The concept of boutique hotels, believe it or not, is still relatively new to Kyoto. Often called "designer hotels" they are slowly springing up in the city. The latest is Ante Room, just opened in April of this year. Like many of the hottest art galleries in the city -- Kodama gallery, Koyama Tomio, Taka Ishii -- it's located in the south of Kyoto, near Kyoto station. Once you walk in, you're confronted by a work by Nawa Kohei. This place means business. Complete with lounge with DJ booth, art gallery and restaurant, this place is for hipsters who need a place to crash. Off season prices start at a very reasonable 4,000 yen for a single room. If there's two of you, be sure to ask for the 2nd floor rooms with terrace tables. The restaurant serves very very reasonable food, and good too. The house wine, Washington Hills was excellent.
