Karasuma Shijo, Shimogyo, Japan | (541) 362-3741
Conveniently located near the Hankyu Kyoto and Karasuma subway lines
Within walking distance of the Shijo-Dori shopping district
Simple rooms, some recently renovated, with mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs
On-site bakery with western-style bread and pastries
Restaurants offer both Japanese and Chinese cuisines
On-site Bar Anchor serves whiskeys and seasonal cocktails
Business center and event spaces for up to 400 people
Small convenience store and on-site hair salon
Free Wi-Fi
Older un-renovated rooms show wear and tear
Some "non-smoking" rooms still smell like smoke
No gym
Located in downtown Kyoto near the intersection of two major subway lines, the 244-room, mid-range Karasuma Kyoto Hotel is well situated for both tourists and business travelers. Several amenities also make it family-friendly, including an on-site bakery with western-style bread, a small convenience store, and free Wi-Fi. Guest rooms, while equipped with soothing minimalist furnishings and flat-screen TVs, are uneven. Some have been renovated while others smell of smoke (even ones deemed "non-smoking"). By comparison, the New Miyako Hotel is close to the Kyoto train station, extensively renovated, and around the same price.
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Scene
Interiors with evidence of the glitzy early '80s
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.
Location
Excellent location for traveling through Kyoto by subway and walking to shopping
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.
Rooms
Impressive renovated rooms -- but original rooms showing their age
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.
Features
A few on-site restaurants, a cocktail bar, and plenty of banquet space
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.
