Uraraka Guest House — Hotel in Kyoto

Stayed here for 3 nights (Oct 2015), and I can only say it was average, but I believe this to be very dependent on where your room is located in this lodging.

Location: Excellent location, with a 1-minute walk to two major bus stops servicing multiple routes, and a 7-minute walk to another major road with more major bus routes. This is the primary reason I chose this lodging, as it only took about 30 minutes to get to major sites in Arashiyama, the Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji. Area itself is quiet at night, and street noise doesn't affect your sleep. Which leads me to my next point:

Room: My single room was on the 2nd floor, and right across reception. Most of the rooms on the second floor will pretty much either be directly across reception or the kitchen area. This provided more noise than one would like, with people checking in and out at various times of day, and hanging around chatting. I could hear conversations from my room loud and clear. You might learn to block it out as I did, but at times I had to roll my eyes having no choice but to hear other's conversations. Apart from that, the room was average. My view from the window was another building you could probably touch at arm's length. Curtains blocked that out. The bed was average, with sheets that felt a bit rough, and a mattress that wasn't too firm. TV was big, and I appreciated having a desk and fridge. Washroom was a bit cramped, but manageable. Both washroom and room were clean though, so that's a plus.

Amenities: the usual- towels, daily room cleaning/linens if you wish, free wifi, basic TV channels, hair dryer. It was also nice to have a washer/dryer on site (Y200 to operate), and you pay Y50 for detergent at the front desk. Free breakfast! That was a nice plus- lots of selection of breads, with coffee, tea, and one large bottled drink per day! (water, tea, juice).

Staff: this could be a big advantage to this place in lieu of its other shortcomings, as they were very friendly, helpful, accommodating and welcoming. Despite the chatter I could hear from my room, at least it was...

It’s like a college dorm, nostalgic but very clean & organized & quiet. Better than my US college dorm experience. :) The front desk staffs are nice & speaks English well.

I’m staying for about 3 mths, it’s like home away from home. There’s a 711 & pharmacy & LIFE supermarket nearby & many bus stops right outside. Quite a few nice restaurants if Google map search & check out the reviews. So it’s Central location, not in noisy & crowded tourist areas, but in terms of local residential areas, right next to Nijo Castle, I love it, nice to go for a walk or run in good weather. You get to live like a Kyoto local instead of a tourist in hotel that kinda experience.

The room is minimalist & practical at a reasonable price. Self laundry service downstairs, better than 5 stars hotel expensive laundry bill or ruin/lose clothes that I’ve experienced.

As a solo pro world traveler, this hotel/residence provides a local Japanese lifestyle experience, (yes, the low shower height & small bathtub are in Japanese size, I’m a petite Asian woman, it’s ok, but if you’re American size, be aware) free bike rental is a plus given Kyoto tourist bike rental can be...

The couple at the front desk are very friendly. In addition to checking in and checking out, they seem to do the cleaning themselves, which is very hard work😳There is a small bar behind the front desk, with a coffee machine and a microwave for self-service. I buy convenience store lunch boxes and eat at the bar every day, hahaha There are also self-service coin-operated washing machines and dryers at the entrance and exit.Not being allowed to wear shoes when entering the room was a little troublesome, but it didn't hurt because the room was great, with a very spacious and beautiful balcony! (The picture is the view from the balcony) The bed is also very soft and comfortable, I don’t want to get up when I lie downYou put the garbage and towels to be replaced outside the door every day, and then the waiter will bring new towels and garbage bags in the afternoon, without any unnecessary interruption. It is very suitable for traveling and living alone. As a girl, I feel very safe and secure...