Shimogamo Shrine Hotels in Kyoto, Japan

First it's important to realize this is a ryokan style inn. It's great for experiencing some Japanese culture but comes with some inconveniences. First you are sleeping on the floor on some comforters and a blanket. Some people are ok with that, others might not be. The good thing is the room was quite large considering you are in Japan, and there are enough comforters and space to fit a group of 4 in there if need be. Also comes with a kimono and some tea. Tradition also dictates that you bathe in a communal bathroom! Might be interesting at first but gets annoying fast, especially as it's not open 24/7! Luckily they have a private shower you can request if needed. Location was really good. I was tired my first night I arrived in Kyoto so decided just to check out the area. Turns out you are right next to some strips that are dedicated to shopping and tourists. Just shops as far as the eye can see!! Also a pretty good udon and tempura place right next door. Be aware that stores and restaurants in the area tend to close relatively early at around 9-10pm. (In tokyo things seemed to stay open later) The hotel also uses keys and not cards so you drop it off each time before you leave the hotel which is a bit tedious. Overall I'm glad I got to experience a semi authentic ryokan, but I wouldn't do it again and I recommend if you decide to try it, there's no need to stay for longer than a few days. The hotel itself is good for what it's supposed to be!

Excellent stay with a great value offer at the famous, historical Hotel Okura. I really appreciate that the Expedia and Okura offered the exceptional deal for Christmas season. I could enjoy "Okura hospitality" that I read in books. Very good location. I recommend to skip one breakfast here and go to Nishiki koji market near this hotel to explore and pick up something to eat. Very informative, well trained, excellent staff taught me the effective way of using public transportation and local spots. I enjoyed Okura's legendary French toast at the breakfast buffet. You can choose western, traditional Japanese and Chinese breakfast. Highly recommended. I hope they will offer good value package again. Thank you so much!

As this was my first trip to Kyoto, I had very little to guide me from what to expect about this hotel. I booked in advance and checked in way ahead of check in time but was pleasantly surprised that everything was ready. I was taken aback when I found that the room was very decent in size and everything you would expect from a 4-star hotel. I stayed for a week and by the time my stay was up, I had come to appreciate the great location on which this hotel was situated. And, yet, due to the orientation of hotel, you will not experience the noise or commotion of the busy roads below. Food stalls with great food all available and nearby. As my stay was for a week, I had to locate a nearby laundrette and the hotel staff were helpful enough with great maps for this purpose.

Easy checkin and checkout, really great staff, clean. Couldn't have been better.

It's not a huge luxurious place but definitely comfortable and affordable, very close to the train station and the staff speaks good English

Great location. The staff was great. A fantastic hotel

It is small place which does not bother me but it make you feel like you are in a box. Everytihing about it is old and outdated. There are no room to move around. If you are non-smoker, you can forget about using common room (have only one which is every small reception area) - employees and customer smoke there since there are no court yard or other common area. The communal bathroom is on the first floor and all the rooms are 3rd and 4th floor. They took the hot water knob on the sink where you wash and brush teeth --hhmm very cheap! Also, there are neither closet - just two hangers- nor mirror in the room.

Fast check-in. Reception were attentive. Room size was small but cute; in accordance with Japanese Standards of size. Nishiki Market and Gion Dori is 10 minutes walking distance. Free-Internet worked all the time with no problems.