sequence KYOTO GOJO

The bar was a good place for an evening drink, and we skipped breakfast so we could head out and explore. It's a good value hotel, and I'd stay again in Kyoto. The location is convenient, the rooms are a good size and well equipped, and the soundproofing works well. The place has a lovely smell, maybe liquorice, and the staff are very friendly. Check-in was awkward without the QR code app. I couldn't use the app because I booked through hotels.com, and the tablet check-in required a staff member to stand beside me the whole time. I found that a funny waste of time.

The Japanese spa was my favorite part: showers, a sauna, soaking tub, keyed lockers with no payment, and a dressing area. The bath and sauna alternate between genders each day. We had a large room by Japanese standards, clean and equipped with a fridge, kettle, slippers, and pajamas, though there were no robes. Our room, 923j, had a great view of the city skyline. Check-in was easy, and the attendants spoke English. The hotel sits on a main road about a ten-minute walk from Kyoto Station, or you can transfer and ride the subway one stop to Gojo station. There's a nice restaurant with Happy Hour drinks, appetizers, and breakfast for an extra price, maybe 1900 yen. I got food from the nearby Family Mart and heated it in the basement microwave. Four laundry machines were available, though busy in the evening, and cost 300, 600, or 800 yen by load size, using 100 yen coins. Loved everything about the hotel and would happily stay again and again.

We were here for seven nights, and I'd definitely recommend it to friends. The location is ideal, with a metro station, bus stops, restaurants, and shops right nearby. Our room was spacious and quiet, and the spa was clean and calm when I went twice. The laundry service was good too, and having all the information on the TV was really helpful.

The hotel is modern and clean, so the 8.8 rating surprised me given how disappointing breakfast was. There were no eggs in any form, and the buffet selection was very limited, with just one extra dish available to order separately. No pastries, desserts, or other sweets either, and the only fruit I saw was pineapple and oranges. Since breakfast matters to a lot of travelers, I honestly wouldn't recommend staying here if it's important to you.