Ana Crowne Plaza Kyoto, An Ihg Hotel

“Hotel being updated... give it a chance!”

This hotel is in the process of updating their rooms - and at check-in, they made a point of letting us know... which is why we didn't have a room facing Nijo Castle. Rooms are small which is OK for a short stay. Everything worked well and bathrooms were very good size. Public areas - lobby, res... more

This hotel is in the process of updating their rooms - and at check-in, they made a point of letting us know... which is why we didn't have a room facing Nijo Castle. Rooms are small which is OK for a short stay. Everything worked well and bathrooms were very good size. Public areas - lobby, restaurants, etc. were what you would expect from a hotel that seems to cater to business and weddings. Staff were very helpful at every level but sometimes took a few repeats to understand on both sides of the question. A few things to point out: 1. Breakfast - if your room rate includes breakfast, it looks fantastic. But at $25/per person, much more than I would ever eat in the morning. When asked if there was anywhere I could just get coffee and toast - they said no - only buffet. So if you want to get a coffee and something light, you have to walk a few blocks to a 7/11 or Family Mart. This seems very odd for a hotel of this level. 2. Location - Across from Nijo Castle which is great. Metro line at the corner, although you may have to transfer to get around. Kyoto is actually very 'spread out' so no hotel will be near everything. Taxis were easy to use and reasonable considering the distances. 3. Hotel Shuttle is great - free service to/from Kyoto Station. If you are arriving by train, check the schedule and especially where you need to meet - it's on the opposite side of the station from the tour busses.... look for Shuttle Buss stop. 4. Restaurants: At the hotel they are expensive, but very good. We arrived just as all restaurants were closing, but they accommodated us and the food was excellent. There are restaurants on the main street, but hours may be limited. Most have 'order by machine' with English as an option, so its not as intimidating as it seems - although some items may be different than you imagined in the photo... but that's part of the experience. Staff were always helpful and sometimes amused. Overall, very good for a few nights in the renovated rooms and although it may seem remote for many sights, when you get oriented, its actually a very convenient location - especially with the shuttle service.

less

“Dated hotel. without some advertised amenities.”

There isn't much wrong with the Crowne Plaza, but it is dated and needs an upgrade, Our room was very dated and had a great view of the castle opposite. But it was just rough around the edges and our bath and sink seemed to be made of onyx. This was an off putting yellow colour and the plumbing m... more

There isn't much wrong with the Crowne Plaza, but it is dated and needs an upgrade, Our room was very dated and had a great view of the castle opposite. But it was just rough around the edges and our bath and sink seemed to be made of onyx. This was an off putting yellow colour and the plumbing made an awful noise. The hotel is also a little out of the way, although does operate a shuttle bus service to Kyoto station for patrons. We do enjoy a drink or two late on before retiring and the hotel advertises (on its website and in its foyer) that it has a bar. However, this was closed and we were told that it has been closed since covid!. We also eat in the lobby bar on one occasion, just a couple of sandwiches and two soft drinks which cam to £35!.

less