Kyoto Umekoji Kadensho

This is the highlight of our kyoto trip. We are so glad to be able to spend two restful nights at this hotel. The hotel is maintained spotless even in the strictest Japanese standards and we had the most peaceful sleep during the entire trip. Both the dinner and the breakfast buffet were superb to try for the first time. For the second night, we ventured out and tried other types of meals for variety. Onsen was an amazing setting and such a treat. Easy access to JR and Kyoto Station. Look forward to coming back soon.

Great hotel and ryokan style experience. Nice amenities including a lounge, private baths, and a snack bar. The baths in particular are great after a long day sightseeing. Only negative is the location, it’s far (at least an hour’s walk) from the main sites of Kyoto with no direct bus route. However it’s right next to the train station, so it’s well placed for easily getting in or out of the city.

The room was big enough, but had an musty smell. There are extra pillows to use in a storage cupboard in the corridors. These go really quickly though and the hotel don't replenish these. It is a very large hotel with lots of staff. You have to take your shoes off and put them in a locker. You then give your key to the reception to get your room key. This system is old fashioned and we did not love exchanging our shoes for our room key. The private baths where great, however very popular so you had to wait a few times to get in them. They are very relaxing though and definitely a selling point to the hotel. Location isn't great, but you can get taxis to the centre with ease. This seemed to be a very family centered hotel with lots of children running around the main reception and corridors.