It was my first time visiting Kyoto and I picked this hotel due to its great reviews.
The staff was so kind -always attentive and helpful regarding any needs that I had. I was always greeted the second I entered the lobby as well as around the hotel.
I booked the garden view room -it was amazing. It had a large balcony that opened up into the Japanese garden that the hotel perfected! There was so much space -two bathrooms, a living room, a tatami mat area, and a double bed. I am a clean freak, and I don't think I've seen a cleaner hotel room in my life. They also offered great pajamas.
I utilized the sauna Cypress room -it was essentially your own private spa. Make sure to book their saunas in advance as their reservations do fill up.
Breakfast was included every day. The food was good (they had American options and Japanese options). The restaurant overlooked the Japanese garden. I could sit there forever.
The only downside of the hotel is that it is a bit far from the downtown area. I utilized Uber and there was one night that I couldn't get a car for so long (I tried for hours) that I ended up missing my dinner reservation. There is a train close-by however you do have to trek uphill a bit to and from the train. I was also with my mother who couldn't do hilly walks so the train wasn't an option. The car ride to the downtown area was about 30 minutes with traffic. Sometimes more or less. I still think the hotel was worth it and would stay again despite the location.