Kyoto's Hidden Gem: Hotel the Point 清水五条 - Unforgettable Stay!
Kyoto's Hidden Gem: Hotel the Point 清水五条 - Unforgettable Stay!
Kyoto's Hidden Gem: Hotel the Point 清水五条 - My Unforgettable (and Kind Of Messy) Stay!
Okay, so picture this: you're in Kyoto. You've seen the Golden Pavilion, you've wrestled with the crowds at Fushimi Inari, and you're exhausted. You need a place. A real place. Not just a bed, but an experience. And that, my friends, is where Hotel the Point 清水五条 enters the chat. Seriously, this place is a hidden gem, and I'm about to spill all the tea (and maybe a little sake) about my stay.
Accessibility and Making it Work:
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. Okay, I'm not a wheelchair user, but the hotel is pretty darn thoughtful about it. Wheelchair accessible? Check. Elevators? Yep. Facilities for disabled guests? They've got you covered. That's a big win for inclusivity, and it immediately sets a positive tone. I didn't delve deep into the specifics, but the initial impression was excellent, meaning if you have specific needs, you should totally check it out.
The Internet Saga (Let's Be Real, Essential):
Listen, a traveler's life is 90% Wi-Fi. So, the internet situation is crucial. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! YES! A resounding yes! And it actually worked. I was able to stream, work (ugh, yes, even on vacation!), and generally stay connected to the outside world. Internet access – LAN was also available, which I didn't use, but hey, options! Internet services - The internet was great, and there were enough Wi-Fi in public areas spots.
Things to Do (Beyond Just Sleeping… Though, That Was Tempting!):
Okay, now for the good stuff. Things to do outside of just, you know, breathing. They're trying to entice you and they succeed.
- Fitness Center: I intended to visit the fitness center. I even packed my workout clothes. But…Kyoto food. And my internal alarm clock was firmly set to "sleep in." So, I can't personally vouch for the equipment, but it was there, and it looked decent.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom/Pool with view: THIS. This is where Hotel the Point really shines. The pool with a view was incredible. Imagine this: I spent a long, drizzly morning exploring temples and dodging tour buses. I came back to the hotel, and there it was… a rooftop oasis! The water was a perfect temperature. Seriously, I did swim laps. But more important was the total zen. I lost track of time – I didn't check the sauna, but heard from some of the guests who would spend there a good portion of their days.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, The World:
Let's address the elephant in the room (or, rather, every room): COVID. Hotel the Point got serious about cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Double check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely. They took it seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas? You bet! Hand sanitizer was everywhere, which I appreciated. I felt safe, which is HUGE when you're traveling. The rooms sanitized between stays gave me the peace of mind I wanted. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? YES. This is a hotel that actually cares about it! Also, I appreciated small details, like Individually-wrapped food options, and the whole Safe dining setup.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (AKA My Favorite Part):
Okay, food. Let's talk food. And drinks. Because, hello, vacation!
- Western breakfast: Was available, but I went with the Asian breakfast at least once.
- Restaurants: The restaurants were awesome. I'm not sure, because I never saw it, but I assume there was a salad in restaurant. I didn't eat there, and neither did anyone else.
- Coffee shop: The Coffee shop was great!
- Bar: And the bar… Oh, the bar! Happy hour was on point.
- Poolside bar: There was a Poolside bar.
- Room service: Oh my god. Room service [24-hour] was something I took full advantage of. Seriously, sometimes you just need a late-night bowl of ramen in your bathrobe after a long day seeing ancient temples. And they DELIVER.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
- Concierge: Super helpful. They helped me with everything from booking taxis to finding the best ramen in town.
- Daily housekeeping: Top-notch. My room was always spotless, which is a godsend after a day of sightseeing.
- Laundry/Dry cleaning: I didn't need it, but good to know they offered the services.
- Luggage storage: Essential.
- Cash withdrawal/Currency exchange: Useful.
- Convenience store: Great, for grabbing last-minute snacks and drinks.
For the Kids (If You Have Them, I Don't… Yet):
They seem to be family/child friendly, with babysitting service available.
Getting Around (Because Walking Everywhere is Exhausting):
- Car park [free of charge]: Bonus! Kyoto parking can be a nightmare.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
- Airport transfer: They offer it!
Available in all rooms, a list of the amenities: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My Room: A Sanctuary (Mostly):
Okay, the rooms. My room was fantastic. Air conditioning? Yes, thank goodness! Blackout curtains? Essential for sleep. Free Wi-Fi? Already covered, but still important. Seating area? Awesome to have a couch and relax. It was all the amenities that a long-term traveler and blogger needs to stay productive, and relaxed. The bathtub was spacious and wonderful. But, I've to admit, I didn't use the additional toilet.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing’s Perfect):
Look, no place is perfect. The biggest imperfection? The location. While it's near the Gojo Station, it's not right in the heart of the action. You'll need to take a bus or a taxi to get to some of the major sights. But, honestly, the peace and quiet were worth it.
The Emotional Verdict: Book It! (But Book Early!)
This place is special. It's a haven from the crowds, a space to recharge, and a genuinely lovely experience. Hotel the Point 清水五条 is definitely a hidden gem. The Pool is enough to make you want to come back, and if you are interested in the Massage and Spa facilities, make sure to ask the friendly staff about the options. Not just the amenities, but the staff. Front desk [24-hour]? Helpful, and incredibly welcoming. They seem to genuinely care about making your stay memorable. Book now!
SEO-Optimized Call to Action (Because We're Smart):
Ready for an Unforgettable Kyoto Escape? Book your stay at Hotel the Point 清水五条 today! Experience unparalleled comfort, modern amenities, and a truly unique Japanese experience. From its accessible facilities to its stunning spa and pool, this hidden gem has everything you need for a perfect trip. Don't miss out! [Book Now Button]
Meribel Luxury: Stunning Apartment Awaits Your Dream Ski Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're diving headfirst into a Kyoto adventure at the oh-so-chic Hotel The Point 清水五条. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and a whole lotta ramen. This isn't your glossy magazine itinerary. This is the REAL deal, baby.
Hotel The Point 清水五条: My Kyoto Breakdown (aka, the planned chaos)
Day 1: Arrival & Imposter Syndrome (aka, "Did I pack the right socks?")
- 14:00: Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Okay, first hurdle: surviving the airport. Seriously, the sheer efficiency of Japanese customs is intimidating. Like, "Are you sure I even belong here?" kind of intimidating. Found my luggage (bless) and the Haruka Express ticket.
- 16:00: Arrive at Kyoto Station. Whoa. Kyoto Station is NOT what I expected. It's a futuristic, multi-layered monstrosity. Trying to navigate this beast with a suitcase and the vague feeling of being lost is a vibe. After half an hour of getting turned around, a nice (and very stylish) woman in a trench coat pointed me towards the proper train to Gojo, where, the Hotel The Point 清水五条 is located. God bless her.
- 17:00: Check-in at Hotel The Point. The hotel is… minimalist. Like, Zen Master minimalist. Clean lines, muted colors, the scent of… something calming. I'm already nervous I'm going to smudge something. The staff are impossibly polite, which, of course, makes me feel even more like a clumsy oaf.
- 18:00: Room reveal! The room is… small. Compact. Efficient. Okay, it’s tiny. But it's also stunning in its simplicity. The view of the city lights is pretty phenomenal. Started unpacking (slowly, making sure the edges of my suitcase didn't touch the perfect white surfaces).
- 19:00: Dinner at a local ramen joint. Found a tiny place – no English menu, no problem. Pointed at a picture, crossed my fingers, and boom. The best ramen I've ever tasted. The broth was mind-blowing. Seriously. Almost cried. Drank every last drop. Regretted nothing.
- 20:30: Wandering. Got lost (shocking, I know). Wandered through the backstreets of Kyoto because the street was more lively than the main roads. Found a tiny, hidden shrine with lanterns. Spent, like, 20 minutes just staring at it. Felt… something. Something peaceful. Maybe.
- 21:30: Hit the vending machine for a beer (because, priorities). Admiring the perfect harmony of the machines in the corner, and then back to the hotel, totally exhausted, but strangely energized.
Day 2: Temples, Tea & Existential Dread (aka, "Am I spiritual, or just hungry?")
- 08:00: Breakfast at the hotel. The breakfast is… minimalist. The food is beautifully presented, but slightly not enough for the size of my stomach.
- 09:00: Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Crowds. SO MANY PEOPLE. Okay, I knew it would be crowded, but the sheer volume of humanity was almost overwhelming. Still, the view from the stage is breathtaking, and the architecture is incredible. The feeling of the wood under my feet was really… grounding. Found myself staring at the water. The symbolism is a little…much.
- 11:00: Philosopher's Path. Decided to walk the Philosopher's Path to Nanzen-ji Temple. The path is gorgeous, lined with cherry trees (thank God they were in bloom!), and the canal is peaceful. Spent a solid hour just wandering, taking photos, and trying to process the… everything. Came across a really old-looking cat. Felt a connection.
- 13:00: Lunch at a charming little tea house (because, food). Ordered a traditional matcha set. Matcha is an acquired taste. Acquired, I think, after about three helpings. The sweets were cute, though. And the tea house owner was very patient with my mangled Japanese.
- 15:00: Nanzen-ji Temple. The scale of the temple is insane. Like, the gate is HUGE. The gardens are impeccably manicured. Sat by the aqueduct and contemplated life, the universe, and whether I'd remembered to buy more socks.
- 17:00: Shopping. Hit up Nishiki Market, and the market is bustling with activity during this time. I love to eat, love food, and wanted to buy things for my love ones but the language barrier is always the problem.
- 19:00: Late night dinner, but the restaurant had the best chicken skewer I had ever had. The whole experience was so good. I just wish I could eat more.
- 21:00: Back to hotel - feeling the temple fatigue creeping in. Watched some TV and went to bed early. (Because, socks.)
Day 3: Art, Geishas & Deep Fried Everything (aka, "My credit card is crying")
- 09:00: Breakfast at the hotel. The breakfast is… the same food. This time, it’s less appealing.
- 10:00: Kyoto International Manga Museum – okay, this was unexpectedly amazing. I am not even a big manga person, but this place is a treasure trove! Spent hours browsing, reading, and laughing. Saw a kid dressed up as a manga character, and I may have squealed a little.
- 13:00: Gion district stroll. (Hoping to see a geisha.) Okay, Gion is beautiful, but it's also a bit… touristy. Didn't see any geisha. Did see a LOT of selfie sticks. Took a photo of a beautiful street, anyway.
- 14:00: Stumbled upon a tempura place. Best decision. Ordered everything. It was all crispy fried goodness, including a deep-fried ice cream. My arteries are probably screaming, but it was WORTH IT.
- 16:00: Attempted to learn a little bit of Japanese. Failed spectacularly. Tried to order a coffee at the hotel and ended up ordering… something. It came. It was… green. I think it was matcha.
- 18:00: Shopping! Found some cool, locally made ceramics. Bought way too much stuff. My suitcase is going to weigh a ton.
- 19:30: Last dinner at a Udon restaurant. Udon is comforting, delicious, and perfect.
- 21:00: Packing. The mess I created in the room is bordering on criminal.
Day 4: Departure (aka, "Goodbye, Kyoto. I'll miss your ramen.")
- 08:00: Last breakfast at the hotel. Still the same, but better.
- 09:00: Check out and head to Kyoto Station.
- 10:00: Train to KIX.
- 12:00: Farewell Kyoto! Kinda sad to leave, but also… already planning my return. This place is magic. And I’m pretty sure I’m going to need a new suitcase. And a therapist to help me process all the matcha I consumed. And a new ramen dealer. Okay, maybe not, but it was the best time of my life.
Overall "Impressions" of The Point 清水五条 Hotel and Kyoto:
- The Hotel: Clean, efficient, and undeniably stylish. I appreciated the calm, but I also kind of missed having a proper coffee machine in my room. The minimalism is both beautiful and slightly unsettling. I kept feeling like I was going to break something.
- Kyoto: Seriously, Kyoto is something special. The ancient temples and gardens are stunning, the food is incredible, and the city has a unique energy. The crowds sometimes got to me, but I kept reminding myself: "You're in Kyoto! Embrace the tourist!" I’m already planning my return. And this time, I’m bringing more socks. And maybe a translator. And a therapist. God, what a trip!
Hotel the Point 清水五条: FAQs - My (Unfiltered) Experience
Okay, so, is Hotel the Point at 清水五条 actually a "hidden gem" or just another Instagram-baiting spot? (The TRUTH!)
Alright, buckle up, because the "hidden gem" thing? It's partly true, partly... well, let's just say the internet exaggerates. Yes, it's *good*. Like, *really* good. The design is slick, minimalist chic, all polished concrete and muted tones. But "hidden"? Not anymore! Everyone and their auntie seem to know about it. I saw so many selfie sticks. But honestly, the vibe? It's still pretty chill. It doesn't feel like a tourist trap crammed with screaming children. More like… a stylish, slightly less-crowded oasis. Think: a perfectly curated Instagram feed *you* can actually live in.
What's the actual location like? Is it, you know, *convenient*? Because dragging luggage around Kyoto is a special level of hell.
Okay, location. Here's the deal: it's right by the Shijo-Kawaramachi area. Which is *amazing* for food, shopping, and generally soaking up the Kyoto atmosphere. You're close to Gion (geisha spotting!), Kiyomizu-dera Temple (that's the big one!), and a ton of other stuff. Now, the "convenient" part... It's a *short* walk from the Kiyomizu-Gojo Station. But… I say short, but it's that slightly uphill, uneven, cobblestoned walk that always makes it feel three times longer with a suitcase. My advice? Pack light. Seriously. Or just embrace the cardio. I swear, my calves got a solid workout, and I almost dropped my entire collection of matcha powder.
The rooms: Worth the price tag? Tell me the truth! (I need a good cry/laugh here.)
The rooms... Okay, I splurged. I went for a slightly fancier room, with a little balcony. And, YES, it was worth it. But, here's the thing: they're not HUGE. Think sleek, efficient, and beautifully designed. My room wasn’t massive. It wasn't a palace. But, you know what? It didn't need to be. It was perfectly cozy. The bed? Oh. My. God. Cloud. Pure cloud. I basically face-planted into it after a long day of temple-hopping. The bathroom was *immaculate*. And the view from the balcony? Beautiful. Okay, so it overlooked a parking lot... but still. It had this vibe. And, the noise? You can hear the city. Kyoto never truly sleeps.
Breakfast? Is it a sad croissant situation, or a glorious Japanese feast? This is vital information!
Breakfast... Okay, this is where Hotel the Point *really* shines. It's not a sad continental spread. Not even close. Think, a delicious Japanese-Western fusion, and *plenty* of it. There were fluffy omelets, crispy bacon, fresh fruit that tasted like sunshine, and… the *rice*. Oh, the perfectly cooked, sticky, delicious rice! I dreamt of that rice for weeks after. They have the traditional miso soup, a variety of options, and the ever-present green tea. (I may or may not have consumed a whole pot. Don't judge.) And the best part? The breakfast area itself is stylish and bright, making you feel energized for whatever adventures Kyoto throws your way. Just, you know, get there early. The good stuff *goes*. I almost missed out on a particularly delicious piece of grilled fish one morning. The horror!
Anything else I should know? Like, what REALLY makes it special? Or, you know, any CONS? Spill!
Okay, the "special" thing is the *vibe*. It’s minimalist, but not cold. Modern, but still very Japanese. It’s the staff! So genuinely helpful and friendly. They actually *seemed* to care. One of the staff even stopped me on the street to help me get directions after I got hopelessly lost in a maze of tiny alleyways (my fault, totally). And the location... It's near some amazing restaurants and cute coffee shops (like, Instagram-worthy places, but also actually GOOD). Cons? Well, prices fluctuate, so compare. And, I’d say if you’re after a classic Ryokan experience with tatami mats and traditional gardens, this isn’t it. It's modern. If you want your room to smell like incense, you better light some yourself. Also, the walls may be a little thin, so maybe pack earplugs. I overheard someone's entire phone conversation (and not in Japanese so it was extra awkward!) at 3 am. But overall? I loved it. I’d go back in a heartbeat. Just… maybe with earplugs this time.
Okay, the REAL truth: Did you find anything that *really* annoyed you? Like, something you'd warn me about?
Alright, I'm laying it ALL bare. There's one thing that drove me slightly bananas. The elevators. They are SLOW. I mean, *glacial*. There were times I considered taking the stairs, but I was also lazy and in no particular hurry. It's like they're saving energy at the expense of your sanity. Plus, the key card thing is kind of finicky. More than once, I was stuck in the hallway, jiggling my card like a crazy person, trying to get the elevator to come. My advice? Be patient. Or take the stairs if you’re on the lower floors. Remember, you're on vacation... embrace the extra cardio! But, really, that's about the only thing I can complain about. It just made the whole experience messier, more raw – and, let's be honest, more memorable.
So, overall, would you recommend it? Give it to me straight! (Don't sugarcoat it!)
Yes. Absolutely. Yes. Hotel the Point 清水五条 isn't *perfect*. It has its quirks (the elevators!), but it's a fantastic base to explore Kyoto. It's stylish, comfortable, in a great location, with a delicious breakfast that will make you want to eat (and maybe cry happy tears). And, while it's not a secret anymore, it still retains a certain charm. It's an effortless cool, I found myself thinking. It's like, the kind of place where you can actually relax and recharge after running yourself ragged all day. Kyoto is amazing, but it can be overwhelming. Hotel the Point acts as a kind of… sanctuary. A beautiful, slightly flawed, and totally worth it sanctuary. Go! Just, you know, pack light. And bring earplugs.
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