The Machiya Ebisuya

The only real downside was the bed setup: the Western-style queen mattress in our room was far too firm, and the pillows were terrible. Everything else more than made up for it. The staff were exceptional, and the hotel seemed brand new and very nice. The lobby lounge had a great tea selection, plus a toaster oven and microwave. Our room had a fridge, a cooking sink, and a two-burner cooktop. There were free washers, dryers, and combo washer-dryers, with complimentary detergent and clear instructions in English.

The staff were welcoming and very friendly, and several spoke excellent English, so it was easy to communicate. Getting to local sights and transit was simple by city bus, and plenty of places were walkable. The included breakfast was delicious, so I’d recommend adding it to your stay. The hotel gives you a taste of Japanese architecture while still having comfortable Western-style amenities. A lovely option when visiting the area.

We spent five nights at The Machiya on our first trip to Kyoto and wished we’d stayed longer. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the hotel was very clean with a spacious room. It made our visit even better, and we’d definitely come back :)

The room was spacious and really nice, and the bed was firm but very comfortable. Shijo station is within walking distance, as are Nishiki market and the surrounding area. Everyone at the front desk speaks solid English. I’d happily stay here again if I return to Kyoto.