Hotels With Bar in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

I chose a hotel near Kyoto Station for my 'oshikatsu' (fandom activities) trip to Kyoto. It's just across the road, super close to Kintetsu Kyoto and the Shinkansen. However, on my first day, coming from the subway, I got completely lost trying to find my way to the south plaza… The single room was quite spacious, actually, and the whole place felt very comfortable and clean. Both check-in and check-out were self-service, and no one disturbed me during my stay. I even got a corner room, which was really quiet and peaceful. The only minor issue was that the water pressure and temperature in the shower were a bit inconsistent – sometimes scalding hot, sometimes lukewarm.

Overall a good experience with this hotel. Stayed here for 3 nights. There is a hot spring in hotel level 2. Bed and pillow was comfortable. Room was slightly small but cozy. Worth the price paid for.

My experience at Rhiga Royal Hotel was deeply disappointing. At hotels, I encountered many staffs (almost all) who appeared indifferent, cold, and emotionally detached. There were no smiles, no warmth, and no sense of welcome—only rigid, mechanical interactions. Despite paying a high price for accommodation, I felt like an inconvenience rather than a valued guest. Japan was once famous worldwide for its exceptional service culture and gracious hospitality. Based on my recent experience, that reputation no longer holds true. What remains is efficiency without kindness, politeness without sincerity, and service stripped of human warmth. This was not just disappointing—it was disheartening. The hotel appears to be quite old and poorly maintained. The condition of the room shows clear signs of long-term wear and neglect. As shown in the photo, the door frame and lock area are visibly damaged, with peeling paint, cracked surfaces, and poorly repaired sections. This is not a minor cosmetic issue but a sign of aging infrastructure that has not been properly renovated. The overall atmosphere feels tired and neglected, and the property would greatly benefit from serious renovation and refurbishment.

This is also a Mitsui Garden Hotel, but unlike the typical 'Japanese' style I usually associate with them, it's much more modern. The public areas are excellent, and the steam room and sauna are definite highlights! They also maintain that modern aesthetic. All the showers are stand-up. The decor and material quality in the rooms and on the guest floors are a bit subpar and overly simplistic. Because the 'base color' is so dark, it tends to show dust bunnies more easily (not necessarily dirty, but it doesn't look good) 😂. The bed, however, is comfortable, and the curtains are great at blocking out light (though it's a shame the windows don't open, I just wanted some fresh air). The TV is high-definition, but its use is limited if you're out all day. The hotel is conveniently located near a bus stop, making it easy to get to attractions like Kiyomizu-dera and Eikan-do. It's actually not far from Shijo and Kyoto Station; on a nice day, you could easily walk, but if it's cold, judge your own stamina. The Gojo subway station entrance, right outside, isn't very friendly for those with large luggage as there's no elevator. Overall, the hotel service deserves a thumbs-up. The front desk staff, both male and female, speak good English and are very friendly and proactive in offering assistance. I noticed a larger number of Western guests during my stay. Just a heads-up: room trash is only collected every two days.

The hotel's location is super convenient, with a bus stop nearby making travel a breeze. It's only a few stops from Kyoto Station, and you can get there in under 10 minutes by bus. The family room was great, especially having an extra small bed. There's a FamilyMart convenience store right across the street, and a cafe and breakfast spot downstairs. We tried breakfast both at the hotel and at a nearby place.

Pros: Great location, right by Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, which makes getting around very convenient. It's also an easy walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Sannenzaka. We arrived at 2:50 PM, and the front desk still allowed us to check in, unlike some other hotels that strictly enforce a 3 PM check-in. The hotel's cleanliness is good, and the front desk staff are very friendly and polite. The hotel also offers a shuttle service to and from Kyoto Station in the morning. These 'soft' amenities are definitely a plus. Cons: The facilities in the double room are very basic. The bathroom doesn't have a bathtub, and aside from the bed, a small table, and a cabinet (as seen in the photos), there's no other furniture in the room, not even a chair. Compared to other Japanese hotels I've stayed in, the amenities here are too simple. Also, being in Kyoto, the price is on the higher side.

This is my second time visiting Kyoto, and I opted for the Royal Garden Hotel Kyoto Nijo again. It's conveniently located with easy access to transport, and there are large supermarkets and restaurants nearby. The automated check-in and check-out process was also very smooth and convenient. On a hot day, being able to grab a cold drink at the lobby's beverage bar was a definite plus.

Facilities: Very new. Cleanliness: Very good. Breakfast: Stayed for three days and had the same breakfast every single day 🤦‍♀️. Location: Very convenient. The room has a washing machine which is super handy. Lots of places to eat and shop nearby.

Location: The hotel is a convenient 5-minute walk from Shiyakusho-mae Station (Tozai Line), and also within a 5-minute walk from Sanjo Station (Tozai Line) and Keihan Sanjo Station. The surrounding area is a bustling commercial district, all easily accessible on foot, featuring popular spots like Uniqlo, Kiddy Land, BAL department store, and Sanjo Meitengai shopping street. Takashimaya department store and Nishiki Market are just a 15-minute walk away. The Kamo River is right around the corner; simply turn left when you exit the hotel. Dining: Plenty of dining options are available nearby. There's a supermarket just 20 meters to the left when you leave the hotel. Matsuya (a popular beef bowl restaurant) is about 200 meters further to the left, with Isomaru Suisan directly opposite it. Shinjindo Bakery and a tea room are conveniently located on the ground floor of the hotel building. Walk another 50 meters, and you'll discover even more choices. Facilities: While the room is compact, there's enough space to comfortably open up both a 26-inch and a 20-inch suitcase simultaneously. It comes equipped with a refrigerator, a complete set of toiletries, and slippers. There's also a hotel restaurant located on the basement level. This was my second stay, and I continue to be impressed by its excellent value for money and impeccable cleanliness. The location is absolutely fantastic, making it incredibly easy to get anywhere, and it's super convenient to pop back to the hotel during the day to drop off purchases or take a quick rest.

The hotel's location, just 500 meters from Kyoto Station, is incredibly convenient. With Don Quijote and Isetan Department Store nearby, all your shopping needs are easily met. The location truly can't be beat. The hotel offers a smoking room, a public bath facility, a bar, and a restaurant. Upon check-in, guests can enjoy free soft drinks at the bar's soft drink area before 5:30 PM, and you can even take them back to your room, which is a fantastic perk. Each floor also has vending machines and ice makers, and some floors offer laundry facilities. Breakfast options are somewhat limited, but the quality is high. They provide a set meal served in a three-tiered bento box, with four small dishes on each tier; the taste is perfectly acceptable. The food is generally a mix of Japanese and Western styles, so if you're not accustomed to these cuisines, it might not be the best choice for you. The hotel rooms are a bit small, but they are compact and well-equipped. For room cleaning, you have two options: full cleaning or partial cleaning. However, I found that daily housekeeping after check-in was a bit superficial, with some details overlooked. I would suggest the hotel strengthen its staff training in this area. Despite this minor point, it's generally a great hotel. Regarding some negative reviews I saw before booking, which mentioned front desk staff discriminating against foreign tourists, I personally experienced no issues at all. In fact, I'd even describe them as enthusiastic (perhaps because I speak Japanese?). For me, their service attitude was certainly satisfactory. I also noticed that many of the negative reviews were concentrated in 2023. Perhaps there's been a change in management? I'm not sure, but personally, their attitude and service were impeccable.