Hotel Monterey Kyoto, Kyoto

Overall a lovely hotel - it borders on Chintzy but tries to be sleek. Rooms spacious (by Japanese standards). We booked with reward points which made the stay a lot cheaper. The location may not suit everyone as it's in central Kyoto which seemed to be a business area. (Which is ideal if you're a business traveller) - but most of the temples are on the outskirts of the city.

Many employees hanging around but not all efficient:we were stuck with their computer (using100 yens coins & we don't speak japanese),none of them were able to help,they told us one man at the frontdesk could do sthg ,they asked him but he kept on staying on the phone without any intention to shorten his conversation ,we waited & waited & finally gave up(althought the many coins put already for the computer)We have the feeling that they don't care much abut tourists thinking we never come back ,as they are much more demanded by the weddings in their chapel .We love kyoto & will come back next year with the children but won't come to this hotel ,the staff should understand their behaviour is most important to guest ,this is unforgivable for a hotel of that standard.As for the room with city view ,we looked out the window & have a very "nice view"of 2 big skyscrapers hiding everything,nice indeed ...)the hotel was not full when we stayed for 2 nights there ,why that uncommercial gesture towards tourists who come from so far away We don't think we'll recommend this hotel

The hotel staff were very helpful. We had booked two nights in a semi-double but then decided to stay another night. Unfortunately all the semi-doubles had gone so booked a standard room for our last night. When it came to the change, it went so smoohly. While we were out sightseeing, our luggage was moved to the new room and we returned to find that even our milk in the fridge had been moved, with a polite note to let us know. There was no disruption to our stay whatsoever. The hotel is ideally positioned for sightseeing, being within walking distance of Nijo Castle, the shopping areas and Ginza. There is a Family Mart across the road for supplies of coffee tea and cakes etc. An internet shop is two minutes down the road. There is a free-standing church within the hotel - a superb wedding venue.