Published date: March 12, 2025
A Hotel Merging Art and Design with the Remains of a Student Dormitory
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
Located a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station and a 6-minute walk from Jūjō Station,
"HOTEL ANTEROOM KYOTO" is a unique hotel that was converted from a building that used to be a student dormitory, opened in 2011.
While the exterior is simple and calm, once you step inside, a space where art and design harmonize unfolds before you.
A pleasant space felt from check-in
Upon arriving at the front desk, I was welcomed by the warm hospitality of the staff.
The entire hotel feels like a gallery, with various artworks displayed in the lobby. One of the charms is that the exhibits change depending on the season, so there are new discoveries each time I visit.
After checking in, I head to my room. The corridors and shared spaces in the building are decorated with simple and stylish interiors, and traces of the student dormitory can be observed in the design throughout.
A spacious desk and comfortable bed
The room I stayed in was a single room.
Despite the simple design, it is functionally organized. What impressed me most was the spacious desk. Perhaps due to its past as a student dormitory, there is a large desk well-built for work or reading.
Also, although it's a single room, the bed is larger than the typical single size. It allows you to relax comfortably and truly heal the fatigue of your travels.
A compact yet functional bathroom
The bathroom is compact but equipped with sufficient facilities.
It is clean and comfortable to use.
Moreover, just a minute's walk away is "Akeidayu," a traditional public bath where you can warm up in a large bathtub, so if the hotel bathroom feels small, you might want to consider visiting it. The hours are from 15:00 to 24:00 (final entry at 23:30), with closed days every Friday.
Breakfast available as an add-on option
The accommodation plan does not include breakfast, but you can add it for 1,500 yen at check-in. If you apply on the day, it will be 2,000 yen, so it's recommended to arrange this in advance if you wish to enjoy breakfast.
【ANTEROOM MEALS】
Breakfast features a carefully prepared menu using simple yet Kyoto-inspired ingredients. The standout is the homemade sandwiches.
That day's sandwiches were open-faced sandwiches with tofu cream and prosciutto, and an open-faced sandwich with tuna rillette. They were visually gorgeous, healthy, and satisfying, bringing happiness in the morning.
A variety of grilled vegetables
Salad, sausage, scrambled eggs, bacon
Chickpea soup
Additionally, many international guests during breakfast created a uniquely Kyoto atmosphere. It was impressive to enjoy a global morning surrounded by different languages from various countries.
The drink selection was also rich, with a komatsuna green smoothie that, despite its color, was easy to drink and made me want to have seconds. Furthermore, detox water with lemon and herbs, orange juice, and homemade spiced chai were available, each offering a distinct taste. The spiced chai, in particular, had a great aroma and was perfect for waking up in the morning.
Coffee was also provided, and in addition to coffee cups, there were paper cups for takeout, which was a thoughtful touch. Having a cup of coffee in hand as I headed out into Kyoto was a lovely time.
Since the content changes with the seasons, even repeat visitors can enjoy it fresh.
Conclusion: A Hotel Where Art and Comfort Coexist
HOTEL ANTEROOM KYOTO is not just an accommodation; it is a hotel with a unique worldview where art and design blend. The spacious desk, which still has traces of its days as a student dormitory, and the calming interior make it ideal not only as a base for travel but also for workations. Located in a quiet area a little away from the center of Kyoto, it is perfect for those who want to spend time away from the hustle and bustle.
It is such an attractive hotel that I would love to stay again on my next visit to Kyoto.
Experiences during the trip
During this trip, I participated in an event in Kyoto. I was able to take some time to work comfortably in my room, and the convenient transportation on the second day was a plus.