MACHIYA de HIGASHIYAMA

We had a really good stay in a whole house, with a large living area, kitchenette, laundry, and a big upstairs sleeping space with futons on the floor. The nearby area is very touristy and fun to visit during the day. In the evening, though, food options with young kids are quite limited. Most places are bars or fancy set meals costing 15,000 yen or more. Be ready for that and you’ll have a great time.

I was here last month with some junior colleagues from work, and the room’s atmosphere was amazing. The courtyard view from the Japanese-style room and the kimonos on display made for a special, out-of-the-ordinary stay. Even the bath had a faint cypress scent. Looking out at the courtyard from there made me feel like a millionaire, lol. Everything we needed was provided, including amenities and coffee and tea, so I’d be happy to stay for a longer visit. I’ve tried traditional townhouse inns a few times, and having on-site parking here was a big plus. At another place I paid ¥5,000 to park in a nearby coin lot, so that made a real difference. I’ll definitely stay again. Thank you! ♪

Traveling as a family, we would have needed two hotel rooms, so it was nice to be able to stay together at Brian's. The house felt like home while we were in Kyoto, and my family and I were satisfied. The location is convenient for walking, between Kawaramachi Station and Sannenzaka/Ninnenzaka. It’s in a quiet residential area rather than a tourist attraction, which gave us a sense of living in Kyoto for a while. There’s a washing machine, so I could do a bit of laundry, and that was especially nice. The amenities were fairly expensive and not at a five-star hotel level, but much better quality than budget hotels. Before arriving, I was a little concerned by the low Google ratings and the lack of reviews on Relux. Many of the issues mentioned in the first Google review seem to have been improved. In the end, the place was incredibly clean and comfortable, contrary to my worries.

The room was spotless, and the bath was fantastic. It was easy to relax and feel the Japanese tradition. I also really appreciated arriving to find the room already warmed up.