Washington R&B Hotel Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi

The room was roomy, with a tub big enough for a proper soak and great amenities. You’re close to all the action, though the station is a bit of a walk. I’d definitely recommend it.

The location worked well, and the staff were warm and friendly. Breakfast was decent, with salad, bread, coffee, and soup. But the cleaning setup really bothered me. Housekeeping knocked right at 10am and expected us to leave so they could clean; if we missed that window, we had to go to the front desk for fresh towels. There was even hair left around the place, including stuck in the kettle, so I guess quite a few people missed the cleaning time. Having to vacate the room from 10am to 3pm or miss cleaning feels more like a hostel rule than something for a three-star hotel. The place could be good, but guests need more flexibility.

SOU SHIN and MATSUOKA at the front desk made my first trip to Japan, for a conference in Kyoto, especially easy. They printed maps to help me find the venue and places for excursions, including Fushimi Inari Shrine and KyotoNationalMuseum. The hotel is right in the city center, near Takashimaya and a famous gyoza cafe. My room was clean, and breakfast was simple. When breakfast wasn’t on, the lounge was useful for work. There was complimentary coffee nearly all day and evening, plus pajamas and toiletries, including a toothbrush, face wash, and face cream. It was one of the best affordable hotels I’ve stayed in, warm and cozy, with a fantastic location and smiling staff. I’d come back to Kyoto.

I loved being able to open the window and look over the city, with the river nearby. The location was a big plus, and the simple room had everything I needed, including a comfortable bed. If I found a similar budget price, I’d stay again. Ask for the top floor.