I picked hotels blindly based solely on walking distance from train stations and budget. So, what a surprise this fabulous hotel was. Yes, the location was great particularly for a trip like ours where we wanted to see everything (hah! well, we tried) and proximity to transportation was key. But the bonus was being right across from one of the best and least tourist overrun major temples in Kyoto - Higashi Hongan-ji and THAT was our world class view from our room! An open invitation to morning service at 7 a.m. and sitting with the monks as they chant beautifully was an experience to be remembered.
The room itself was amazing. Those were luxury bunkbeds - super comfortable and great sheets and pillows. ALL the amenities were top notch and luxurious from the kitchenette with a big sink, induction cook top (I think, we didn't actually cook because, hey, vacation), the high end kettle, etc; to the dyson hair dryer ... which brings me to the bathroom. I weep for having to leave the bathroom. OF COURSE the toilet was great. But the wet room shower and soaking tub after walking miles and miles all over this amazing city was bliss.
The staff was very helpful. They straightened out a major duty free mess for us, recommended good sake, and loaned us artisan quality sake set to drink it in! The washer and dryer was a great bonus, too.
We stayed in three other hotels during our trip. All were good but this was the roomiest, best appointed, most unique, and best staffed.