Smart Luxury: Hotel Granvia Kyoto

If you are not on tight budget, I would suggest staying in Hotel Granvia, which is no 3 on tripadvisor and Winner of Travelers' Choice® 2012. The hotel is part of the Kyoto Station complex, making travelling from the airport extremely easy. We took the Haruka Express Train from Kansai Airport Station to Kyoto Station which cost us JPY3,290 (S$55) for standard reserved seats. Check out promo rates at hotels.com, we paid S$711 for 3 nights, including Sat.

The North Wing offers a better view.

Even though the hotel is located right above the Kyoto station, it was quiet and we didn't feel any vibrations.

Spacious and elegant lobby

The very thoughtful hotel even provided seats in the lift to rest our tired feet.

Jetso Tip : Weekend hotel rates in Kyoto are much more expensive, try to plan your visit during weekdays as it tends to be less crowded as well.

Lovely view of Kyoto Tower opposite hotel. Hotel is also right next to Isetan, the Kyoto Theater, a museum, Porta and The Cube underground shopping malls.

Jetso Tip : Buy sushi and bento sets at Isetan basement foodcourt around 7.30pm where prices will be slashed. Yumms !

Jetso Tip : Don't lug your luggage around. Arrange for Takkyubin at the lobby of the hotel to send your luggage to the airport or another prefecture. Rates are based on measurements and not weight. It cost us S$23 to send our large size luggage to Osaka. Do remember to send your luggage 1 day in advance. Details here http://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/english/services/takkyu.html