Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo

The New Miyako is a straightforward hotel with a somewhat bland business-hotel vibe. Interiors are fine, but nothing memorable, with wood paneling, sconce lighting, and patterned carpeting -- it's all very Sheraton, early 2000s. This massive hotel contains several restaurants and places for guests to stay occupied, and almost has a mall-like atmosphere with its shops and copious vending machines. Le Plaisir, the buffet restaurant, has an open kitchen and a seating area that has a dining hall ambience, while Shisen serves Sichuan cuisine in a Chinese-inspired space with low lighting and black-and-red decor. Guests can enjoy a drink at Bar Lagoon, a lounge-y space with couches and chairs on a carpeted floor. There’s a small, glass chapel in the courtyard with a peaked roof that feels somewhat out of place given the hotel's corporate air. An outdoor patio area with cushioned chaise lounge chairs and offers a spot to relax and enjoy views of a large water fountain. Guests here run the gamut, from solo travelers to families and business guests.

New Miyako Hotel is next to Kyoto Station, which houses a railway station, a shopping mall, a hotel, and a movie theater. The area is bustling, with plenty of restaurants and shops on neighboring blocks. The Man in the Moon pub nearby is popular with hotel guests. The hotel is less than a 20-minute bus ride to the Gion Geisha District and Pontocho, a iconic alley that's full of restaurants. Several temples are less than a 45-minute ride on public transportation, though Higashi Honganji and Nishi Honganjji are a just brisk 15-minute walk from the hotel. Osaka International Airport is a 45-minute drive, or an hour-and-15-minute ride on public transportation.

The rooms at New Miyako Hotel are larger than many others in the area, and decor throughout is reminiscent of corporate chain hotels. Expect to see patterned carpets, mid-tone wood furniture, and gray accent walls with all-over off-white patterning. The look is modern, though some of the furniture could use a refresh (we saw a bit of wear and tear). Beds don't get the best reviews here and can be hard depending on guests' tastes, though they are made with comfy white duvets. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and green tea. Bathrooms can be tight on space, with half-tub/shower combos and no counterspace around the sinks. Generous toiletry kits are provided, which include shower caps, toothbrush sets, shaving kits, and hair brushes. Higher-floor rooms offer views of the mountains, but train noise can be a problem in some rooms. For a quieter night, ask for a courtyard-facing room. 

New Miyako Hotel has a Japanese restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, a buffet restaurant, a cafe, and a lounge-style bar. Breakfast isn't included in room rates. Vending machines selling sake, whiskey, beer, and soda, as well as a range of snacks including noodles, ice cream, and French fries are located throughout the hotel. The hotel also has a souvenir and convenience store, a few clothing stores, and a shop selling antique watches. A money exchange machine is available, and there’s a business center with two coin-operated computers, two printers, and a fax machine. Parking is available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.