Suoan Machiya Residence Inn - Kyoto

It was our first time at the Royal Park but second time in Kyoto. Really great location. Right off Kawaramachi on Sanjo. Lots of buses and also a very short walk to both Sanjo subway stations (just down the street on other side of bridge). Karasuma is also only 1 big ave away from Kawaramachi (Citibank is on Kawarasuma and Shijo; lots of buses stop around there too and it is very walkable to Royal Park even with a stroller). On rainy days, Teramachi (covered arcade) is also just 1/2 short block away, and leads directly to Nishiki Market. Shinshindo Boulangerie downstairs makes a great variety of delicious pastries and sandwiches for takeouts, and is a great cafe for sit down service. Hotel rooms are not big. Many face the back alley, so it was hard to tell if it's morning or not yet. Not much space to hang clothes or store bulky luggages. We traveled with a 2 year old and a stroller. It was very comfortable for all of us, but we made an effort to stay organized so our child has enough space to play.

Had a very pleasant stay at Monterey Kyoto - it's a gorgeous European styled hotel. The rooms are comfortable and relatively big by Japanese standards. Hotel staff was very helpful in showing us where to go and which bus to take. They even had bus/metro passes handy to sell, which was very convenient. Great hotel.

I liked the hotel; right next to a great shopping street. Also, not too far from some great sightseeing. I would return for my next visit.

Mr. Nomura, Guest Relations at the New Otani is a very special person - incredibly kind and professional. It had been 26 years since I visited Japan last with my Japanese mother and my daughter. Since my mother's passing in 2001 all contact was sadly lost with my relatives. Mr. Nomura made the what seemed impossible a miracle. He found my cousin in his research efforts. He took the time and personal initiative to help me. My last day in Japan was the most memorable reconnecting with my family. I will always be grateful. Returning next year with friends for their first trip to Japan. NEW OTANI of course!

The hotel is directly across from Kyoto Station, making it extremely convenient, especially if you have been traveling for a long time. The sign for the hotel is not large, however, but not difficult to find. The staff is polite and speaks enough English to communicate, and is very helpful with directions. Buses are available across the street to virtually any location in the area. The hotel is clean, though the rooms are small (as is typical in Japan). We were pleasantly surprised to have strong wifi in our room. We were disappointed that there was no Japanese bath.