Ace Hotel Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

Despite the brand normally being a paragon of neutrally hued minimalism, Kyoto’s Ace Hotel over-ordered on the coloured paint when decoration its 213 rooms. Asia’s first Ace, located in the industrially striking Shin-Puh-Kan building, is an expression of bold, experimental playfulness – something like a Marakami book cover made material. Located on Karasuma Street, it’s become a creative hotspot, with freelancing Kyotoites thronging the art-hung lobby daily, drawn in by the Stumptown Coffee shop, the US brand’s first Japanese outpost. In a city scene that tends towards the sober, the mellow mid-century interiors are an expression of Kyoto’s youthful side. Expect to encounter bold prints, bright furnishings, a fully stocked minibar and in-room radio. An LA-based design studio collaborated with Japanese architect Kengo Kuma to develop the distinctive look and feel. The hotel’s food offering is focused on casual, comfort-style food: tacos and tostadas are the order of the day at the DJ-soundtracked Piopiko, while rooftop Mr Maurice’s Italian splices Japanese flavours with Mediterranean ingredients. Saving the best until last, chef Kay Cole’s restaurant is the hotel’s latest opening: a California-Kyoto menu mash up adds Kujo scallion to olive oil-slick focaccia, and kōsa chicken to panzanella salad.

Key Information

• Rooms: 213
• Starting Rate: $237
• Dining: Kosa
• Drinking: Mr. Maurice’s Rooftop Bar
• At the Hotel: Bike rental, fitness centre
• 81752299000
• Visit Ace Hotel Kyoto's Website

Location

245-2 Kurumayacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8185