Originally Posted by
nitecruiser
If you stay in Osaka, I recommend Swissotel above Namba Station. It is located conveniently to train station with plenty of restaurants and Dotonbori.
For Kyoto, I suggest Cross Hotel Kyoto. It's located near Kamo river and within walking distance to gion and shopping districts.
Good luck!
Thanks for the tip about Cross Hotel- looks nice and not expensive at all. Put a booking in (cancellable anyways so low risk). How is it's location with respect to transit?