The Karasuma Kyoto Hotel hints that its heyday was in the early 1980s, which could add appeal for travelers who appreciate retro-chic decor. The exterior is pleasant enough, with its sleekly curved silver facade fronted by black awnings and leafy trees. Inside the walls are lined with polished beige marble and the floors covered in high-gloss golden wood. Stucco ceilings inset with square, geometric chandeliers bring on the glitz. And for anyone who needs to make a dramatic entrance, the staircases are long and lined with glass and brass-hued railings. However, the cushy black and dark purple couches in the lobby waiting area could use some new upholstery. Travelers who don't find this interior charming and kitschy may find it unstylish and dreary. Most guests are couples and families seeking a convenient location from which to explore the city. 

For tourists who plan to travel by subway in Kyoto, there are few better locations to stay than the Karasuma Kyoto Hotel. The city has two subway lines, and the hotel is close to their intersection. The Shijo Dori district is less than two blocks away and filled with numerous high-end shopping boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Armani, as well as distinctive stores like Daimaru, which offers eight floors of cosmetics; all are within about 10 minutes' walk. Nearby are also several cafes and restaurants. Sightseers interested in Kyoto's notable temples may need to rent or hire a car to see them. Nanzen-ji Temple is a 15- to 20-minute drive away, and Tofuku-ji Temple is less than 10 minutes' drive. Kansai International Airport is about an hour and a half away by car.

The Karasuma Kyoto Hotel has been renovating its rooms, and during this transitional time guests may wind up staying in very different accommodations. Renovated rooms have been redone with a modern Japanese style. The blond-wood furniture has clean lines and sharp corners reminiscent of Scandinavian decor. As with many eastern hotels, the mattresses are a little hard, but that's typical. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers and kettles, mini-fridges, and, in the Family Rooms, plenty of seating; some Deluxe Rooms also have sofa-beds in small living rooms. The un-renovated, original rooms, however, show their age with thinning carpets and finishes. Some guests complain about staying in "non-smoking" rooms that reeks of cigarettes. Bathrooms vary similarly; new ones are spacious and bright, while older ones can be cramped. All have shower/tub combos, some significantly more modern than others, and free toiletries -- a good array that includes toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, and brush/comb. Bathrobes are also provided. 

Diners has several options at Karasuma Kyoto Hotel. Irifune restaurant serves sushi and traditional Japanese entrees. Toh-Lee offers Chinese cuisine. The upscale Anchor Bar specializes in single malts, but has plenty more. LEC Court sells take-out dishes as well as pastries, breads, and other sweets. Beyond food, Karasuma's on-site hair salon will also be convenient for many tourists. For anyone planning a meeting or event, the Karasuma has event spaces in a few different sizes, which are able to host large presentations and buffet dinners for up to 400 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there are two guest PCs and a printer in the business center. But some guests will be disappointed by the lack of a gym.