I stayed at the Kanra (Superior room) at the beginning of November for 1 night and had an amazing, though short, stay there.

I arrived a little early so my room wasn’t available yet. The lady at the front desk proceeded to check me in so upon my return to the hotel I could go straight to my room.
The lady at the front desk was very nice and friendly and her English was also very good. Any question I asked was answered without hesitation and clearly (no vague answers). Actually all staff I encountered at the front desk, which were young btw, were super polite, friendly, helpful, and patient.

After check in I asked some info about a couple of local attractions. I was offered one of the electric bikes, which are rented out for free, to get me to Kiyomizu-dera. She made some additional recommendations as well on what to do in the immediate area of Kiyomizu-dera.

Upon returning to the hotel, my room was ready and I was escorted to my room.
The room was amazing, modern Japanese in style (like the rest of the hotel) and felt like home. Stone floors in the main/bedroom and bathroom, tatami floor in the sitting area, large shower area (with a mini rock garden and fake skylight), aromatic Japanese cypress wooden bath tub, Toto washlet, and rice paper doors here and there.

I did not eat at the restaurant in the hotel, but it seemed busy in the morning and afternoon when I was there.

Checkout was quick and I was escorted outside and sent off with an ojigi (bow).
Next time I visit Kyoto I will definitely stay at the Kanra again!

BTW, finding the hotel was easy. After exiting Gojo station, walk south until you see a 711 convenience store (a plus) on your right. The hotel should be in the small street to the left of the 711.
The 711 convenience store around the corner of the hotel is a plus in case you want to buy something.

Stayed early October for two nights. Hotel is conveniently located, walking distance from Kyoto Station, or two bus stops away. Room is spacious and decor is a mix of Japanese and Western style. Staff is very helpful though their knowledge of restaurants is not as good as another boutique hotel I stayed in Kyoto. Drawback of the design of the room is that the lighting around the washing basin area is too dim (separated from the bathroom). Had to move everything closer to the window in order to have enough lighting to have my makeup on!!! :) Counter space is also not enough around the washing basin ( a rectangular shape basin which is relatively huge compare to other hotels). For ladies with makeup and miscellaneous items will find no space to put their stuff.

My wife and I stayed for 4 nights in the twin. I must say.. what an amazing hotel. An indulgence to say the least. Walking around all day, I found myself referring to the hotel as "home". Super comfortable, super design sheek but wonderfully japanese as well. Tatami flooring in living room, wooden bathtub, timber screen entry foyer, even the cups look great! And its only a year old.

We had breakfast and dinner here too. you must try.. don't miss it. The food is sensational. We had wasabi risotto, grilled veggies and creme brûlée. Delicious.. Totemo oiishi.

And of course, our concierge, Tabata, was simply adorable and wonderful. I cant thank them enough for making kyoto the most enjoyable culinary and tourist trip. We're planning to re-visit this hotel every 1-2 years. What more can I say?

PS. yes its not as convenient as some other hotels. But its 8 minutes walks from Kyoto station, and literally 1 min walk to subway entry Gojo. You can actually walk north to Shijo (the centre of town) in 10 minutes too. They have free wifi, iPhone speaker dock, electric bikes, umbrellas, and big smiles. :) For me, its an experience to live there, so the oh-so-slight inconvenience is not even part of the equation.

Wow! Hotel Kanra Kyoto was a pleasure be in and I'm only sorry we couldn't get a 2nd night there. They were booked up and we had to move to another place - also highly rated - but nowhere nearly as satisfying. Kanra is a little off the main road (taxi has to stop at corner) and it is a fusion of modern and Japanese motifs. But the rooms are nothing less than stunning! A very large space too for the cost. Our room had two beds, but they were shoved together to appear as if it was one tremendously long bed. The floors are stone and then transition to oak with bamboo pads. The decor is nothing short of stellar and the bathroom is a real treat too - with a wooden tub and high-tech shower, plenty of space as well. Dual sinks adorn the room just outside the thick glass bathroom entry and a separate WC, complete with top-of-the-line Toto washlet is to the side. The bed was comfy and the linens excellent. Nice robes, TV and free wireless internet in the rooms made this place feel like home. But a nice hotel is not just a bunch of rooms. The service of the staff was top notch and they helped us with dinner reservations, maps, taxi, just about anything and all with a smile. I can't recommend this place enough.