We caught a ‘foreigner friendly’ taxi from Kyoto’s main station to “The Screen”:http://www.screen-hotel.jp/ – a 10 minute drive. When we booked this hotel we specified the rooms we wanted. This wasn’t being picky but The Screen is a boutique hotel with only 13 rooms all individually decorated and described on their website. Personally I didn’t fancy staying for three nights in a room described as ‘Unified by BLACK from ceiling to sofa, the most modern edge room feeling like you were in the womb’.
We were in 301 and our friends, Debbie and Nigel, next door in 302. A welcome glass of wine was waiting for us. Both rooms were relatively similar in décor with cream carpets which gave it a luxurious feel. Both had an open plan lounge with l shaped cream modern sofa, TV, CD player, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities etc
The bed was 6’ 6” wide with white starched bed linen. There was a huge walk-in wardrobe with lots of hanging space and slippers, robes and white pyjamas.
The bathroom had double sinks, large jacuzzi bath big enough for two and shower which although it didn’t look promising with its circular curtain, it proved to be very powerful. There was a separate loo with seat which lifted automatically on approach and closed as you left as well as all the usual Japanese ‘bottom washing’ features.. On top of the cistern was a tap which allowed you to rinse your hands before re-filling the cistern – very clever.
Being from Yorkshire I do like a freebie (and the occasional glass of wine) and so it was music to our ears to be told that complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks were served in the 5th floor bar from 3pm to 7pm along with canapés. All we had to do was ring reception to ensure there was someone to serve us. The bar was trendy with lots of black, white and chrome with waiters attired to match. For better weather there was an extensive decked terrace with loungers and tables and chairs.
Breakfast was in the basement and again, had a trendy black and white theme with a beautifully laid table. Everything was served including a choice of fruit juices. An inviting arranged plate of fresh fruit was presented in an unusually shaped white dish followed by a bowl of natural yoghurt complete with berry compote and oats. Next was a bowl of ‘raddish potage’ a creamy soup which would have been nice as part of a three course dinner, but it seemed out of place at breakfast. Eggs were cooked to order (scrambled, omelette or sunny side) which arrived with a slice of undercooked bacon, frankfurter style sausage and dressed salad leaves. A basket of bread, croissant and Danish pastry and choice of jams finished our meal along with tea and coffee.
This was a fabulous hotel and as you can probably tell, it was certainly one of our favourites during our three week stay in Japan. I’d highly recommend it, just make sure you specify your room when you book.
