Hotel Grand Bach Kyoto Select

This three-and-a-half pearl hotel in downtown Kyoto is an ideal central base for travelers who enjoy being close to the city buzz. Its location on a main shopping street attracts couples and families looking for rooms close to markets, shops, and restaurants. Despite its central location, the hotel is quiet, but it's worth noting that it can be more expensive than other hotels in the area. Perhaps that's because it's a step above the many ryokan throughout the city and feels more like a proper hotel (though there still aren't a ton of features on offer). Interiors have a pleasantly modern look, with a few decorative music notes here and there to amplify the Bach-inspired theme. Expect to see lots of brown, gray, and cream tones throughout the hotel -- a motif that's repeated in the rooms and elsewhere. All in all, it's a great choice for travelers with limited time to explore Kyoto who are looking for a Western-style hotel. 

Located in downtown Kyoto, this attractive hotel has good transport links. It’s a five-minute walk from Kawaramachi Train Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line and a five-minute drive from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Line. It’s central location, on a main shopping street, means the hotel is perfect for travelers who enjoy visiting shops and restaurants. Guests who prefer to explore local culture might visit the array of temples and shrines around town. The Nishiki Tenman-gu Shrine is a two-minute walk from the hotel, while Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji are around 15 minutes away by car. Japanese-history enthusiasts can check out the 17th Century Nijo Castle complex, a 13-minute drive from the hotel. There's a large choice of local and international food nearby, including Nishiki Market, which is known as Kyoto’s Kitchen. The hotel is at least an hour away from Osaka International Airport by car or train. 

Rooms are decorated with chocolate or cream-colored feature walls and clean-lined furniture. Floor-to-ceiling windows brighten these spaces with natural light and all rooms have work desks with vanity mirrors and telephones. It's a handsome, modern look, amplified by the soothing gray tones that are used liberally. We especially like the crisp white linens next to the patterned headboards. Standard features include an LCD television, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and electric kettles. The largest suites feature a separate living area with coffee tables and seating. En-suite bathrooms have white fittings, cream floor tiles, and patterned vinyl on the walls. Some rooms have shower/tub combos, while others have fancy power-shower stalls. Keep in mind that some rooms have clear glass windows separating the bathroom and bedroom, with blinds fitted for privacy. In all bathrooms, boxes of essential toiletries (including toothbrushes) are a welcome addition, as are basic shower products and fresh white towels. Counter space is limited in most, though. Free night-shirts are found in every room. 

This hotel has a decent range of features, though like most central Kyoto hotels, what's on offer is limited. The attractive restaurant serves a la carte breakfasts for a fee, offering Japanese and international options. The spacious dining area is decorated in a dark brown palette with wooden chairs and tables throughout and white music notes painted on the ceiling. It doesn't serve lunch or dinner, but operates as a lounge throughout the day. There’s no full-size pool, but the hotel has an onsen with showers and a steam room. No swimsuits are permitted in this area, which might discourage some guests. At the baths, there are small storage lockers, vanity mirrors, hairdryers, and hotel-branded products. A coin-operated laundry, ice machine, and a computer with printer are available for guest use. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.