The Palace Side Hotel

Budget-conscious travelers in the know have been flocking to this modest hotel with its contemporary lobby and cafe for more than 4 decades. Although its location just west of the Imperial Palace is not as convenient as my other inexpensive recommendations in central Kyoto, it's near a subway line and offers more facilities than most (joggers like running on palace grounds). Also impressive are the free Japanese-language lessons offered several evenings a week. With the exception of original artwork that graces half the rooms by artists who actually stayed in them, rooms (all nonsmoking) otherwise resemble those in a dormitory, small with just the basics of a desk too tiny for any serious work, windows that open, and old tiled bathrooms. The most expensive twins and doubles have kitchenettes.

Facilities:
Restaurant; bar; Thai massage room; rental bikes (free 1st hour, then ¥500 for 12 hr.); lobby computers w/free Internet; smoke-free rooms; communal kitchen

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.