Ark Hotel Kyoto (Kyoto, Japan)

A minute's walk is all you need to get to the train line, which can take you to the giant bamboo forests of Arashiyama, the metro, and multiple municipal bus lines. You'll never lack for a way to get from your hotel to your next Kyoto adventure. Nijo Castle, Honganji, and the Kyoto Aquarium are all within easy reach of public transit.

Though hotel rooms in Japan tend toward the more economical in terms of space, your rooms here will be larger for the price than those you would find in Tokyo or Osaka.

Though the hotel does have its own buffet, there are a number of other quality dining options nearby, and convenience stores for those on a budget.

This hotel offers both smoking and non-smoking rooms. Yet, the ventilation is not always sufficient to keep the smell confined to the designated smoking rooms. So if you or someone you're travelling with has asthma, this might not be your best option.

Japan is quite regimented about following rules, so you may find yourself having to wait to check in if you arrive early - the hotel will not check you in even one minute before 15:00!

In the winter months, management turns on the heaters for the entire building, and you may find yourself sweating in your room during that time if the weather takes a warm turn.