We had one of the refurbed rooms and it was excellent. Plenty of room, modern and well equipped however if you have mobility issues, our room was quite some walk from the elevators so keep that in mind when checking in. English channels are limited to 2 - CNN and BBC which often had a Japanese voice over however you can cast to the TV. Location was excellent for the sights of Kyoto with the station being a destination in itself with plenty of restaurants. If you wish for an alternate food court style, there is a food court a short walk away under the Kyoto Tower which doesn't seem to get as busy. Very nice at check in however it seemed whether your room was ready or not, 3pm is check in time regardless. You have to pay AUD 11 per day to use the gym and pool however the pool appears to be heated which is not the best in a hot Kyoto summer. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely return.

Stayed here for about a week as part of a wider trip through Japan - 3 people; 2 adults and 1 teen.

Granvia is perfectly situated above the main train station in Kyoto. This was a big thing for us as we were using the city as a base and planned a number of trips to other places, all by train. The convenience of being able to walk downstairs and be on the platform can't be overstated if that's your plan. It's also well located for Kyoto itself, being very central. It's a big hotel and the rooms etc are a safe 4 stars by any measure. Ours was quiet, clean, decent sized and, small extra bed aside, comfortable.

So why 3 stars you may ask? 3 reasons. That 3rd bed. It was only marginally better than sleeping on the floor. Breakfast. It was very good, extensive even, with a choice of European or Japanese cuisine. You could help yourself to a buffet up to 10.30 every morning but, my God, did they police that hard. Turn up at 10.00 and your first conversation is a reminder that it shuts in 30 minutes. Still eating at 10.15? Then you'll get another little nudge from one of the waiting staff. I even had 1 come up and tap their wristwatch at me! After a few days it gets annoying, after another day its also uncomfortable and I'm sorry but that's not how hotels are supposed to work. I don't want to feel you're doing me a favour by letting me eat a breakfast I have actually paid for and, really, I should be able to sit there with a coffee for as long as I want. Lastly - the pool. You want an extra £5.00 every time I use it and no one under 18 is allowed in? Really?? Are you insane?

So, yeah. Don't get an extra bed, buy breakfast or use the pool and it really is a good hotel. Unfortunately, those 3 things just put a dent in my stay so it's 3 stars. Sorry about that.

You have probably heard the old adage "location, location, location". I absolutely loved the hotel's location and that the train station is within the same property complex. There are plenty of retail shops, something for everyone, in the property's complex. The top of the property complex is absolutely beautiful with a stunning colorful digital stairway show to see while riding the escalator all the way to the top floor. It's so entertaining while simultaneously taking your breath away as you reach the top complex floor during the evening hours to observe Kyoto's skyline.

I was very delighted with this hotel. You even had two locations where to eat for breakfast if you included the breakfast plan with your stay. Next, the room was spacious. Significantly, the concierge was extremely helpful with planning daytrips via the train and how to best transport to a different area in Kyoto via taxi to fit in the Golden Temple prior to closing time.

More, the bar on the hotel's lobby had the best premium Matcha that I tasted in all of Tokyo. There are taxis right outside of the hotel, the train station is right there including the Shinkansen--Bullet Train, and the local subway train is downstairs, making your day trips so convenient. My family was even able to fit in a quick half-day trip to Nara Deer Park because of the hotel's location.

Finally, the hotel is family friendly to minor children. I will definitely return to this hotel.