Kyoto Gion Hotel

The care from the staff made this stay feel especially personal. From check-in onward, everyone greeted us warmly and helped with travel tips, restaurant bookings, and anything else we needed. The hotel sits in the heart of Gion, close to Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Hanamikoji Street, but it still felt tucked away and peaceful. I loved the quiet inner garden, and our clean, roomy room mixed tatami details with modern comforts. It was a lovely way to experience Kyoto, with the city's old charm and a really comfortable stay.

The location is hard to beat for exploring Kyoto. The room was quiet, clean, and comfortable, though a little small, which seems standard for Japan. The front desk was helpful and arranged a late checkout for a small fee.

The towels were thin and dirty, with hairs on them, and I had to ask reception twice for replacements. The shower gel also wasn't topped up until I requested it. There was no daily room service, which I only learned from a sign on the door. The room felt dusty enough to make me cough, and the peeling wallpaper made it look poorly maintained. It was much smaller than the photos suggested, so I could only open one suitcase at a time. There were no curtains, and the bright room made sleeping difficult. The hallway also had a persistent fish smell. There are food options nearby, a Lawson convenience store, washing machines, and a spacious bathroom with both a shower and a bath. They also offered free umbrellas on rainy days. I wasn't sure about the location: it's central and convenient, but there were some dodgy people around. I wouldn't stay here again. I couldn't upload photos here, but I've put them on TripAdvisor.

We were there for three nights, and the room worked well for the two of us even though it wasn't very big. The hotel was very clean, in a great location, and had all the amenities we needed for a comfortable stay. I'd highly recommend it.