I enjoyed my stay at Hotel Honnoji, especially due to its fantastic location right across from Kyoto City Hall and close to major districts. The communal baths were a unique experience, but I did find it a bit awkward without a private bathroom in the room. The breakfast was good, though I encountered some issues with the Wi-Fi connectivity and the aging decor.
Rooms
7.0
The room was traditional with tatami mats, but it showed signs of age. It had an en-suite toilet, which was nice, but I missed having a shower in the room. Adding an extra futon from the closet made my sleeping experience more comfortable.
Service
9.0
The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, assisting with luggage delivery to my next hotel. Their English was a bit limited, yet they were very courteous and always ready to help.
Location
10.0
The hotel is perfectly situated near Shiyakushomae Station and just a short walk to popular spots like Gion and Nishiki Market. This made exploring Kyoto very convenient.
Dining
9.0
Breakfast was not just delicious but a visual treat. Plus, I appreciated the convenience of nearby 24-hour eateries and a bakery for early morning starts.
Facilities
7.0
The communal baths were clean and well-maintained, offering everything I needed. However, the lack of Wi-Fi in the rooms was a downside, as I could only access it in reception, which also had a diner that smelled heavily of smoke.
Stephen
United States of America,
February
2025
7.2/10
I had a wonderful time at Hotel Honnoji, largely due to its excellent location and unique traditional experience. though I found the rooms a bit dated and struggled with luggage space. The shared baths were refreshing, and breakfast was good, especially the presentation.
Rooms
7.0
The room had a traditional feel, but showed signs of aging. I had trouble with the lighting near the sink, which was a bit too dark. Plus, storing my larger luggage in the room was challenging.
Service
9.0
The staff were very friendly and understanding. they made my stay more enjoyable. I appreciated their assistance with any questions I had.
Location
10.0
The location was fantastic, right across from Kyoto City Hall. walking distance from the metro and a stone's throw from Gion and local restaurants made exploring easy.
Dining
9.0
Breakfast was really amazing, beautifully presented and delicious. I found multiple eating options nearby for any meal, making dining a breeze.
Facilities
8.0
The communal baths were a highlight. they were clean and well-equipped, and added a traditional touch to my stay.
Sam
United States of America,
February
2025
6.4/10
My stay at Hotel Honnoji was an interesting blend of traditional Japanese ryokan charm and modern amenities. The location is undeniably fantastic, situated right opposite Kyoto City Hall and just a short walk from iconic sites like Nijo Temple and the lovely streets of Gion. However, I faced some minor inconveniences with the shared bathrooms and communication with the staff, who spoke limited English.
Rooms
7.0
The room was decent with separate areas for the toilet and bathing. It featured tatami mat flooring and a futon, though I found the futon a tad thin. I appreciated the additional futon provided for comfort.
Service
8.0
The hotel staff were friendly and genuinely helpful, though their English was quite limited. I had a nice interaction with one staff member who saved me from a potential booking issue.
Location
9.0
The location was perfect for exploring Kyoto, easily accessible to public transport and surrounded by great dining options. It was only a 30-minute walk to Nijo Temple and a stone's throw from Gion.
Dining
7.0
Breakfast at the hotel was quite good, offering a mix of local cuisine. The cafe area, however, had a bit of a cigarette smell.
Facilities
7.0
The communal bath was a unique experience, adding a nice touch to the stay. Though I had to navigate shared bathrooms, they were clean and well-maintained.
Jack
United States of America,
January
2025
7.2/10
My stay at Hotel Honnoji was quite enjoyable thanks to its fantastic location near transportation and dining options. The public bath was a good experience, though the hotel could use a bit of modernizing. The friendly staff made my visit even better, but the room's lighting could have been brighter for my liking.
Rooms
8.0
I found the room to be clean and traditional, which gave it a lovely Japanese touch. However, handling big luggage in the room was a bit challenging.
Service
9.0
The personnel were very friendly and accommodating, making my stay more enjoyable despite the language barrier.
Location
10.0
The location is superb, just a short walk from Shiyakushomae Station and the bustling shopping areas, making it easy to explore Kyoto.
Dining
8.0
I enjoyed the breakfast, with plenty of nearby dining options including a minimarket and 24-hour restaurants.
Facilities
7.0
The public bath experience was great and very clean, but I noticed there was no LAN or WiFi available, which was a bit disappointing.
Gene
United States of America,
January
2025
6.2/10
My stay at Hotel Honnoji was a good blend of modern convenience and traditional charm. The location was fantastic, just a short walk away from shopping districts and the Gion area. though I found handling larger luggage in the traditional room a bit challenging. The shared bath was a unique experience, consistently clean and well-maintained, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Rooms
8.0
The room was clean and traditional, featuring the cool Japanese toilets. However, it didn't include a private bathroom, which required using the shared facilities.
Service
9.0
The staff were very friendly and accommodating, even assisting with my needs during my stay.
Location
10.0
The hotel's location was excellent, right by Shiyakushomae Station and within walking distance to Gion, the shopping arcades, and many dining options.
Dining
9.0
There were numerous nearby dining options, including a popular udon shop just next door that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Facilities
8.0
The shared bath facilities were clean and provided everything necessary for a pleasant bathing experience.