THE GENERAL KYOTO Bukkoji Shinmachi

I appreciated the little touches, like the hinoki cedar scent in the lobby and entrance, the complimentary snacks and drinks each evening, and the map of nearby restaurants and cafes that helped us choose where to eat. We could also forward our luggage to and from the hotel, which was really convenient. The room was quiet and comfortable, with cool lighting and detailed woodwork on the ceiling and walls. The hotel is within walking distance of attractions and close to good places to eat, subway stops, and bus lines. The hospitality was wonderful, and I can’t say enough good things about our stay at The General Kyoto.

The first-floor lounge was a real find, with complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day and alcoholic drinks in the evening. It was a thoughtful extra that made the stay feel special. I’d actually recommend this annex over the nearby main building. Its narrow, beautifully designed layout and just a few rooms on each floor give it a quiet, intimate feel. We booked at the last minute and were genuinely surprised by how much we loved the place. The rooms were spacious compared with other hotels I’ve stayed at in Tokyo, and came equipped with charging cables and a Bluetooth speaker for guests. The front desk attendants were kind and spoke excellent English, which made everything easy. I highly recommend it for a Kyoto visit.

The stay was over too soon, which is my only regret. The staff greeted us warmly as soon as we walked in, and there was no self check-in, something you don’t come across often these days. The place was clean and welcoming, the bed was comfortable, and breakfast was delicious. I’ll definitely return.

I wouldn’t recommend staying here if you expect a clean, well-maintained place. The shower had a noticeable moldy smell, and the floor was visibly dirty. My brother and I moved the bed to make room for our luggage and found candy wrappers and bits of plastic underneath. We told the front desk the next morning and asked for housekeeping. When we got back, the bed had only been made quickly, and the trash was still on the floor. Cleanliness seemed to meet only the bare minimum.