Got off Shinkansen at Kyoto very easily found a side entrance to Hotel Granvia which is opposite to Isetan.
Received a warm welcome from receptionists, concierge staff were also very polite and helpful.
Our room was facing the main station / rail tracks on 10/f, however it’s surprisingly quiet. We were not disturbed by trains running after midnight during our 3 nights’ stay.
The room was very spacious but it’s a bit tired. Some furniture had some minor damages. The bathroom is desperate for a revamp! There was some unusual noise down the drain. There was plenty of worktop space though.
Location wise it’s prefect - next to the train station with a department store and shops right on the door step. A bus terminal is just outside the station. Kyoto theatre is next door (same level as the hotel reception) with a good choice of traditional restaurants.
One morning I tried Japanese breakfast for a change, the principal waitress (in kimono) was extremely helpful, she explained in good English what’s on the menu, nothing is too much trouble. I thorough enjoyed the food and the experience. Whilst the buffet breakfast offered an excellent variety of food, seating was rather cramped and there were queues for food.
We really enjoyed our stay at Granvia because of Japanese hospitality at its best - the staff there really made our holiday, we do love its location too. I do hope it will be renovated next time if we stay there again.