Imu Hotel Kyoto

A stunning hotel that we could not fault in any way. The room was amazingly modern and clean, and well furnished. The hotel was very well positioned only a few minute walk from Shijo metro station with direct access to Kyoto Station only two stops away. There was a cute bar in the lobby which also offered limited but very lovely food. The staff seemed to take pride in their hotel and their service was impeccable, nothing was too much to ask and they always offered kind greetings. We stayed one night when Japan were playing in the Rugby World Cup and we wanted to watch the game at a local bar. They gave some recommendations and then rang up the one we chose to ask for their availability and told us how it would work for a big event from information on the phone. This was invaluable and we went to the bar to watch the game which turned into one of our three week Japan highlights! Breakfast was unique but lovely and everything was served quickly from a choice of four options. Kyoto is a mesmerisingly diverse city and this wonderful hotel made the experience all the more enjoyable!! Even little things like intuitive controlled air conditioning in the room, extra pillows in the floor corridors and free Japanese sake at the bar every evening go a long way when travelling! Cannot recommend enough, would have paid double the price and still given it as good a review so the fact it is so cheap is amazing.

This was one of our favourite hotels from our trip to Japan. The hotel was very stylish and had a nice bar area at the front (they offer free wine and sake to guests staying at the hotel!). The staff were super helpful and friendly, and they allow luggage storage in the daytime should you need it. The rooms were a good size and were clean. There was space for a few suitcases which was a welcome change from the hotels in Tokyo! Imu hotel is in a good location in the dead centre of Kyoto, it’s just a 5 minute walk to the metro station which takes you straight to Kyoto station. There are lots of bars and restaurants in the area too so plenty of selection to eat and drink. We didn’t try the food at the hotel restaurant but it did look great. We would 100% stay at this hotel again should we return to Kyoto.

The atmosphere is so cozy and relaxed, staff supernice and English speaking. Easy to get in contact with other guests if you feel like it. The free sake is also a nice thing. You have several breakfast options. I always took the Japanese one which didn't vary from day to day but that's ok because I found it quite tasty. My single room felt rather spacious by Japanese standards. It felt like the perfect choice in Kyoto to me.

Staff is helpful, and provided a complementary ticket to go up a Gion Matsuri float, which is nice. The usual stuff is there - storing luggage before check in / after check out, but note that the main door closes after 11pm, need to press the bell to get in if you haven't got your key yet. Plenty of headroom for the bunk bed, was tall enough to sit up, which is great.

Superb location close to metro, bus & facilities. Compact yet fairly bright well-equipped room with large toilet area, bunk bed setup with very clean sheets, and extra pillows were a plus. The separate lockable luggage area which allowed us more time to explore, with the friendly, super attentive and helpful staff, as well as a delicious traditional style breakfast and coffee & water always available downstairs, made our short stay that much more pleasurable.