THE MACHIYA KAZAHAYA — Hotel in Kyoto

There is nobody on location. Check in is self-service, and if you arrive before the 3:00 p.m. check in time, there will be no rooms ready, you may not be able to get in, and there will be no one to help you.

I arrived just after noon, exhausted from lack of sleep after 36 hours on planes and in airports, getting into Narita from NYC at 6:00 a.m., and there was no answer when I called, so I lay down on the tiny sidewalk in front of the hotel and tried to sleep a little bit. Eventually someone called me back. But this is my own issue. I didn't have a lot of control over when I arrived. For most people, who arrive at a normal time, it would not be a problem. Next time, if I'm in this situation, I will stay in a fully staffed hotel.

I also couldn't get the Wi-Fi to work, but again this may have been my own issue.

The rooms are clean and pleasant and inexpensive and there is a nice bath. Once you are settled, this is a great place, very clean and convenient.

My room, 101, had a low interior window that opened into a tiny interior garden with a tree. The garden was brightly lit and there was no way to cover the window, so the light shone into my room all night. It wasn't a problem for me because I was so exhausted that I slept like the dead, but it's probably a good idea to get a room...

Total hidden gem!! A small renovated historic machiya with a completely modern interior, with only about 6-8 guest rooms in total. Rooms are the typical small size of most Japanese hotel rooms but beds are very comfortable and rooms are very clean and modern. Prices are insanely cheap for what you get; I paid about $60 CAD/night. Only downside is no elevator or daily room service. There is a number you need to call the night before if you want your garbage emptied, etc.

Location is pretty good. Located on a small quiet residential street but only a 10 min walk to nearby subway stations. 15 min walk to Nishiki Market.

FYI: You need to check in and pick up your keys at a separate office about a 10 min walk from Kyoto Station (Look up 'MACHIYA INNS & HOTELS Check-In Desk' on Google Maps). The hotel itself has no staff on-site, so make sure you check in at the right place first...

What a gem of a place! Although we arrived earlier than planned the check in staff kindly held our bags while we strolled around the area. This Machiya has about 6 guest rooms, located only a few blocks away from the busy main street. On the side streets nearby are some great restaurants outside of the normal tourist traps..and a 7-11 nearby too!. We had the larger suite of rooms upstairs which was an absolute pleasure to enjoy. Spotlessly clean, and very convenient to have the kitchen appliances and washer/dryer available. Another review complained about the dryer: as it's a combi unit, suggest people simply run the dryer for 2 cycles to dry heavier clothes like jeans. Or do a smaller load. The bed was very firm, maybe not for everyone, but we loved it. As it's located on a 'back' street it's very quiet as well. Highly recomended for a...