We stayed in Kyoto for 3 days and found this ryokan to be very worth the while. The ryokan is only 3 small blocks from Kyoto Central Train station and we found this ryokan without getting lost. We also had suitcases - it's very close (about a 6 min walk).
The ryokan is tucked away in a quiet street, and has bike rental, internet (100YEN for 20 mins).

The staff were very accommodating, always friendly and ready to help us with directions and taxis etc. The ryokan was extremely clean with staff cleaning daily in rooms. The only thing to be careful of is if you plan on going out late at night - this ryokan has a 12 midnight curfew where doors will be locked.

Our room was quite big compared to usual japanese rooms with a western toilet. The room is a mix of modern and traditional with tatami mat flooring and roll out mattresses (the most comfortable sleep).

Our stay at Ryokan Shimizu was comfortable and very adequately priced. We booked this ryokan through Japanese Guest Houses website who deal with the ryokan on your behalf and make all arrangements. This made our reservation much easier.

We enjoyed our stay at Ryokan Shimizu very much. I had no regrets or problems booking a room over the internet. We stayed at this ryokan for 3 days. It's a walkable distance from Kyoto Station. We took a taxi there upon arrival, the driver took care of finding the place. Since it's tucked away in a little alley, it's a good idea to do this at first. It's not far so you won't spend a fortune on the fare. And you won't have a problem finding it after that.
The staff was wonderful. They all knew how to speak English, not fluently, but it was easy enough to communicate with them. They were very friendly, offered maps, directions and restaurant/transportation recommendations. Very hospitable, courteous, and accomodating. They were as eager to hear about our day as they were to attend to our requests.
The establishment and rooms were very homey and suffcient. Extremely clean. The tatami mats and beaded pillows may look unusual to you but they were very comfortable and restful. There was a separate shower room, toilet room, and sink vanity which is useful when multiple people are rushing to get ready in the morning. There was a little tv (only with local channels), a table, yukata robes, and enough shelving space for our luggage. It felt like we were coming back to our own tiny apartment each night.
You have to be looking for value over luxury to appreciate this place. There was a schedule (eat breakfast from 7-9, be out of the inn from 10-4, be back by 12). It resembles a dormitory or retreat house more than a hotel. The surrounding area is more authentic than it is scenic. You have to be quiet. Meals and internet access are available in a common area. But really, it's got everything you need if you're in Kyoto to see the sights anyway.
If you really want to experience a traditional ryokan, this is not the place for you. But given how much those ryokans are, this was the next best thing. At least we still got to experience the tatami mats, yukatas, and Kyoto cooking. (You'll actually be greeted with tea when you arrive. They served this delicious "mikan" tangerine tea that had us craving for that particular flavor for weeks.)
It was also very interesting to see the inn serve as a venue for international exchange. There was a mantle in the lobby showcaseing postcards and gifts from guests all over the world. And while we were there, we actually witnessed a family teaching one of the japanese staff the french translation to various objects.

yes very good place to stay.. friendly .. clean. got computers for email. pleasant, helpful staff and literally 2 minute walk from kyoto train station

I enjoyed my stay at the ryokan a great deal. I liked the way in which it combines the traditional and the modern. The Japanese bath is a real treat at the end of long, busy days. But best of all are the staff who were friendly and extremely helpful. They made my stay there very enjoyable.

I have no hesitation recommending Ryokan Shimizu.