I got around to testing the new Courtyard in Kyoto. It is actually a reflag, JR Central Hotels acquired it from Mitsubishi Jisho, it used to be a The Royal Park brand.

Location is really good, right by exit 6 (be in the back of the train if coming from Kyoto station) of Shijo station on the Karasuma subway line. It is a short walk, the length of a subway station, to Shijo Street and with lots of F&B options in vicinity.

At check-in I was upgraded to what is the biggest room on the floor, I don't know if they actually have any suites. I was offered a choice between 500 points or 10 USD credit for breakfast as welcome amenity. As a special opening offer I was told that the credit would actually be a full breakfast.

There is a coffee machine and water cooler in the lobby, coffee is available from 06:30 to 22:00. There are water coolers on every floor, and a decanter in the room to get water. Coffee and tea in the room is of quite good quality.

The gym is a but small, but modern good cardio equipment. There is laundry facilities on the second floor but I did not check them out.

Breakfast was good, choose between scrambled and fried eggs, and a small buffet option. 3,400 yen is the full price for breakfast, there are some hotel guest discounts. Note that lunch and dinner can't be charged to the room, so the 10 USD credit is truly for breakfast. But there are more exciting food and bar options close by, so it is recommended to look around anyway.

A great location as a sightseeing base for Kyoto, and a solid hotel all in all. I could very well see myself staying here when I will be more out and about than in need of a spa and relaxation at the hotel.


Exterior

Entrance

Lobby coffee machine

Room

Bathroom

In typical Japanese fashion, the toilet is in a separate room from the bathroom

The gym

The gym

Breakfast menu

The hot breakfast dish.

In room coffee and tea