THE GATE HOTEL KYOTO TAKASEGAWA by HULIC

The hotel is located by the Takase River and is also very close to the Kamo River, with views of the riverbank from the higher floors. The lobby is on the 8th floor, offering a nice night view when checking in in the evening. Breakfast is a mixed bag. The good part is that a chef prepares one of three main dishes for you: Japanese-style, eggs, or French toast with bacon, which really enhances the service experience. Plus, you can enjoy it on the rooftop open-air area with views of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. And that's about it. Apart from freshly squeezed orange juice, the self-service section doesn't offer many other choices. Most guests are European and American tourists. There's no grilled fish, miso soup, or curry – things you'd expect even at a hot spring hotel, a mid-to-high-end Tokyo hotel, or even some business chain hotels. So, as I said, it's a mixed bag. Also, my room didn't have a bathtub, although it wasn't small. I guess a significant portion of the room rate goes towards the hotel's location. During my stay, it seemed almost exclusively populated by Caucasian guests from Europe and America, with a few ********* visitors. Don't expect Chinese-speaking service anytime soon, perhaps not until 2026.

The hotel's location is excellent. It's very close to the subway and bus stations, and there are plenty of convenience stores, coffee shops, restaurants, malls, and bars nearby. It's also super close to the Kamo River, Nishiki Market, and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade. You can even walk to attractions like Yasaka Shrine, making it a truly convenient spot! The hotel facilities are also quite comprehensive.

I've been to Kyoto so many times, and this is my favorite hotel. The location is excellent; it's a three-minute walk to Takashimaya and surrounded by great food options. The room is cleaned daily and is very spacious and spotless.

The best thing about this place is definitely the location. You're just a few steps away from a bustling commercial street on both sides, making it incredibly convenient to get anywhere. However, the 25-square-meter room was indeed quite small. We (one adult, one child) stayed for six days, and the room we were assigned had virtually no view. There's a lounge area on the second floor that opens at 2 PM and offers drinks. If the price is around 800 yuan, it's worth considering, but anything higher and the value for money isn't great.

This was the most comfortable hotel I've stayed at in Kyoto. It was spacious, clean, and well-organized. The snack bar and scripture copying room on the third floor were perfect for spending a few hours when I didn't feel like going out. Located right on Kiyamachi Street, the hotel managed to be quiet despite its central location, which was a fantastic experience. I'd definitely stay here again if I return to Kyoto.

The Gate Hotel, converted from a former school, is incredibly clean and beautiful. On the ground floor, you'll find a Blue Bottle Coffee, Japanese restaurant, and a bookstore, plus a lovely lawn where many people relax and socialize. Despite being located in Kyoto's liveliest area, the hotel is surrounded by a stream, creating a beautiful sense of serene isolation from the hustle and bustle. The pure white walls, set against lush greenery, are simply picturesque. The hotel offers great value for money, and the handsome foreign gentleman at the ground floor reception and the attentive ladies at the front desk provided an exceptional experience overall.