Hotel Okura Kyoto

The classic grand-hotel atmosphere made a strong impression on me. The metro connection was handy, and I could easily get around or walk to places like Nishiki and Gion. The stay felt thoughtfully put together and offered excellent value. I’d happily come back to Hotel Okura Kyoto.

The pickup from the train station was timely and efficient, and the staff were helpful and professional. But overall, I didn’t find this hotel worth the cost. We booked a room for two and were told only at check-in that the bed was too small, then charged extra for a bigger one. We’re normal-sized people. I’ve never had a hotel advertise and sell a two-person room only to say it’s too small on arrival. I’ve stayed at several other Okura hotels and they were fabulous and well appointed. This one was nowhere close. The bathroom smelled of sewage. The old-fashioned clocks were a problem, too: one in a neighboring room seemed to have an alarm set for the middle of the night, and it rang for quite a while while we were trying to sleep. The walls must be thin, since a friend was kept awake by what she thought was children running around upstairs, though that could have been jetlag related. The furniture around the hotel also felt old and random. Breakfast was disappointing by most Asian standards. It was a buffet with a range of choices, but the quality seemed low and nothing stood out. The breakfast room had nice views, though the tables weren’t set and it looked like a lunchroom. They do have a cappuccino machine and takeaway cups.

The bathrooms feel quite dated, as though they haven’t been renovated since the mid-1980s. Noise was another major issue. Sound came easily from rooms above and beside us, with banging going on throughout the stay. I’d strongly recommend earplugs. The rooms were immaculately clean, though, and the staff very friendly.

It’s a good spot near the Ponchoto alley and the river walk, though the hotel itself is a bit dated. What annoyed me most was being nickel-and-dimed. There are two coffee packs in the room, but extra ones cost money. It’s a small thing, but I expect more focus on hospitality from a 5 star hotel.