The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

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. 

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:  

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. 

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.