Granvia Kyoto
Kyoto

Located within the futuristic wonder by acclaimed architect Hiroshi Hara that is Kyoto station, the Granvia is a thoroughly useful and iconic hotel. Instant access to the faultless railway system that Japan is famed for is a huge plus, as trains to the surrounding areas of Japan, such as Osaka, and further afield are quite literally on your doorstep.

Wake up to panoramic views of the city from your room or suite’s vast window. Some look directly out onto the 'shinkansen' bullet trains whizzing by below, while others offer views of the Kyoto Tower.

We recommend the superior and Granvia floor categories, as their chic interiors, glass-fronted bathrooms complete with Japan’s famous hi-tech toilets and rainshowers and generously sized beds are a definite step up from the standard room category (which are perfectly fine but nothing to write home about). To add to this, Granvia Rooms and suites command the best views over the city, as well as offering exclusive advantages, such as complimentary access to the pool, fitness centre and club lounge.

Bellhops are available to meet you on the platform and the concierge team are always at hand to assist you during your stay and speak relatively good English. Note that there is a ¥1,000 charge for the swimming pool, but this is more reasonable than the charges at most other deluxe hotels in Japan. The breakfast spread is impressive, with plenty of both Japanese and Western cuisine options, which you can enjoy while looking out on to the panoramic views of the cityscape.

Thanks to its pin perfect location, this is a great hotel to stay in while visiting Kyoto. Not only can you transfer from the station to your hotel in a few steps – you can practically walk right inside upon arrival - but you can also visit nearby areas, such as the historic Nara with its deer park and the buzzy Osaka with its thriving food scene, in easy short train journeys. You are also right in a convenient spot to visit the colossal amount of world heritage UNESCO sites that lie within the ancient capital of Kyoto itself.

The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling