I have mixed feelings on giving this hotel only a neutral rating. The hotel is in a great location, with a nice lobby (though the outside is bland) and the service was absolutely wonderful. Kudos to Kodama the concierge. She was the absolute best we've ever encountered and we travel extensively. In addition, there is an English style library bar which has a happy hour every evening from 5 to 7 with cocktails 50% off. So, what's the problem? In a word, the rooms. Very tiny with small twin beds, a view overlooking a dirty rooftop, and a bathroom right out of a Motel 6. This hotel wasn't cheap (we paid US $190 per night). For that kind of money, the room should have been far better. We only stayed two nights and then moved on to the Hotel Granvia for our remaining three days in Kyoto. The Granvia blew the Royal out of the water. I hope Kodama moves over there in time for when we return!

The Royal was a little pricey, but the service couldn't have been more accommodating. The rooms are a little small and antiquated, but perfectly serviceable. Location is excellent.

The location is perfect - two blocks from Gion, two blocks from Teramachi covered arcade, one block from the subway. The Heian shrine is within walking distance, too.

The rooms are reasonable in size and comfortable and well-maintained. Service is excellent, as one would expect in Japan. It is a mid-range hotel, with just about everything one really needs.

There is no in-room high speed internet, but the lobby (including the bar!) is a free wireless hot spot. That is quite adequate for keeping up with e-mail and other routine computer use.

Highly recommended!

We stayed at this hotel for four nights in December 2004. The rooms were clean and well equipped, although not outstanding. The location is great: 2 minutes to the subway and right on the edge of the Gion (the entertainment district). Although the food was a bit pricy, there are plenty of restaurants in the neighbourhood, including some pretty good Indian ones. The staff were friendly and helpful. We paid only about 10,000 per night which is much lower than the posted rates. At this price, it was a tremendous value and we would highly recommend it to anyone who doesn't need the amenities of a Westin or Hyatt.