I spent 4 nights at this hotel Ryokan in Kyoto. Rooms were large, Japanese style with tatami mats and futons. They also provided nice Japanese robes (yakatas) and more formal jackets that go over the robes - so it was an instant feeling of "I am in JAPAN". Very clean with a little safe and refrigerator in each room. The staff put away the futons each morning and then set up the breakfast trays - always with a little hibatchi on which they cooked a fish, or ham and eggs, or a tofu "stew:, along with fruit, small plates of vegetables, rice, miso soup, etc.....It was interesting and exotic every morning.

The location was very good. On a VERY small street with lots of little shops, etc and yet only several blocks from major streets and the metro stations.

Hotel staff was WONDERFUL. Most were competent in English, but not fluent so it was fun communicating; they were very helpful with directions, etc. When we left, three of the staff accompanied us out to the taxi, thanking us the entire time. I felt as though I were leaving the home of a long-lost relative after a 4 day stay - not a hotel whre I had never previously stayed.

I did not try the communal bath because I was too busy with other things and had tried an onsen in Northern Japan. But, in retrospect, I wish I had so I could share the experience here.

I would definitely recommend the Hotel Matsui Ryokan, especially to first-times in Kyoto.