Page 62 - WDT Winter 2018 japan

Solaria

Nishitetsu

Hotel Kyoto

f all the places we stayed in
Japan, the Solaria Hotel in Kyoto
was the biggest surprise. We
Opicked it because of its afford-
ability and location, next to the Kamo River,
nearby train and bus terminals and walking
distance of several attractions. Kyoto’s most
famous markets and restaurants were just a
few blocks away. And for wine lovers, there
was an affordable world-class wine and sake
emporium just across the street.
Because it is a business hotel, we didn’t
have high expectations after our experi-
ence in Tokyo, but as it turned out, the hotel
was one of the best on our trip. Only a year
old, the modern lobby, elevators, decor, and
furnishings had a sparkling new appearance.
The lobby, although not huge by big hotel
standards, appeared much larger due to a
giant terrarium that stretched floor to ceiling
across the entry doors.
The decently sized rooms were super
quiet, and each had either a city view or a
view of the garden behind glass windows.
The bathrooms were ultra modern with
roomy showers with rain heads. And the toi-
lets were heated and had more controls than
some jet planes. The pillows were downlike;
the beds were perfectly firm with 300 count
linen bedding. Plus there’s an onsen on site
if you’re in the mood for a good soak. You
couldn’t ask more of a hotel.

62 WDT MAGAZINE WINTER 2018