We took an early flight from Hong Kong to Kyoto via Taipei and Osaka. The use of Star Alliance Frequent Flier Points prevented us from choosing a direct flight for this relatively short trip. Once again, we flew on board one of EVA Air’s brand new Boeing 787-10…..quickly becoming my favorite aircraft in the sky, even more so than the Airbus A350-1000.
By the time we arrived at our hotel in Kyoto via the Haruka Express Train from Osaka Kansai. It was late and we were both tired, starving and wet!..Yes, the sky decided to open up on us when we were waiting for a taxi at Kyoto train station!
However, all these misery and downers soon evaporated when we saw and checked into our exquisite hotel - ‘ Good Nature Kyoto ‘……a surprise find that I accidentally stumbled upon whilst searching on Expedia! Nothing palatial, opulent and lavish here, just simple and tasteful refinement, appealing and gorgeous!
Situated in a convenient location next to a major metro-train station and Takashimaya department store, it is also a short walk from the popular GION district. The welcoming ZEN vibe of this environmentally friendly and sustainable hotel is centred around an impressive, jaw-dropping, multi-story high ‘Green Atrium Wall ‘. Covered with flowing hanging plants, strategically nourished by sunlight from the huge skylights above, the unique design creates a calming, tranquil and serene setting and sanctuary. Looking up, I can visualize what the Hanging Garden of Babylon was like!
The ultra-spacious, well appointed, contemporary decorated room was designed to make guests feel at home. All in all, a solid 4* or even 4.5*+…highly recommended! If only the TV would provide more western news, business and sports channels, then our stay would have been perfect!
As alluded to above, we were both starving by the time we checked into our hotel room. As such, we decided to venture out and eat at the first acceptable looking eatery, near and around the vicinity of our hotel, that hopefully still remains open?! Half soaking wet, we walked past a meagerly rated,Tabelog 3.1 sushi-ya. Sushi Kizaemon and decided to walk in. To our surprise, the food, though not top notch, was more than acceptable and enjoyable……maybe our hunger greatly dampened our normally discriminating palate?! But then at these late hours, ‘ Beggars can’t be Choosers ‘!
By the time we returned back to our hotel, an electric thunderstorm passed through the city. So severe, it knocked out the hotel’s TV service and disrupted the internet! Wow!
