69%Kyoto White Hotel

Have to pay 1000 Yens for 1 hour TV, never have been seen that, interesting!!

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by mailbox – posted on Dec 11, 2007

4

I was only at White Hotel for one night but it was really convenient and comfortable. It's very close to the train station so perfect for getting around. The facilities seemed very good although I didn't really have chance to use them. Ensuite bathroom was a nice bonus after a week of sharing!... more I was only at White Hotel for one night but it was really convenient and comfortable. It's very close to the train station so perfect for getting around. The facilities seemed very good although I didn't really have chance to use them. Ensuite bathroom was a nice bonus after a week of sharing! There are more charming places to stay in Kyoto but White Hotel was more convenient than most. I'd go there again.close

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by maximunki – posted on Apr 17, 2007

7

ｗａｓ　ｄｉｓａｐｐｏｉｎｔｅｄ　ｔｏ　ｆｉｎｄ&#122... more ｗａｓ　ｄｉｓａｐｐｏｉｎｔｅｄ　ｔｏ　ｆｉｎｄ　ｏｕｔ　ｔｈａｔ　ｗｅ　ｎｅｅｄ　ｔｏｐａｙ　１００ｙｅｎ　ｔｏ　ｄｅｐｏｓｉｔ　ｏｕｒ　ｂａｇｇａｇｅｓ　ａｆｔｅｒ　ｗｅ　ｈａｖｅ　ｃｈｅｃｋ　ｏｕｔ．　close

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by baykoh – posted on Apr 9, 2007

3

This was a nightmare! We rented 3 bikes: the chain fell off one of them 3 times, the tires were flat, and my kick stand couldn't hold the bike up! in a addition to all this, we lost the key to the lock, and told them when we got back. They said it was okay. We were relieved, and then the... more This was a nightmare! We rented 3 bikes: the chain fell off one of them 3 times, the tires were flat, and my kick stand couldn't hold the bike up! in a addition to all this, we lost the key to the lock, and told them when we got back. They said it was okay. We were relieved, and then the next morning we left and said everything okay in Japanese and they said okay. An hour later, already out on our tours, I received a call about, renting, bike, and police. That's all I could understand! He even hung up on me! Over a bike lock that can be bought at a 100 yen shop! This is the worst experience I;ve had in my year living in Japan! Go somewhere else! Plus you have to put change in the TV to make it work! And wish me luck...It may not be over!close

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by diehard – posted on Apr 7, 2007

1

Business-type of hotel. Location is excellent though difficult to find during first pass. I suggest going to information desk at Kyoto station to provide you with detailed tourist maps that have street names in English & Japanese. CLUE: Its about a block east from Kyoto Tower and the... more Business-type of hotel. Location is excellent though difficult to find during first pass. I suggest going to information desk at Kyoto station to provide you with detailed tourist maps that have street names in English & Japanese. CLUE: Its about a block east from Kyoto Tower and the street alley way it's located on has a sign "2.3 KM" at its entrance. They have bike rentals for 1000Y which I would suggest b/c Kyoto is very bikable and temples are too far apart to walk from one to the next. Not very impressive japanese style rooms. Teeny, tiny trailor like bathroom I kept bumping my elbows in. Payment is cash only and staff is friendly but hardly speaks English.close

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by sarahannmary1394 – posted on Mar 24, 2007

4

Very close to the Kyoto Main Station. Lookout for the main gate exit (with Isetan and Hotel Granvia) direction. Approach NE direction you will find the diagonal traffic light. Walk straight (5m) ahead until you reach a small alley with "height restriction" signboard it is on the right... more Very close to the Kyoto Main Station. Lookout for the main gate exit (with Isetan and Hotel Granvia) direction. Approach NE direction you will find the diagonal traffic light. Walk straight (5m) ahead until you reach a small alley with "height restriction" signboard it is on the right hand side. I have mistaken the map as it was very high level. Owner was friendly, but each morning checkout is 11am (strictly need to vacate the room for cleaning !). NOrmal room has no bath, need to wait for evening. No shower in a.m ! Attached bathroom type is worth considering, very small but similar everywhere in Japan. Prices are reasonable. It also offers Jap breakfast at 600Yen. Sister hostel:White House Eki Mae is cheaper but less character and has no attached bath.close

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by jennie5467 – posted on Mar 7, 2007

5

staff actually charged me in full and did not take into account my deposit which i already paid online. i forgot as well and only remebered now.

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by shing5997 – posted on Feb 26, 2007

2

Unfortunately, we saw bugs, in the bathroom. Else the hotel was quite good.

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by Cguib – posted on Feb 22, 2007

2

The only real plus for this place is its convenient location. Kyoto is spread out so being so close to the station is useful. Our room was spacious but there was no sense of service, and no interest shown in us. We spent 4 nights here and felt, when we left, just like the strangers we were when... more The only real plus for this place is its convenient location. Kyoto is spread out so being so close to the station is useful. Our room was spacious but there was no sense of service, and no interest shown in us. We spent 4 nights here and felt, when we left, just like the strangers we were when we arrived. No internet, no extras like shampoo, and even the television costs. Minimal service all round.close

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by Sue408 – posted on Oct 21, 2006

5

Unbeknownst to us, the White Hotel and the White House are essentially the same company. We had booked a room at the White Hotel (private, twin room with a private bathroom - yay!), but when we arrived to check in, they pointed us down the street to the White House, where we were crammed into a... more Unbeknownst to us, the White Hotel and the White House are essentially the same company. We had booked a room at the White Hotel (private, twin room with a private bathroom - yay!), but when we arrived to check in, they pointed us down the street to the White House, where we were crammed into a 8x8-foot tatami room (with no private bathroom to be found). Strangely, we even had to pay the same amount we'd been quoted even though the actual room we were given paled in comparison to what we'd been expecting. I'm sure there are ways of righting this kind of situation on the spot, but our Japanese was crap, so we went with it and had a great time regardless.close

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by nolan6943 – posted on Sep 18, 2006

5

Location is the major asset of this ryokan: close to the Kyoto railway station. The private room we took (ensuite + ac) was quiet and had the basics, on the ryokan-style. Staff is very helpful.

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by Luis6187 – posted on Jul 20, 2006

4

No one seemed to know where this place was and at the time we came, the information booth at the station was closed!!! We wandered around asking everyone and got turned around alot! Was a decent room, nothing fancy- and close to the train station. I would recommend it, if you have decent... more No one seemed to know where this place was and at the time we came, the information booth at the station was closed!!! We wandered around asking everyone and got turned around alot! Was a decent room, nothing fancy- and close to the train station. I would recommend it, if you have decent directions, but the staff doesnt speak much english either.close

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by jaloopy – posted on Jun 24, 2006

8

I was unhappy about the fact that they charged me 200 yen to hold my suitcase at the hotel until about 5pm on the day that I checked out! This has never happened to me before.

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by iv – posted on May 23, 2006

4

The room wasn't great, but the staff was helpful. Compared to other hotels in the same price range I have stayed at in Japan, the quality was quite low.

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by buymagic – posted on Apr 17, 2006

1

Traditional ryokan (i.e. tatami room and you sleep on a mattress, on the floor) located near the JR train station. It can be a bit out of the action (i.e. downtown, the imperial palace...) but it isn't expensive.

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by nicolas7740 – posted on Oct 24, 2005

2

location excellent. the Japanese style room was a great experience! the Jap. Breakfast is a bit weird but a must try! hey thats what travel is about. staff very polite & helpful. facilities excellent, was surprise no towel provided but can hire. public bath a bit small and not so clean by end... more location excellent. the Japanese style room was a great experience! the Jap. Breakfast is a bit weird but a must try! hey thats what travel is about. staff very polite & helpful. facilities excellent, was surprise no towel provided but can hire. public bath a bit small and not so clean by end of day but great if you have no time to visit another bath elsewhere.close

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by charmaine888 – posted on Sep 26, 2005

2

This is a traditional Japanese hotel which overall was neither a good or bad thing. It meant you slept on mats instead of a bed, but I found them comfortable. The room is real basic, tv is pay only, a/c was great and we had wi-fi although I don't know where it came from. Location is good,... more This is a traditional Japanese hotel which overall was neither a good or bad thing. It meant you slept on mats instead of a bed, but I found them comfortable. The room is real basic, tv is pay only, a/c was great and we had wi-fi although I don't know where it came from. Location is good, but it is still about 1.5 miles from anything for night life. When you leave the JR station go out the bus side. Then when you are looking away from the station take a right. When you get to the far corner of the station square there is a major intersection. You should see a Seattle's best adn across from that is a alley with a heigh restriction. Just head down that and it should be on your left. There was only one person there that spoke English, but she was fairly fluent. She only worked days, but at night all we needed was the key so no english was needed.close

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by travel6273 – posted on Sep 15, 2005

1

Rather tired and rudimentary but in an excellent location. Difficult to find - especially at the hotel is not white!

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by steve721 – posted on Sep 10, 2005

1

The staffs were so helpful for our sightseeing planning. We took their advice and we had great time.

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by dangose – posted on Aug 13, 2005

2

It was an awesome place for the price and so very very convienently close to Kyoto station.

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by ocelot – posted on Aug 6, 2005

1

Needs clearer directions from Station, no-one at Station knew what exit 2 meant. very hard to find from instructions. Would have been far better stating street names of exit from station and street names for route instructions. Hotel is round the corner from McDonalds from road adjacent to... more Needs clearer directions from Station, no-one at Station knew what exit 2 meant. very hard to find from instructions. Would have been far better stating street names of exit from station and street names for route instructions. Hotel is round the corner from McDonalds from road adjacent to Kyoto Tower Hotel, from extreme left of Station looking toward Kyoto Tower.close

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by ComUs – posted on Jun 3, 2005

1

Staff speak very little English. Good Japanese-style room but bathroom and towels are tiny (think airplane lavatory). Excellent location right by the train station BUT DIRECTIONS TO THE HOTEL NEED TO BE CLEARER and a SIGN IN ENGLISH should be put outside the hotel. It should be posted exactly... more Staff speak very little English. Good Japanese-style room but bathroom and towels are tiny (think airplane lavatory). Excellent location right by the train station BUT DIRECTIONS TO THE HOTEL NEED TO BE CLEARER and a SIGN IN ENGLISH should be put outside the hotel. It should be posted exactly what street to head down (what landmarks will distinguish it etc), and exactly where to turn. The alleyway in which the hotel is located is very hard to pinpoint when you try for the first time.close

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by kathleen8277 – posted on Apr 21, 2005

6

The place was pretty good, although the directons that are given from trav.com are awful. They need to be much better as the hotel is a little tucked away to say the least. It is however, very central Kyoto and ideally placed for most things. Overall good value for money in japans very expensive... more The place was pretty good, although the directons that are given from trav.com are awful. They need to be much better as the hotel is a little tucked away to say the least. It is however, very central Kyoto and ideally placed for most things. Overall good value for money in japans very expensive accomodation market. Just update those directions eh. Cheers.close

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by PeteMill – posted on Apr 17, 2005

1

No signs in English- find kanji translation to match with the sign before you arrive. Directions on website are vague- tourist centre at train station can help with better directions. Bath towels are the size of hand towels.

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by liam4926 – posted on Apr 13, 2005

1

Staff does not speak English, but sometimes won't even try to understand when foreigners try to speak in Japanese.

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by gescheh – posted on Mar 29, 2005

2

Avoid Avoid AVOID!!! Firstly, the directions are totally misleading. You do NOT turn up the road to your left after walking out of exit #2, but walk another block down the main road, then turn left, then cross the road. The hotel is down an odd little alley that has one of those bars that... more Avoid Avoid AVOID!!! Firstly, the directions are totally misleading. You do NOT turn up the road to your left after walking out of exit #2, but walk another block down the main road, then turn left, then cross the road. The hotel is down an odd little alley that has one of those bars that restrict the height of vehicles passing into it. We only managed to find it after going to the tourist information centre for help and a map. Also, the hotel's name is NOT written in Romaji (English lettering), but in Kanji/Katakana. This would not matter if correct instructions or a map were provided, but they were not. Luckily we can read enough Japanese to figure it out, but if we were tourists, it would have been hopeless. When we finally got there, the incompetent idiot at the front desk couldn't find my reservation. Bear in mind that I speak enough Japanese to explain that I had made a reservation over the Internet. It wasn't communication problem, he just didn't know his job. After a fair bit of to-ing and fro-ing, he eventually went to get his boss, who at least seemed to know what was going on. We were taken to our room. It wasn't the advertised ryokan-style, but a rather poky room with a double bed. When we left in the morning to go sight-seeing, we had to hand our key in, even though we were staying two nights, because they wanted to clean. I've never heard of a hotel that only had one key for each room, and I'm sure you haven't either! About the only even vaugely positive thing I have to say is that at least it was clean, and they do make the beds every day. But then, you would get that in any decent hotel, too. Spare yourself the pain and go somewhere else...ANYWHERE else!close

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by Starkiller – posted on Mar 18, 2005

7