Kyoto Hana Hotel

Kyoto Hana Hotel is a quiet property housed in a narrow seven-story building that's popular with couples and some families seeking a stay with a traditional Japanese atmosphere that won't break the bank. The entrance features large photos of Japan, and there's a flat-screen TV in the lobby that flashes scenic vistas from destinations across the country. When guests aren't out sightseeing in Kyoto, they can generally be found in the hotel's cafe, a nondescript space that serves a breakfast buffet in the morning, and doubles as a guest lounge throughout the day. 

Kyoto Hana Hotel is located in central Kyoto on a busy road in a commercial area, a short walk from numerous restaurants, shops, and convenience stores. The closest subway station is Sanjo, which is a two-minute walk from the hotel, and Higashiyama station is five minutes on foot. It's about a 12-minute walk to Yasaka Shrine, and to the Gion district, one of Japan's few remaining geisha districts, with old wooden buildings and teahouses. Walking to the National Museum of Modern Art and to Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art takes roughly the same amount of time, and Kyoto City Zoo is 15 minutes away. It's about 17 minutes on the subway to Nijo Castle, and a 20-minute ride to Kiyomizu-dera, a famous Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa known for its scenic views of the city. Osaka International Airport is about a 55-minute drive. 

Guest rooms at Kyoto Hana have a crisp, modern Japanese aesthetic. The look is simple, but the rooms have an interesting vibe. Many are attractive and contemporary, with vivid red or blue accents and bold striped throw pillows, and others have traditional Japanese-style decor, like tatami floors and mattresses on raised platforms. Some feature nature-inspired themes, with names like "Flower" and "Wind." "Moon" rooms, for example, have soft lighting, and Japanese paper walls with an image of a moon. Mattresses are thin (typical of Japanese hotels), and some double beds are two singles pushed together. All units are well-equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles for instant tea, humidifiers, and free Wi-Fi, and upgraded rooms offer foot massage machines. Some look out to the hotel's small garden, and top-shelf rooms boast balconies with views of the city. Bathrooms are small and less attractive, but tidy. All come with Japanese-style toilets, and shower/tub combos that are either Western-style or deep soaking tubs, plus hairdryers, and ample toiletries. 

This hotel's top feature is its cafe, where there's a breakfast buffet for a fee, with fresh salad, mini omelets, yogurt, and freshly baked bread. It receives mixed reviews from some past guests, who say that it lacks variety and doesn't cater to Western tastes. There's no full-service restaurant, but the cafe functions as a lounge for guests in the afternoon and evening, with books, tourist information, and free tea. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, a business center, vending machines, and a souvenir stand. There's no on-site parking, and public parking is limited and expensive in Kyoto. Guests are advised to take a taxi or public transportation to the hotel. Wi-Fi is free throughout.