Hotels With Bar in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

The hotel has a great location, very close to JR Kyoto Station, and is popular with tour groups, so the elevators are busy most of the time. We were assigned a room on the 7th floor near the elevator. Unfortunately, the room above us was extremely noisy, with loud footsteps and constant jumping—likely from a family with young children. We reported the issue to the reception, and the staff said they would check on it. The noise stopped temporarily, but it did not go away completely. We had to endure the disturbance for two nights. Considering the high price we paid during peak season, this was definitely not worth the money. The hotel did not make any real effort to assist us—no room change or alternative solution was offered, even though we followed up again both in person and by email. Because of this experience, we would choose a different hotel next time. Additionally, there were Post-it notes stuck on the air vent and the smoke detector in our room, which was quite strange and unclear why they were there. There were also very few power outlets, and the hotel lacked basic facilities such as a vending machine or a laundromat. Overall, I would recommend staying at one of the newer hotels nearby instead.

This is the worst accommodation experience I’ve had during my trips to Japan. In the past, my visits to Japan have always been perfect—truly a paradise for travelers from around the world. However, lately, I’ve noticed a surge of Indian people in places like convenience stores and hotel front desks, which has led to some negative experiences for me along the way. I usually brushed them off as minor, but this hotel stay was unacceptable and I have to speak up. At check-in, the Indian front desk staff was indifferent and dismissive, which already set a bad tone. Then, when I went to bed around midnight, I discovered that the room only had two flat bedsheets—no duvet cover (comforter cover) and no pillowcases at all. It was very late, so I didn’t want to disturb anyone by calling reception again, and I ended up sleeping uncomfortably without proper bedding—yet another hassle caused by the Indian staff. If the hotel management sees this review, please seriously reconsider hiring Indian staff. They are ruining Japan’s reputation and its world-famous service industry! I hope this feedback helps improve things for future guests.

The lobby makes a strong first impression with its tasteful, contemporary design—very much in line with what seasoned travelers appreciate after a long journey. Location-wise, the hotel is a solid choice. Being close to the train station and surrounded by local food options made getting around and finding good meals effortless. That said, the 5pm check-in time is noticeably later than usual and can be inconvenient if you arrive early. I passed the time at the restaurant and bar next to the lobby, taking advantage of their Happy Hour, which helped. A nice touch was the self-service luggage storage area—practical and traveler-friendly. I stayed in a corner room. The room itself was fine: clean, functional, and simple, as expected of many Japanese hotels. The view, however, was unremarkable. I also tried the public bath. It was reasonably sized and, thankfully, not too crowded during my visit, making it a relaxing experience. Service was a bit cool at first, though it improved as the stay went on. Overall, I would consider returning, especially when traveling as a couple.

Location: The hotel is a convenient 5-minute walk from Shiyakusho-mae Station (Tozai Line), and also within a 5-minute walk from Sanjo Station (Tozai Line) and Keihan Sanjo Station. The surrounding area is a bustling commercial district, all easily accessible on foot, featuring popular spots like Uniqlo, Kiddy Land, BAL department store, and Sanjo Meitengai shopping street. Takashimaya department store and Nishiki Market are just a 15-minute walk away. The Kamo River is right around the corner; simply turn left when you exit the hotel. Dining: Plenty of dining options are available nearby. There's a supermarket just 20 meters to the left when you leave the hotel. Matsuya (a popular beef bowl restaurant) is about 200 meters further to the left, with Isomaru Suisan directly opposite it. Shinjindo Bakery and a tea room are conveniently located on the ground floor of the hotel building. Walk another 50 meters, and you'll discover even more choices. Facilities: While the room is compact, there's enough space to comfortably open up both a 26-inch and a 20-inch suitcase simultaneously. It comes equipped with a refrigerator, a complete set of toiletries, and slippers. There's also a hotel restaurant located on the basement level. This was my second stay, and I continue to be impressed by its excellent value for money and impeccable cleanliness. The location is absolutely fantastic, making it incredibly easy to get anywhere, and it's super convenient to pop back to the hotel during the day to drop off purchases or take a quick rest.

This is a 4-star hotel, very close to Kyoto Station, and they offer a free shuttle bus to and from the station. The shuttle picks up on the left side when you exit the *Karasuma Central Exit* (条口) of Kyoto Station. There isn't much to explore around the hotel itself, and very few restaurants. If you plan on taking the train or eating out, it's best to head to Kyoto Station. Kyoto Station is large and beautiful, a tourist attraction in itself, and even has a big Isetan department store! The breakfast restaurant on the 14th floor is a revolving restaurant with panoramic views of Kyoto. However, the Western set breakfast is quite mediocre. The breakfast restaurant on the first floor offers both Japanese and Western options, but the value for money isn't great. In terms of transportation, besides taking the train from Kyoto Station, you can also catch a bus nearby. It's a bit far from the livelier areas of Sanjo and Shijo, making it suitable for guests who prefer a quiet stay and want to be close to Kyoto Station.

I absolutely adored the Mitsui Garden Hotel Premier Kyoto. First off, the hotel's design is stunning; both the restaurant and lobby offer breathtaking views of the central garden through floor-to-ceiling windows, where branches sway gracefully in the breeze – it's simply beautiful. Secondly, I was thoroughly impressed by the in-room washing machine, the Refa hairdryer, and the showerhead! I truly hope I can stay here every time I visit Kyoto in the future.

Outstanding stay. The staff was absolutely lovely and extremely attentive. I dropped off my luggage on the first day, and it was placed directly in my room before I even returned to the hotel. The hotel was impeccably clean, I was upgraded, the room was very comfortable, and the location couldn’t have been better—right next to the main transportation hub and close to the city center.

For this price point, all I can say is it's an absolute steal! You can really trust big brands. I'm usually someone who goes from basic to luxurious when choosing hotels, and the day before arriving here, I picked a more budget-friendly option. But this 'budget' hotel was so good, I didn't want to leave! It felt small yet cozy. Plus, there's a bath, and coming back from a morning run to soak in the tub was just heavenly. They even have a bar on the ground floor! Every day before heading out, I'd grab a lollipop or ice cream to kick off my city walk. My family loved it. The location is a bit further out, so walking can be tiring on your feet. After a morning run, we relied on taxis for getting around during the day. I couldn't quite figure out the subway; it seemed like the JR pass wasn't valid. Next time I visit, I plan to stay for an extended period. There's really no need to spend thousands or tens of thousands to stay at those top-tier hotels. I haven't felt particularly pampered or that it was exceptionally good there. For instance, the Park Hyatt is so expensive, primarily for its location. Everything else was just so-so, and the restaurants were incredibly crowded with a strong greasy smell.

The receptionist was very friendly and inviting. There was a smoking room on the top floor and the rooms were well kept and clean. Bathroom came well equipped with all the necessasities and if needed, you can take slippers, robes, combs, hair ties, and even body lotions before entering your room. If you want to get a good nights rest, ARISTON HOTEL is the place for you.

The room was decent, and the location was good too, just a few hundred meters from the subway station, making it convenient to get anywhere. There's a convenience store and a drug store not far downstairs, and a nice cafe right below where I'd have my coffee and breakfast every day before starting my city walk (＾◡＾)っ☕️