This budget hotel had been booked by our tour company and as we travelled around Japan for just over two weeks, we stayed in Toyoko Inns in Matsumoto, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Yokohama (but they're everywhere) and found them convenient, clean, friendly places to stay.
The hotel is located on a direct route from the Shin-Kyoto railway station, aa short five-minute ride by taxi.
Let's be honest - you're in a big city so getting a hotel close to everything you want to see is going to be difficult; BUT even though the hotel is not close to most of the sights in Kyoto, everywhere is just a taxi ride away - ten minutes to the castle, ten minutes to the geisha area and main market and about 10-15 minutes from the Kiyomuzi Dera temple area. There's also a subway station not far away.
Reception is simliar to most Toyoko Inns - plain and has a few tables and chairs where breakfast is served in the morning. Staff were friendly and helpfully spoke English. Check in time of 3.00pm is strictly enforced so you won't get into your room until then.
Rooms are clean and well maintained and have 'module' bathrooms with deep baths, shower and 'electronic' toilets with bidet-type spray washes. Breakfast is Japanese style with rice triangles, miso soup, seaweed and pickled vegetables, rice, noodles and to drink green tea and coffee.
The hotel has free wi-fi in the reception area, where there are also drinks machines (water, beer, cans of coffee, juices etc.).
Don't expect fancy and all the extras of a luxury hotel but you won't beat the value for what you get.

So stayed at yet another Toyoko Inn. Stayed here in June '06. Most of the Toyoko Inns are similar. These are like the Best Westerns back in the US. They're nice business budget hotels with good amenities. All the Toyokos have a dining room/area close to the lobby. On the ground floor there's usually a small laundry room with pay washer and dryer. There are also vending machines with water, coffee, snacks, and soft drinks. Word for those who may not be aware, breakfast is Japanese style, which means tea, miso soup, and choice of a few types of onigiri.

Each Toyoko room I stayed at was a single room with a clean comfy bed. Room also came with a desk, fridge, small closet, and small all-in-one bathroom. For the uninitiated, the bathroom is quite a technological innovation. The bathroom is a step up from the rest of the room. The tub is large and deep Japanese style tub. The toilet seat has a bunch of buttons to control the warmth of the seat, activate the bidet function, and do some other things that I don't remember. Toiletries are great and are all in one convenient location, no more little bottles.

For the price, the value you get from a Toyoko is outstanding.

Since all Toyokos are fairly similar, this review will be more about the city in which it was located.

This hotel is a bit away from the main Kyoto JR station. If you can, take the subway and get off at the Gojo station. It leaves you close to the hotel. This makes this hotel a good spot as there are also buses that go up and down the main street and take you to various sights. The train also takes you to plenty of sights. There are so many to see in Kyoto so this hotel makes it a great base camp to get around. Kyoto is worth staying and exploring for at least 3 days at a brisk pace or 5 days at a relaxed pace. Summers are warm, but wonderful to experience any time of year.