74 Nakajimacho, Higashiiru Kawaramachi Sanjodori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan | 81-75-241-1111
Convenient location in heart of Kyoto
Shops, restaurants, and public transportation within walking distance
Fresh, modern rooms with mini-fridges and electric kettles for tea and coffee
On-site restaurant and bar with Japanese and western offerings
Modern art and design in common spaces
Coin-operated laundry room
Floor for women only
Meeting room
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Some may see guest rooms as a bit bland
No on-site parking
Breakfast only included with some room rates
The 172-room upper-middle-range Royal Park Hotel is located in the heart of Kyoto within walking distance of popular attractions, restaurants, and public transportation. There's eye-catching art and design throughout the hotel, and a simple elegance to its common areas. Rooms are typically small, but modern and fresh, with mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs. The on-site restaurant offers Japanese and western fare, and the bar is a hip place for a drink. There's a floor for women only, an on-site laundry room, and a room for smokers. As an alternative, the Almont Hotel Kyoto has similar amenities with the addition of a communal bath and a library.
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Scene
Elegant, modern hotel with contemporary art and a hip atmosphere
This modern hotel rises nine stories tall on a busy Kyoto Street. Inside, the dimly lit lobby is elegant and trendy, with a black marble floor, red modern art hanging behind the reception counter, and a red sculptural sofa for seating. Another seating area off to the side has four upholstered chairs under a contemporary chandelier with glass spheres. Modern sculptures are on display throughout the area. Two life-size sculptures of oversized men in glasses stand at the entrance. One gives a high-five. The atmosphere is hip and laid-back, a vibe that carries over to the hotel's bar, and the Royal Park is suitable for all sorts of travelers, including families, couples, businesspeople, groups of friends, and individuals.
Location
Centrally located near major attractions, convenient for both leisure and business
The hotel is located in Kawaramachi-Sanjo, near the main sightseeing spots of Kyoto. The area is full of shops, restaurants, and nightlife. It is a five-minute walk to Pontocho, a beautiful alley that's a good place for dining and seeing geishas, and the famous geisha district of Gion is about 15 minutes away on foot. Some of the more popular temples in Kyoto, including Higashi Honganji, are within a 10-minute cab ride, while Kinkaku-ji Temple is a 20 minute car ride outside of the city. Kansai International Airport in Osaka is about an hour and a half away by car or an hour and 45 minutes by train or bus; Itami International Airport is about an hour away by car or an hour and 15 minutes by train or bus. The hotel also is conveniently located for public transportation: - About 15 minutes by taxi from the JR Kyoto Station
Rooms
Contemporary, sober rooms plus women's only floor
Rooms are on the small side, starting at 19.9 square meters (214 square feet), but this is typical in Kyoto. They're decorated in beige, brown, and gray; it's a sober and contemporary color scheme, but some may consider it bland. Modern furnishings are dark wood, and the only decorations are colored cutouts of animals hanging on the walls. Bed coverings are stark white, with tan bed skirts, and some have brown bed throws. All rooms come with Serta mattresses, humidifiers, free bottled water, electric kettles for tea and coffee, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Irons and ironing boards, trouser presses, cribs, DVD players, and scales are available by request. Tiny beige bathrooms are sparkling clean and offer shampoo, conditioner, and soap in eco-friendly large bottles. Other amenities include hairdryers, toothbrush kits, cotton pads, hairbrushes, razors, shoeshine cloths, towels, and robes and slippers. Guests on the Premium Floor get extra perks such as a free breakfast buffet, a drink per day, and newspapers. The eighth floor is for women only. Views are generally of the city, though some views may be of just rooftops. Rooms in front look out to a Burger King across the street, not the most inspiring we've seen.
Features
Japanese and Western fare in on-site restaurant plus hip bar
The Monsieur Itoh restaurant serves all meals and offers both Japanese and western choices. The modern setting is minimalist, with beige tile floors and dark wood tables and black chairs. Culinary-inspired chandeliers are made of forks, knives, and spoons. Four small sculptures hanging on one wall are colorful human figures with their faces to the wall. Breakfast is only included with Premium Floor rooms; these guests are also entitled to a drink ticket. The Bar is a hip, modern space with globe lights hanging from the ceiling over the bar. Upholstered seating areas provide cozy spots for hanging out to have a drink. An on-site coin-operated laundry room has two washers and dryers for guests to use. A banquet room accommodates meetings, and there's a small room for smokers. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
