're equipped with onsen-inspired bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. Those wanting somewhere with extensive dining facilities on-site should check out the Hotel Granvia Osaka as an alternative, which has no less than 12 restaurants and bars.
There are 229 guest rooms at this three-and-a-half-pearl property in Osaka's vibrant Namba District. Guests will find a huge variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, and tourist attractions within a short walk, so it’s an ideal base for exploring the city. Shopping is also a major deal here, with the popular Amerikamura area just an eight-minute walk away. The hotel has a restaurant and a bar -- although the restaurant doesn’t serve dinner -- as well as beauty salons and a gift shop. Rooms are small, but decor is contemporary, and they're equipped with onsen-inspired bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. Those wanting somewhere with extensive dining facilities on-site should check out the Hotel Granvia Osaka as an alternative, which has no less than 12 restaurants and bars.
