Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei

Exquisite boutique hotel in the heart of Kyoto.

Elegant design, classy rooms and amenities, attentive staff. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay especially the onsen/ spa, which was a real treat after long sightseeing days in Kyoto. Location is excellent.

Restaurant is nice, although lacking in continental cuisine. Fitness/ gym centre would have been a plus.

Amazing value

This hotel felt almost brand new and for the price, it was an amazing value. I was staying at other value hotels in the area but when I found this hotel I thought I would give it try based on ratings. I was not disappointed - it had a feel of a medium priced hotel in the US (think Hilton or Marriott) but I paid closer to the lower range of a budget hotel. Granted, I am not going during peak season. The interiors was luxurious and everything felt new. I would stay here again, hands down.

It's a bit hard to find because it's in an alley way and generally signage is hard to see anywhere in this part of Kyoto. Be prepare to have your gps on to find this spot.

Staff were fantastic - very knowledgeable and attentive. The breakfast buffet was also delicious - huge variety and everything I tried was very good.

I was fine with it, but some foreigners may not like the pillows (one side was cushiony and the other side was a bean bag style filling). However, I did see another guest returning to his room with a couple plush looking pillows so it appears you can request a more standard pillow if you prefer.