THE GATE HOTEL KYOTO TAKASEGAWA by HULIC

The location is convenient, and the hotel facilities are quite good. The breakfast and lounge are also nice. I'd consider staying here again on my next trip to Kyoto. It's so convenient, with plenty of dining options nearby.

Overall, my stay was quite comfortable, making it a great choice for business travelers who need to work on the go. The room was fully equipped with an adjustable standing desk, a large monitor, and a mechanical keyboard, providing excellent working conditions. However, this complete setup took up a significant amount of space, and I hadn't anticipated such facilities, which made the room feel a bit cramped and confining. The bathroom only had a separate shower stall, no bathtub, but toiletries and disposable slippers were well-provided. Many Japanese hotels usually don't offer slippers proactively, requiring you to fetch them yourself or not offering them at all, so this thoughtful touch was appreciated. The vanity counter was exceptionally spacious, making it easy to place personal items. The bed was soft and comfortable, offering a good rest experience. The guest rooms are in a unique location, situated above several yakitori restaurants. During dinner hours, there was a faint charcoal aroma in the air – not strong, but clearly noticeable. There's a significant time restriction: the main entrance closes after 11 PM. The building is connected to shops on the ground floor, and the front desk is located on an upper floor. After closing, there's no one at the door, so late arrivals cannot enter independently. On this occasion, I was fortunate enough to enter by following other hotel guests. The overall check-in process wasn't convenient. The location is the biggest highlight, right next to the Takase River, with exceptionally beautiful riverside views. The shops downstairs offer a rich selection, making dining out very convenient, and the surrounding commercial district is well-developed. Being close to both high-end malls and budget-friendly shops means all shopping needs can be met nearby. It's also due to this prime location that one can truly appreciate the unique beauty of the Takase River. The overall experience was decent, but the breakfast quality was outstanding. There's a dress code for dining; slippers are not permitted. You can choose between a Japanese set meal or an American breakfast set, with an additional self-service buffet area. The ingredients were carefully selected; the orange juice was freshly squeezed on the spot, and the honey was prepared right there, far superior in quality to pre-made meals. The breakfast area also offered excellent views, making for a superb dining experience. Overall, the location and meals were exceptional, but the accommodation itself was just okay.

The hotel's location is excellent. It's about a 5 to 10-minute walk to the Kamo River and around a 30-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Right out the back door of the hotel is a commercial street with plenty of restaurants and shops. There are also many izakayas and eateries nearby, which is very convenient. The room size isn't particularly large, but a great perk is the lounge on the 3rd floor. It offers complimentary soft drinks, coffee, tea, and red and white wine daily from 2 PM to 10 PM.

The breakfast was delicious! All the juices were freshly squeezed, and the milk was from Meishan Farm.

The surroundings are beautiful, and it's conveniently located near four commercial streets. The room is clean, and the service is excellent. I especially recommend the orange juice at breakfast – a must-try!

Traveling during cherry blossom season, the hotel prices were a bit high, which is understandable. However, I didn't expect the Essential room type to be so small. I'd recommend choosing a higher-tier room type if you're traveling during the off-season. The location is excellent, very convenient for dining and taking the subway. Le Labo is right across the street.