Kyoto Garden Palace

The rent was so cheap that I expected less, but the place was far better than I thought. After trying it out, I wanted to add two days to my booking, but they were already full. The washrooms seemed to be plastic, which I’ve noticed in other places in Japan too. The keys and locks were cool, and the paper exchange system at the entrance meant we didn’t have to carry or lose the heavy key.

I wouldn’t recommend this place. The infrastructure is old and the service was poor, nowhere near what I’d expect from a three-star hotel. I asked about laundry because I needed to wash clothes when I arrived. The staff member at the office said there was no laundry service, even though the booking listing said there was. Then the AC in our room only blew warm air. When I asked what could be done, the man just told us to open the door. It was hot all night and impossible to sleep. The hotel is also quite out of the way, about a ten-minute walk from the nearest subway or bus station.

I borrowed a hotel bicycle and rode around Kyoto, and cycling along the river is worth doing. I stayed a few nights in October 2014. The old Palace gardens are very close, though some of the furnishings in the accommodation were rather dated.

The room was clean, and breakfast had enough Western and Japanese choices. It’s a little walk from the nearest subway station, but manageable if you’re not carrying too much luggage. A nice, elegant hotel in a good location, and I had a great experience.