Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi

Overview

Unconventionally, let’s begin with the breakfast. The morning buffet offers a wide range of what it calls ‘vegetable-rich’ dishes. All of the Japanese staples are here such as rice, miso soup, grilled fish, pickles, but it’s the less common dishes that stand out most, like the sevenvegetable frittata, Japanese potato salad (which is way better than the western version), daikon (Japaneseradish) and burdock courses, and yuba (tofu skin) nuggets…which are far better than they sound. If this all sounds a bit much, then the ‘Continental Corner’ features cereals, pastries, fresh-baked breads and even a homemade butter. These paired nicely with the bacon, eggs and Spanish omelette. Last stop is the bar to pick up some juice, water or coffee -if you want your coffee to go, you can pour it into one of the take-away cups provided. 

At check-in, you are given a friendly rundown of the hotel’s features. Despite its nods to tradition, this is a property that values technology - check-in is done on a tablet, while check-out can be expedited through
the television in the room.The rooms are functional, if a little ‘conventional’ (when compared to everything else in the hotel). They all feature Simmons mattresses (i.e. super-comfy), air-conditioning and humidifier, flat-screen TVs’s, free Wi-Fi, hair dryers, refrigerators, and tea sets. Thanks to the small touches like elegant bed covers and windows decorated with traditional paper screens, it still feels like Kyoto. If you’re after a larger room, try the Junior Suites which are around twice as big as the standard rooms. Families might appreciate the convenience of the hotel's handy connecting rooms - two twin rooms are connected by a doorway on the inner wall, giving guests as much interaction or privacy as they want.

And then….the onsen! Very few hotels in downtown Kyoto can boast of having hot spring baths and at Intergate Hotel you have  it to yourself. No outside guests permitted. Upon check-in you receive codes for each day, but the front desk will happily help you if you forget. You can wear the traditional cotton pyjamas from your room down to the baths, which gives the place a real guest-house feel. 

Location

Hotel Intergate is situated on a quiet lane, but still close to the action. Most notably, one of Kyoto’s most bustling areas, Nishiki Market is just a few blocks away. It is only five minutes on foot from Shijo Station and Karasuma Station.