Kyoto Hotel Okura

While the Kyoto Hotel Okura was founded in 1888 and underwent a major renovation in 2007, the ironwork details in its hallways recall the height of mid-century Art Deco design. Located in the center of Kyoto, its decor leans toward Western tastes. The lobby's wide and tall staircase appears ever-ready for a big musical dance routine, and it's easy to picture a man in a black tuxedo and a woman in a luminescent evening gown tap dancing their way down. The marble floors, antique furniture, and leather lounge chairs have a stately air rarely found in modern hotels. But the most stunning visuals here are the views from the Pittoresque restaurant on the top floor, with the city and green hills extending in all directions. Guests here are mainly foreign families and couples ready to explore Kyoto. 

In the center of Kyoto's historic district, the Hotel Okura sits near the Kamogawa River as well as City Hall and several notable shrines and temples. For many, the "Kamo" is the heart of the city, and its waterside path is regularly lined with pedestrians, bicyclists, and nature lovers. Several tourist sights are within a 15-minute drive or a lengthy 30- to 40-minute walk, including the Ryozen Kannon memorial, Kiyomizu Temple, and Kyoto Imperial Palace. Those arriving by plane to the Osaka International Airport will need at least an hour to get to the hotel. Just down the block from the Hotel Okura is the Kyotoshiyakusho-Mae Station, which connects with the bullet train from Tokyo, approximately two hours and 45 minutes away.

While all of the rooms at Kyoto Hotel Okura are clean and in good order, some show their age much more than others. Anyone used to staying in Western hotel rooms will be comfortable. Twin rooms are carpeted and the mattresses a little harder than in Western luxury hotels, but that's to be expected. The seating areas are furnished with cloth-covered, foam-filled sofas and chairs that stand up well to years of wear. Suites are a notch above: Bedding is higher quality; the seating areas have furniture suitable for upscale living rooms; and the free toiletries are more plentiful. All rooms have minibars, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes, and coffee/tea facilities. Spacious bathrooms have stall showers with glass doors and shower/tub combos. One charge that irks some travelers: The in-room coffee incurs and extra fee.

The amount of restaurants at the Kyoto Hotel Okura is rarely found in a hotel that isn't a resort or part of a casino. In addition to eateries serving Kyoto and Chinese dishes, there are also bistros serving French and Italian fare, cafes for breakfast and lunch, and an English-inspired bar. Thankfully there's a fitness center to work off any overindulgence that includes a steam room and sauna. Families staying at the hotel will be happy to know that there are changing rooms, and babysitting can be arranged for a fee. The numerous meeting spaces range from an intimate VIP room to a large hall that can fit 150.