Laon Inn Gion Nawate

The beds could have been more comfortable, but the staff were friendly and attentive, and the amenities were good, including a laundromat. The rooms were surprisingly spacious for a Japanese hotel. A fantastic spot if you want to stay in Gion.

The rooms were simple but clean for what we paid, and it was a nice little hotel. We stayed three days without housekeeping; reception said we'd need to ask the day before if we wanted it. Downstairs there were toiletries like toothbrushes, shampoo and shaving cream, as well as washers, dryers and a drink vending machine.

The location puts you right in the middle of the bustle, and there's a useful online guide for tourists. The staff were genuinely lovely and helpful. Still, the room smelled musty and strange, like there may be a long-term air quality problem. They provide air purifiers and humidifiers, which made me think the owner knows about it but isn't fixing the underlying issue. We slept okay, though the smell was worrying. Hard to know how to rate it.

Good value in the heart of Kyoto, between the train station and Gion district. The staff were friendly and spoke English, and laundry machines are available. Highly recommended 👍