Shobu-an Machiya Holiday House

I've stayed at other hotels in this series a lot, and this one wasn't as good. The lighting was really dim inside, even in the living room. The bathroom was the best part. I was here two days and showered four times, lol, it always feels good to shower in Japan. Given how cheap it is, I'd still rate it four stars.

The location worked really well, with a train station nearby that's two stops from Kyoto station, and three convenience stores just a couple of blocks away along with lots of restaurants. Check-in is near Kyoto station, and they can drop your bags at the property. The place was very clean, the beds were comfortable, and it had air conditioning and easy access to public transport. My kids loved the Japanese feel, and it really felt like we were getting a taste of the culture. Highly recommended.

We had enough room for our family of five in this nicely renovated machiya. The neighbourhood is pleasant, with several restaurants, and the main shopping area is around a 20 minute walk away. There are plenty of buses, though I would have liked to be closer to a subway station. The biggest issue was the winter cold. There are some heaters and air-conditioning units, but they couldn't get the chill out of the house. Also, the stairs are steep, with bedrooms upstairs and the bathroom downstairs, so that could be difficult with young children or mobility problems.

It's in a quiet neighbourhood, about a five minute walk from the bus stop. The building still has its traditional feel, but there are modern conveniences too, so you get the cultural side with useful facilities. I'd definitely recommend cooking here.