Kyoto Luxury: Unforgettable Stay at New Hankyu Hotel!
Kyoto Luxury: Unforgettable Stay at New Hankyu Hotel! - A Review That's Actually Real (and Maybe a Little Crazy)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the matcha-flavored tea on my experience at Kyoto's New Hankyu Hotel. I’m not gonna lie, I've been chasing this trip for ages. Kyoto! Temples! Geishas! Hopefully less cultural faux pas than last time (the less said about me trying to bargain for a ceramic cat statue, the better). And the New Hankyu? Well, the website promised "Kyoto Luxury." Let's see if it delivered, shall we?
First Impressions: Accessibility & Getting There (and a bit of a rant, because honestly…)
Right, so first things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for some of us. And honestly, the New Hankyu did a pretty decent job. The hotel itself is generally wheelchair accessible, boasting elevators (essential!), and ramps in most of the key areas. They’ve got facilities for disabled guests listed in their services & conveniences, and that's a good start.
Getting to the hotel was surprisingly smooth. Airport transfer? Tick. Saves you wrestling your suitcase onto a bullet train after a 12-hour flight. They had a car park (free!), which is golden in a city where parking is a premium. And, blessedly, a car charging station if you're rocking an electric vehicle. So far, so good.
But… (there's always a "but," isn't there?) I found navigating the immediate area a little trickier. Cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks – typical Kyoto, charming as hell, but not always the easiest for everyone. So, while the hotel itself is trying, surrounding infrastructure could be a little better. Consider this to be a factor for anyone needing extreme accessibility.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (with a few minor hiccups!)
Alright, let’s get into the good stuff: the rooms. Oh, sweet, sweet sanctuary! I booked a non-smoking room (obvious choice), and it was beautifully appointed, a clean, minimalist design that's classic Japanese. Think: soothing neutral tones, ample space, and a quiet that just melts away all the travel stress. They've got that "Available in all rooms" list a mile long, and they actually deliver.
The Good Stuff: Blackout curtains? Absolutely essential for that jetlag induced coma! The bed? EXTRA LONG. I mean, even I fit comfortably (and I'm not exactly vertically challenged). Free Wi-Fi? Absolutely. It worked flawlessly. A coffee/tea maker that actually works and is stocked daily? YES! Slippers and bathrobes? Luxurious touch. The view was pretty good.
The Minor Hiccups: The internet (LAN) was there but honestly, I wasn't touching it, the wireless was just too easy to go with! The TV? Well it had all the channels, but the selection of English programming wasn’t extensive, which is typical, not a crime.
My Obsession: The Bathtub. Seriously, that separate shower AND bathtub situation? Divine. After a long day of temple hopping, a soak in that tub, with the provided bath products, felt like pure heaven. I swear, just that tub alone almost justified the price of the room.
Little Details: Things like the safe, alarm clock, desk, desk, mirror, reading light, and telephone were all there and working. The daily housekeeping staff was friendly and efficient, keeping everything spick and span.
Eating, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (and My Stomach's Lament)
Food. My kryptonite. And Kyoto offers some serious temptations. The New Hankyu hotel caters to the foodie in me.
Breakfast Buffet: A Feast for the Senses (and My Waistline). Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, it's all there. The buffet? Incredible. A huge selection of everything you could possibly want. I may have, possibly, eaten enough breakfast to feed a small army. Maybe. The coffee shop was a lifesaver, offering a quick caffeine fix.
Restaurants Galore! They have multiple restaurants. I tried the one offering both International and Asian cuisine. The food was generally great, well-prepared, and I loved that I could go from a delicious steak to a plate of sushi without stepping outside.
Poolside Bar and Room Service - The Lazy Days.. After a swim, (more on that later) the poolside bar for a quick drink was the perfect way to end the day. The 24-hour room service was a godsend for those midnight snack cravings (I’m not judging!).
The Vegetarian Option: My Happy Place. They advertised a vegetarian restaurant (or at least alternative meal arrangements) – and they delivered. I'm a vegetarian, and I was thrilled with the options. This is huge, folks!
Relaxation & Rejuvenation: Spa Days and More (because, why not?)
Okay, let's talk pampering. Because, hello, "Kyoto Luxury"!
The Pool with a View: This was amazing. The outdoor pool was the perfect place to cool off after a day of sightseeing. It’s not massive, but it's clean, well-maintained, and offers a beautiful view of the city. Bonus points: a poolside bar for cocktails.
Spa & Sauna Time: The Spa & sauna was the perfect place to end the day. I didn't have a body scrub or body wrap (I'm all about minimal effort!), but did indulge in a massage. It was heavenly.
Fitness Center: They do have a fitness center (gym/fitness). I, uh, chose to focus on exploring the city's culinary delights, but it's there for those with more willpower.
Cleanliness and Safety: My Anxiety-Fueled Peace of Mind
In these post-pandemic times, cleanliness and safety are HUGE. The New Hankyu Hotel deserves serious props here.
- Anti-Viral Cleaning? Yes, Please! They were using anti-viral cleaning products, which is reassuring. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Rooms sanitized between stays, definitely check. Hand sanitizer everywhere, check, check, check! Seriously, I felt very safe! Staff were wearing masks and following safety protocols.
- Cashless Payment, Anyone? They had the contactless check-in/out and contactless payment service. It's what you would hope for!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
The little things add up, and the New Hankyu really delivers on the “convenience” front:
- 24-Hour front desk and concierge? Absolutely. Helpful staff are always appreciated.
- Luggage storage: They'll hold your bags, so you can explore before check-in or after check-out.
- Laundry and dry cleaning: Perfect for longer stays.
- On-site event hosting: Business facilities, meeting/banquet facilities, an indoor and outdoor venue for special events, and audio-visual equipment.
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls
This is Kyoto! You're surrounded by a million things to see and do. While the hotel itself keeps you well occupied, you are in driving distance to some incredible sights (you can check out the Shrine they have listed).
The Verdict?
Okay, so, let's be real: Is the New Hankyu Hotel "Kyoto Luxury"? Absolutely! But with a few tiny asterisks. It's not a flawless experience (no hotel is!), but its a damn good one. The rooms are comfortable. The food is delicious. The pool is a dream. The staff is helpful and friendly. They prioritize cleanliness and safety. It’s accessible overall and convenient.
Here’s My Unfiltered Recommendation:
BOOK IT! If you're looking for a comfortable, relaxing, and well-located base for exploring Kyoto, the New Hankyu is a fantastic choice.
My Recommendation for You: Ready to experience the best of Kyoto with a touch of luxury? Then, I have a special offer for you at New Hankyu Hotel! Enjoy a 15% discount on your stay when you book through our website using the code KYOTOLUXURY. You will also get a free upgrade to the room with a scenic view of the city and the opportunity to enjoy a welcome drink at the bar!
Don’t miss it! Click below to book now!
[Insert Booking Link Here]
(P.S. Seriously, that bathtub. Just go. For the bathtub alone.)
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: JI Hotel Changji Oriental Plaza!
Alright, buckle up Buttercup, because this isn't your glossy travel brochure. This is the REAL DEAL. My stay at the Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto? Let's just say it was… an experience. Ready for some unvarnished truth? Here we go:
Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto: My (Unfiltered) Kyoto Commute - A Messy Odyssey
Day 1: Arrival & Culture Shock (and Jet Lag, Oh My God)
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Great Kyoto Airport Scramble. Landing in Kyoto was like stepping onto another planet. Everything is so… clean. And organised. My luggage, of course, was the one piece that decided to go AWOL for a glorious 30 minutes. Panic set in. My inner monologue was SCREAMING. Found it. Finally. Then the train. Which, of course, I took the wrong way for the first 10 minutes. Classic.
- 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Check-in, Chaos, and Questionable Life Choices. The hotel lobby was a blur of bowing heads and crisp formalities. I got my room key, and… wow. Tiny. Everything is tiny in Japan, I swear. My suitcase practically blocked the entire hallway. Attempted to unpack, failed due to extreme tiredness.
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Kyoto Station - The Labyrinth of My Dreams (and Nightmares). Kyoto Station. It's a monument to human achievement, and also a total mind-bender. I got lost trying to find the bathroom. Twice. Ended up in a department store, wandering aimlessly through aisles of beautifully packaged… everything. Bought a ridiculously expensive matcha tea kit, convinced myself it was a cultural investment. It’s probably still sitting unopened in my suitcase.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Ramen Revelation… Or Not. Found a ramen place recommended by a travel blog. The broth was… well, it was broth. Not the life-changing experience I was promised. Ate it anyway, because I was STARVING. Spent the rest of the evening battling jet lag. Ended up watching Japanese TV until I passed out. No regrets.
Day 2: Temples, Tea & Existential Dread
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast Debacle. The hotel breakfast buffet. A vast array of things I couldn't name, and some things I REALLY couldn't bring myself to eat (looking at you, pickled something-or-other). Ended up with toast and a weird, gelatinous… thing. Fuelled my day, somehow.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) - Shiny Things and Overwhelming Crowds. Okay, the Golden Pavilion is seriously stunning. Like, jaw-droppingly beautiful. But the crowds! OMG, the crowds! It was a sea of selfie sticks and Instagrammers vying for the perfect shot. Felt a surge of anti-social-ness. Managed to snap a pic. It’s probably blurry.
- 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch Blunders and Misunderstood Menus. Found a cute, tiny restaurant. The menu was entirely in Japanese, so I pointed at a picture and crossed my fingers. Ended up with… well, I think it was chicken and rice? Delicious, though! The waiter kept bowing. I think I bowed back at him in some weird, aggressive attempt to show I am as "cultured" as the other people there.
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Gion District - Lost in the Alleyways (and Fascination). Wandered through Gion, trying (and failing) to spot a geisha. The narrow, wooden streets are magical, but the urge to take a wrong turn was so strong. I probably walked in the wrong direction at least once. Then some guy on a bike beeped at me super passive-aggressively for being in the way, and I almost lost it just then.
- 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Tea Ceremony Temptation. Decided to do a tea ceremony. It was… a very specific form of art. I probably poured the tea wrong. I definitely slurped too loudly. But it was peaceful. And the matcha wasn't as bad as I thought. Maybe.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner Crisis. Ramen Again. I couldn't resist the ramen again. I've decided Ramen is my new life.
Day 3: Bamboo Forests & Existential Realizations
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Nature's Embrace (and More Crowds). The bamboo forest is… beautiful. Like, straight out of a movie. But the crowds! They were everywhere. Managed to find a slightly less crowded spot, and just stood there, breathing in the bamboo-ness. It was actually pretty zen.
- 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Tenryu-ji Temple - Serenity, Finally. The temple gardens were exquisite. Finally some peace and quiet. Just wandered around, taking photos, and pondering the mysteries of the universe (or at least, the mysteries of my socks, which were starting to smell a bit… funky).
- 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: The Great Lunch Search: I made a mistake. I was supposed to eat at a restaurant but it was closed and since I was walking around the area I gave up. I then found a vending machine and bought a sandwich that tasted suspiciously like cardboard. I ate it anyway and blamed myself.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Train to Nara - Deer, Deer Everywhere! I went to Nara. The deer were beautiful and even a little bit aggressive. I ran into a deer-feeding frenzy and I loved it more than I care to admit.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner… A Pizza? After my day with the deer I was mentally exhausted. I gave up and went to a pizza place. I was so burned out.
Day 4: Departure & Reflections (and a Thousand Photos, I'm Sure)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Last Breakfast, Final Failures. The breakfast buffet again. Managed to eat something that vaguely resembled food with less regret than usual.
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Souvenir Shopping Scramble. Panic-bought a bunch of stuff I probably don’t need. Trying to make sure I will be able to take it all back with me.
- 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Goodbye, Kyoto! The train back to the airport. Kyoto, I’ll miss you. Even the crowds. Even the tiny hotel room. Even… the ramen. (Okay, maybe especially the ramen.) I'm already planning my return. I just hope I've learned to navigate public transport by then. (Probably not.)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Airport Debrief and Travel Trauma. The airport was a nightmare of duty-free shops and crying children. I made it through security, somehow. Bought a ridiculous amount of chocolate. My wallet is weeping. But my soul? It's full of beautiful, weird, and messy memories.
Final Verdict: Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto - A Perfectly Imperfect Home Base
The Hotel New Hankyu? It was a good hotel. Okay, the room was small, and the breakfast was hit-or-miss, but the location was convenient, the staff was lovely, and honestly, it was the perfect base for an adventure. And Kyoto itself? It's a place that gets under your skin. It's a place that makes you laugh, makes you cry, and makes you question everything you thought you knew about matcha tea. (Seriously, is it supposed to be bitter?)
Would I go back? Absolutely. Maybe next time I’ll even manage to avoid getting lost in Kyoto Station. Maybe. (Probably not.)
Rompin's Hidden Gem: Uncover Hotel Mei Wah's Secret!
Kyoto Luxury: Your Unforgettable Stay at New Hankyu Hotel - The Unofficial FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, Official Ones Are Boring)
Okay, so, is this place *actually* luxurious? My bank account is already weeping.
Alright, buckle up, because "luxury" in Kyoto can mean approximately 300 different things. Let's just say, this isn't the Ritz. But it *definitely* isn't the hostel I stayed in my backpacking days (shudders). The New Hankyu? Solid. Comfortable. Clean. The word "luxury" is maybe a *touch* overused, but hey, marketing departments gotta market, right? Think plush beds, decent views (depending on your room, more on that later... oh god, the rooms), and service that generally avoids being ridiculously stuffy. It’s… *comfortably* luxurious. Like, you might have to sell a kidney for a week at some places, here? You might just have to skip a few lattes.
What about the location? Tourist trap central?
Okay, confession time: I am *terrible* at navigating. Like, embarrassingly bad. I once got lost in my own apartment. The New Hankyu's location? Blessedly easy. Boom. Right next to Kyoto Station. Which is both amazing and potentially overwhelming. Amazing because trains and everything are at your doorstep. Overwhelming because… well, Kyoto Station is a freaking *city* in itself. You could spend a week there and still not see everything. So, yes, it's touristy. But the accessibility is worth it. Just… prepare yourself for the crowds. They're part of the experience, I guess? (Deep breaths...)
The rooms. Spill the tea. Are they tiny, like a postage stamp?
Ah, the rooms. Where do I even *begin*? Okay, so, Japanese hotel rooms... they're not known for their spaciousness, right? My first thought when I walked in? "Well, at least it's got a bed." It was… cozy. Let's call it that. Perfectly functional. Clean. Efficient. But not exactly a palazzo. I’d recommend requesting a higher floor if you can. And *definitely* check the view before unpacking. My first room faced… another building. The view? Brick. Pure, glorious brick. It was like living in a very chic, air-conditioned cave. I requested a change after the initial shock wore off (which, admittedly, took a while), and the next room was *slightly* better. Still not Versailles, but hey, at least I could *see* something other than the next building's air conditioning unit. Lesson learned: ask for a view, people! The details REALLY matter.
Food! Breakfast? Dinner? Spill the beans!
The breakfast! Okay, I'm a breakfast person. I *live* for a good breakfast. The New Hankyu’s? Standard hotel buffet. You get the usual suspects: eggs, bacon (questionable bacon, let's be honest), pastries, fruit... and the all-important Japanese staples. Rice, miso soup, pickles, the works. It's not Michelin-star worthy, but it's perfectly decent and a great way to kickstart your day. But the real magic? The on-site restaurants. I highly, HIGHLY recommend trying at least one of them. I’m a sucker for noodles, and the noodle place was a revelation. Perfect. Not overly fancy, no pretentious anything, just… pure, unfettered deliciousness. The other options? Explore. Kyoto’s a food paradise, go crazy. My biggest tip? Be brave. Try everything. Even the things you think you won’t like. You might be surprised!
The service: Clumsy tourists welcomed? Or do you have to be a Japanese expert?
Thank goodness, clumsy tourists are VERY welcome! The staff at the New Hankyu? Generally lovely, helpful, and patient. My Japanese is... well, let's say "limited." I can order ramen and apologize profusely. That's about it. But the staff were amazing. They were used to dealing with confused foreigners, and they were always willing to help. Expect a lot of bowing, a lot of helpful pointing, and maybe a *tiny* bit of giggling (mostly because I'm sure I looked like a deer caught in headlights half the time). They made me feel comfortable despite my language barrier and general ineptitude. Absolute saints, truly.
Anything I should pack that I probably wouldn't think of?
Okay, a few things! Slippers! (Hotel rooms are generally shoe-free zones, so a pair of travel slippers is a life-saver). A universal adapter (essential, obviously). A phrasebook with basic Japanese – even if you're like me, and only know how to say "thank you" and "delicious." A portable charger – because you'll be glued to your phone taking photos. And, most importantly? A good book. Because sometimes, after a hectic day of temple-hopping and crowds, all you want to do is curl up in your, ahem, "cozy" room with a good book and escape. And maybe a little chocolate. Because everyone deserves chocolate. (I’m not advocating you hoard it, but… consider it).
Would you go back? Seriously.
Honestly? Yes. Despite the "cozy" rooms and the sometimes-overwhelming crowds outside the door, I would absolutely go back. The location is unparalleled for exploring Kyoto. The staff is wonderful. The food is delicious (especially the noodles!). And the beds are comfy. It's not perfect, but it's a solid, reliable, and comfortable base for exploring one of the most amazing cities in the world. Plus, you can always upgrade next time! Or heck, maybe I *should* check out those luxurious ryokans… (Starts researching ryokan prices… and then faints dramatically). Maybe next year.
And the biggest takeaway?
Kyoto is magical. That's the takeaway. The New Hankyu hotel? It's a very solid place to stay while you experience that magic. Embrace the good, laugh at the quirky, and prepare to be amazed. And for the love of all that is holy, ask for a room with a decent view! And maybe… extra chocolate.
