Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

The unassuming brick exterior of the Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo speaks volumes about the hotel -- it's a straightforward, but perfectly sufficient, place to rest without many excessive frills. Inside, the lobby has a classic feel, with big columns and tile floors. Large windows offer views of a lush Japanese garden that's packed with trees, stones, and ferns. A seating area provides a place for guests, a mix of business and leisure travelers, to take in the view. The hotel's restaurant also offers garden views, with a counter built against the windows. The communal bath is gender-segregated and faces a garden enclosed by a bamboo wall. Guests returning from a day out can take a soak in the baths, which stay open late.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo is located in Kyoto's Nakagyo-ku/Sanjo area, which is filled with plenty of restaurants and chain stores, including two Starbucks in the immediate vicinity. There are plenty of small streets to explore and Nijo Castle is around 15 minutes from the hotel on foot. Some of the city's other historic sights, like the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Higashi Honganji temple, and the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine are a bit far from the hotel, but the Karasumaoike Subway station is only a five-minute walk from the hotel, and from there it’s a 10-minute ride to Kyoto station, the city center, and other far-flung destinations. For guests who don't mind longer treks on foot, the Gion Geisha District is less than a 25-minute walk across the river. Osaka International Airport is 50-minute drive from the hotel depending on traffic, but can be reached in 75 minutes by train as well.

Though some rooms can be compact, most of the 169 rooms at this hotel are larger than many competitors in Kyoto. Decor is uniform across the board, and while the look is basic, it has a modern appeal, with gray carpeted floors and light wood furnishings. Slate blue accent walls hung with black-and-white photographs add a welcome bit of color, and plush white bedding looks sharp. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and electric kettles with green tea. Certain rooms are on the smaller side, like the Semi Double Room we visited, and Single Rooms come in at only 16 square meters (65 square feet). Bathrooms have bathtub/shower combinations, and toiletry kits include toothbrushes and razors. Unfortunately, bathrooms aren't as appealing as the main body of the room, with dated tan tilework, cream colored surfaces, and grout that needs a deep cleaning. Some rooms have small, unfurnished balconies, and Family Rooms with four beds are available.

Like most mid-range properties in Kyoto, the features offered here are limited and standard. There's a gender-segregated communal traditional bath that stays open late, and the hotel has a restaurant serving a tasty buffet breakfast, as well as dinner. Breakfast isn't included in room rates. Vending machines are available throughout the hotel with alcohol and soft drinks for sale. There's also an Internet corner with one computer, and luggage storage is available. Massage services are offered for a fee.