Minn Gion

The open kitchen was the one drawback. The room smelled quite strongly once we cooked, and ours already had a BBQ smell when we checked in. I think it had soaked into the carpet and was hard to get rid of. Removing the carpet might make the room more hygienic and less smelly. Otherwise, we really like this hotel. It's spacious and conveniently located, with two convenience shops nearby, lots of restaurants and tourist spots within walking distance, and plenty of car parks around.

You're right in traditional Kyoto, in Gion, with a Family Mart, good restaurants, and lovely little stone-paved streets all within walking distance. We were a big group using seven rooms, so the check-in process was a bit bothersome. There's no reception desk, and check-in is done at a machine, with staff reached on a screen. Sometimes their English wasn't very fluent, though the staff were helpful.

The location is great, with restaurants and bus stops easy to reach on foot. When we forgot a necklace, the staff did help mail it to us, which I appreciated. Cleanliness was a serious issue, though. The shower was backed up and wouldn't drain, and when my husband looked, it was full of gunk. The shower fan was covered in dust. I messaged staff to ask for cleaning, but they didn't reply. The cleanliness needs work. This isn't acceptable.

This was my second stay at Minn Gion, and I use it as my base in Kyoto. The place was spotless, spacious, and had all the amenities I needed. There's lift access and no stairs, which is especially nice for older people. The onsen is easy to book for the family. Sanjo station is a few minutes away on foot, there are heaps of restaurants nearby, and a convenience store is next door. I'm sure I'll come back. Highly recommended.