REVIEWS JAPAN, CANADA
CHECKING OUT ..Long Haul Hotels, Flights, Trains and Cruise Ships HOTEL HYATT REGENCY – KYOTO, JAPAN
BY ANDY HOSKINS THE BACKGROUND: This charming 189- room property opened in 2006 and is regularly ranked as one of the best hotels in this historic Japanese city. Although it’s a member of the giant Hyatt hotels group, the hotel is one of a kind, with some beautiful design features and local touches. THE LOCATION: It is set in the quiet Higashiyama district in the east of the city, opposite the Kyoto National Museum and next to the Sanjusangendo temple, with its 1001 statues. Kiyomizudera, one of Kyoto's most popular temples, is a 20-minute walk away, while the famous Gion district and downtown Kyoto are a short ride from the nearby Keihan Shichijo Station. The JR Kyoto train station – for Shinkansen ‘bullet’ trains north to Tokyo and west to Osaka – is a five-minute taxi ride away. THE ROOM: Plenty of Japanese touches have been incorporated into the wonderful design of this hotel and its guestrooms, from the bamboo trees gently swaying
outside the hotel entrance, to headboards made from kimono fabrics. Light woody tones and paper lamps and blinds gave the room a natural feel. The granite bathroom had a spacious wetroom with shower, huge bath and a dressing area. There was also a desk, minibar, safe, large wardrobe, flatscreen TV and DVD player. KEY FACILITIES: The Riraku Spa and fitness centre has 10 treatment rooms, but no pool. There’s also a tranquil Japanese garden, a superb concierge service and free WiFi in the lobby. RESTAURANTS/BARS: The Grill, with its open kitchen, is open all day and serves a good, predominantly Western-style breakfast buffet. There’s also the Trattoria Sette Italian restaurant and Touzan Japanese restaurant. The low-lit, trendy basement Touzan Bar features wooden beams, antique decorations, a wall lined with old books, lots of ironmongery and various crafts – and a drinks menu with over 30 varieties of sake.
The Verdict
There’s an aura of calm about this stylish hotel. The staff speak impeccable English and go the extra mile to meet their guests’ needs, making it an excellent base from which to explore Kyoto.
RATES: Regular rates start from Y25,200 per room per night (£190). CONTACT: 644-2 Sanjusangendo-mawari, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan 605-0941.
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
T: +81 75 541 1234; E:
kyoto.regency@
hyatt.com;
www.kyoto.regency.hyatt.com
HOTEL THREE BARS RANCH – BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
BY JULIE BAXTER THE BACKGROUND: This is a family-run, purpose-built guest ranch created within a working cattle and equine training establishment. Twenty guest cabins are attractively set around a communal central lodge. All meals are included. THE LOCATION: The ranch is located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, in British Columbia, between Banff and the Glacier National Park. The nearest international airport is Calgary but there is also a smaller airport at Cranbrook from where the ranch offers free transfers. Air Canada offers regular connections. THE ROOM: Guests stay in cute log cabins set around landscaped lawns. Mine had two double beds, rugged wooden floors and cowboy-themed furnishings including hooks and light fittings styled from horseshoes! The wooden furniture is all made from trees grown on the ranch. The style is rustic but the comfort level is high. Each cabin has its own verandah.
86 September 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
KEY FACILITIES: The main attractions here are the horses and the riding! The 150 horses are well cared for and specially chosen for their gentle temperaments and reliability. We rode out daily in small groups, accompanied by knowledgeable and friendly wranglers. Trails range from riverside rides to mountain routes for scenic lookouts; longer rides include a lunchtime BBQ break by the river. The pace is gentle and relaxed even for novices. RESTAURANTS/BARS: All meals are included and are served in the lodge's communal dining room in buffet style. Long tables encourage guests to mix with their fellow travellers and wranglers for sociable, relaxed dining. The bar is the focus of evening activities and there is also a lounge. OTHER ACTIVITIES: Hiking, river rafting, mountain biking, fly-fishing, 4WD rides and tennis are all available and entertainment ranges from marshmallow toasting on a campfire to archery. There is also an indoor heated pool, hot tub and small gym.
The Verdict
This ranch offers a genuinely warm welcome and really relaxed atmosphere. The riding, facilities and food are all great and the family running it go out of their way to ensure everyone has a good time whatever their interests or riding ability. Manager Tyler Beckley is happy to help agents plan itineraries that include a ranch stay. Feel free to contact him for ideas and advice on
tyler@ThreeBarsRanch.com
RATES: Three night packages from £555.
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
CONTACT: 9500 Wycliffe Perry Cr. Rd., Cranbrook, British Columbia T: +1-877-426-5230 E:
info@ThreeBarsRanch.com
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