Kinparo — Hotel in Kyoto

This traditional style hotel is older, but spotlessly clean, in an outstanding location. The staff are friendly, and our room was very comfortable. Our first experience in a traditional ryokan-style, so we were a little clumsy: not knowing the correct protocol for footwear, bedding made up, packed away, moving rooms for breakfast and even how to prepare the components of breakfast, but with some tolerance and humour from the staff we managed. The traditional bathroom (separate for male/female) was fantastic: cosy, warm, clean and an amazing experience. We would definitely stay here again for the location, experience and comfort. With the minor language issue, we didn't realise that we had to change rooms at the requested time for breakfast so the first morning was quite hilarious, a scramble to dress and arrive graciously one floor above to a beautiful traditional breakfast. Highly...

The sevice was warm. The rooms and facilities were clean. The location was close to the Market, with lots of stuff to do, and close to bus stops to reach the rest of the city. The facilities included a sento, or shared bath, with green tea escence, which was a really pleasant experience. We also had dinner and breakfast service. The food was tasty and the service was personalized. The dinner and breakfast were served at a separate room instead of our own, but it was only for us two. This hotel gave us the full Ryokan experience we were looking forward to, and we're happy with the results.The only caveat to improve is the amount of electricity outlets available in the room which is not enough for the existing appliances, nor for charging our phones. We had to connect and disconnect appliances to do so. However, this is a really minor detail compared to the amazing experience...

We came to the Kinparo from the Hoshinoya Tokyo, the latter of which is spectacular (and 3 times the cost), so there was a period of adjustment. But even grading the Kinparo on its own merits (rather than relative to a higher-class hotel), the main thing it has going for it is location and deluxe multi-dish breakfasts and dinners. My family's favorite dinner was the beef shabu shabu, where diners boil thin slices of beef in boiling water then dip them in sauces for flavoring. But aside from the location and food, the room seemed dated and tiny with few amenities. (My daughter tired of so much traditional food during our 3-night stay, and she would not include the food as a plus.) It was interesting to stay in a traditional hotel once, but I'd choose another hotel if I...