Hotel Dengan Bar di Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Both check-in and check-out are self-service, so there's no need to interact with anyone, which is perfect for introverts! The room was incredibly clean and very comfortable. I was initially worried that being so close to Kyoto Station, I might be disturbed by the sound of passing cars at night, but the hotel's soundproofing is excellent – I wasn't bothered at all! I highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Kyoto! However, to be honest, it is a bit of a walk from the subway station, which can be a little inconvenient for getting to and from the city center.

The location is convenient, with tram and bus stops not far away. Both the room's bed and the bathroom are quite spacious and comfortable. There isn't a lot of space to open luggage, but a 20-inch suitcase fits fine. Breakfast was decent, though it lacked fruit and made-to-order noodles, but the price for breakfast was reasonable.

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.

Hotel location wise a 10 min walk to Shi-jyo the high street of Kyoto and a 20 min walk to Kyoto Station. It is on Karasuma a major N-S street in Kyoto chess-board like -city plan, with metro stations and bus stops within walking distance and easy to get around to tourists sights. The hotel has a big dining area for breakfast and the staff attentive and helpful. The room is clean and provided with pyjamas instead of Japanese yukata. There is a bicycle rental shop Sunshine, 5 min walk away. Major road in Shij-jyo has strict hours where bicycle is not to enter

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.

The room was quite spacious, especially for Kyoto standards. Laundry facilities were very convenient, and we all appreciated the complimentary tea, coffee, and soda. They even offered free face masks in the evenings, and after a long day of sightseeing, a relaxing bath was a real treat. The location is superb: the JR station is directly across the street. A taxi ride to Kinkaku-ji takes just ten minutes and costs less than 200. It's also incredibly convenient for visiting Arashiyama, the Railway Museum, Shijo, and Kyoto Station. Nijo Castle is even within walking distance. For everyday needs, there's an affordable supermarket called 'Live' right opposite. And if you're looking for an IMAX experience, there's a cinema in the mall just across from the JR station. The sushi restaurant within that mall is also very popular with locals.

The room wasn't very big, and it definitely wasn't the 32.4 square meters I booked. When I talked to the front desk, they just said it was the largest room they had. With a double bed and a sofa bed, there was very little floor space left. I contacted Trip.com customer service, but the hotel still insisted it was 32.4 square meters. There was nothing more I could do, as I had several meetings there for a few days, so I just made do. The hotel environment itself is quite nice, with a Wabi-sabi aesthetic, and the surrounding streets are very quiet. Not too far away, there's a bustling commercial street, making it a peaceful spot amidst the lively area. The restaurant has a beautiful ambiance. Many thanks to Trip.com customer service for their active help in trying to resolve the issue.

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.

Really enjoyed our stay in this hotel. Front office staff are very polite and nice. The room and everything they provided was very good and love their pyjamas motif as really feel very Japanese 🥰 we really enjoyed their tea lounge where all kinds of hot and cold beverages are provided including matcha roll snacks that we ended up purchasing from Kyoto station for gifts home, after asking the staff there where to get it from. Would definitely return to Rihga Gran if we ever visit Kyoto again.