Kyoto Accommodation - Downtown/Central

I'm increasingly coming across more evidence that the Kyoto Station isn't really that great to stay near. Sure you get the bus terminus, but the area itself really isn't interesting and resembles more of a ghetto (the south side in particular - safe but some caution required at night). Downtown is largely between Karasuma (now the better area) and Kawaramachi (used to be the place to be seen, but now overrun by teens, karaoke clubs and pachinko parlours). A stay closer to Karasuma, Higashiyama or the Gion district promises you much more interesting sights (especially at night) and brings you instantly closer to the places you want to go to.

Hotel Unizo Kyoto (formerly Sun Hotel Kyoto)

Located on busy shopping street Kawaramachi-dori between Sanjo and Shijo-dori 5 mins from Kawaramachi Subway. A business hotel with facilities and rates resembling that of Nishi Shinjuku! Must ask for room not fronting main road, could be noisy. Special internet rates available - single ¥6,300 (S$80); double for ¥10,550 (S$133) but I can't check that far ahead (Nov) on the system. Using April's cherry blossom time pricing as reference.

Kyoto Garden Hotel (star choice!)
This is two stops away from JR Kyoto station, and 1 minute walk from the Karasuma Oike station (which is the Interchange for North-South and East-West lines). Hotel is located in a quieter alley off main road (less noise!). Rooms small but clean and cosy. Rates differ according to season - for autumn pay ¥6,825 (S$86) for a single room; ¥9,450 (S$119) for a double room. For summer, it's ¥6,090 (S$77) single; ¥7,350 (S$93) double. Good value!! Probably best value so far, for a business hotel! OMG I just realised they're even more affordable than the backpacker Budget Inn! See candid traveler shots here.

Toyoko Inn - Shijo-Karasuma, Gojo Karasuma, Shijo-Omiya.
Cheap and cheerful chain. Rooms small but clean and in good locations, says this reviewer from SG! There are three branches in Kyoto itself, all near one another. Rates at Shijo-Karasuma are highest (best location and often sold-out, next to train station and Daimaru): single ¥6,720 (S$85); double ¥8,820 (S$112). Bloody cheap for such a happening location. OMG, they give you free breakfast too!

Hotel Oaks Kyoto Shijo
Fairly good location near Karasuma-Shijo (5 mins walk from station).
Rooms look really small. 13-16sqm! But that's pretty common in Japan.
Special internet rates - single ¥7,700 (S$97); double ¥13,500 (S$170). I'd put this on a standby basis, only in case everything else is fully booked.

Others (location not as good):
Hotel Nishiyama - reliable Japanese style hotel

Mitsui Garden Hotel - damn, the new deluxe rooms look great but S$300 a nite, ouch!

Rhino Hotel - a bit far away from the action though
Kyoto Garden Palace - rooms look bigger here but all-Jap site is hard to load/navigate