I read the reviews on Trip Advisor and thought that I would be getting a great deal on a clean, small hotel in the heart of Kyoto. Well, it is small and in a great location but it was certainly not clean. After requesting a non-smoking room (my wife has asthma) I was told there were none available upon arrival. Normally this isn't that big of a deal as most hotels have independent air control in each room. The Alpha Hotel, however, has central air for each floor if not the entire building. Since we were put on a smoking floor the room was VERY smoky. I have traveled in Asia extensively and recognize the difficulty in avoiding smoke, but this was excessive. In addition, the carpets and beddings were stained and dirty. The hotel staff was helpful and after 2 days moved us to a twin room on a non-smkoing floor but the damage had been done as my wife became quite sick. In general, I would say that if you smoke it is probably fine, but if you appreciate cleanliness when paying near $100/night then I would recommend looking elsewhere.

Stayed here for 5 days while we visited Kyoto and Nara. Rooms are small by American standards but were adequate for 3 adult family members in 1 room for sleeping arrangements. Hotel was very CLEAN AND SAFE, front desk personnel were very helpful with directions and needs, English was spoken here, and location was only 1/2 block from subway and bus stops were in front of hotel along with "7-11" store for quick snacks! Entance is off a side street but I found it easily looking at the picture from their website!
Shopping district was only 1 block away and tons of food places to eat nearby.
If you are looking for a clean place to sleep with a great location, than this hotel will fit the bill, but if you intend to stay in your room, you may get cramped, but then why are you traveling? I would NOT HESITATE to stay here again!
PS, I found it much easier to use the bus to and from Kyoto station than the subway, no change in buses, but you have to make 1 change in subway lines.

The Hotel Alpha Kyoto is perfectly located for a visit to Kyoto: It is only half a block to a major subway line and only 5 minutes by foot to two different train stations. Moreover, its just minutes by foot from Pontocho and from some popular shopping areas. My single room was small, but quite comfortable, and the hotel's English-speaking staff were very helpful to me. Breakfasts were nicely served and very satisfying. I highly recommend this hotel!

My husband and I traveled to Kyoto in May of 2005 and were booked in the Hotel Alpha by the Japan Tourist Office. The location was superb - in the middle of the downtown area and a 5 minute walk to the metro station. The staff was very helpful and we also enjoyed the free internet access. I would definitely stay here again.