Hotel Honnoji

We'd wanted to experience a tatami room in one of our stays in Japan so picked this hotel as Kyoto was proving a bit pricy and difficult to find twin rooms in. The rooms were quite small but very standard Japanese style with futons and a low table. The hotel itself seemed a bit 1970s and could do with decorating and there were quite a few stains on the walls in our room. Be warned that this hotel only offers (gender segregated) public bathing facilities so if you're not the sort to strip off in public this is not the place for you as there are no bathrooms in the rooms (there are toilets though). The staff were extremely friendly and helpful

The Hannoji hotel is not for everyone but I had a great time at the hotel. I was traveling alone and was looking for a more traditional hotel experience in Kyoto but couldn't afford the really high end luxury suites offered by the other hotels. At the Honnoji, I got to experience sitting and sleeping Japanese style and got to have my own little tea ceremony in the room. My room did not have a shower and I got to use the very clean public bath in the basement. My room was on the 5th floor, overlooking the old city offices building, relatively large and clean. Overall, the location of the hotel is perfect. Within walking distance of many shops, eateries and unknown cultural landmarks but also very easy access to metro. On my second day, I rented a bike and explored, highly recommended. You can get a bike delivered to the hotel (for a small charge) or you can just go the street corner and rent one.

We ordered a family room for four people and got a very nice Japanese style 12-tatami room with four futons. The room was very nice, with everything you expect from a Japanese hotel, including small-size yukata for the children. There was a small table, a refrigerator and free hot/cold tea/water in the hall for breakfast in the room. There was also a Japanese bath in the basement. The location was ideal, next to a subway-station and very close to e.g. sanjo bridge and the many shops and restaurants nearby. Nijo castle and the imperial palace also within walking distance. The only thing we didn't like was that the staff was not very accommodating in letting us enter the room before 1500. We were there first at around noon, and went for lunch. when we came back about 1445, the children were a bit tired and it would have been very nice if they would let us into the room, but we were not allowed. We understand normal check-in time is 1500, but are normally met with a little flexibility from the hotel. Nevertheless, a good hotel in a good location - especially if you are interested in a traditional feeling (sleeping in a Japanese style room with futons).

No frills, and unappealing from outside. Room was nice, with everything i needed including a cotton dressing gown, fridge, hot water for tea and a small snack. The large communal bath was very nice and relaxing. Location is superb and central. Wifi available in lobby.

First of all , the room is Very dirty. No service what so ever. If u want to come back after 11. U have to let them know first. Otherwise u will be lock out. But usually for travelers, we don't know the city too well. It's hard to tell when will I be back. Because it's like a traditional japanese room. Usually normal hotel will set up ur bed and take away in the morning. But here I didn't get any staff help. Most of the hotel rooms has no shower. But the price is crazy expensive(compare with the quality of the hotel) Please don't look at the hotel pics. The room looks so different. Location is the only good thing. And remember ur checkout time is 10. And they don't have shower in the room.so for who like to take shower in the morning. U d better wake up super early. This hotel is very noisy. Due to the thin wall. Don't hope u can get sleep after 6. Noise comes from everywhere. Upstaris, the next room or outside of the room. and staff will smoke in the hallway. The staff will go in ur room when u r sleep. That's the worse part!