I really enjoyed my stay at this hotel. The location is perfect – close to everything and very convenient for exploring Kyoto. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and I appreciated the peaceful atmosphere. Cleaning was excellent and the staff very helpful!

One downside was the breakfast, especially for vegans or those who are lactose intolerant. There were no plant-based milk options, no fresh fruit available and I couldn’t find any clearly vegan choices.

I have stayed at Hotel Aru twice now. This is my favorite hotel in Kyoto for sure! The staff were super friendly helping us check in. I especially love the rooms that have the nice soaking tub in the bathroom. That’s definitely a plus when you’ve been walking all day around Kyoto. The hotel is also located super close to the Sanjo Keihan Station, Pontocho Alley, the Gion District, and more. It’s a great location to take the trains to see a variety of the best spots.

Seriously the only thing I can think of is that the pillows are not my favorite, but they work. Maybe more laundry machines would also be helpful as they were unavailable every time I checked. Not a big deal to me though.

The hotel is very nice and seems new. The is a place at the rooftop where you can go out and enjoy the view. We had booked a large room and it wasvery nice and really worth it after a long trip in small mountain towns in Japan with more shady accomodation. Turned out the hotel is pretty much on the middle of the tourist trap and we enjoyed the good noise insulation.

We would have appreciated if the personnel at the front desk had given some introduction to the hotel, i.e. that there is tea and hot water for the guests at the ground floor. We tried the hotel bar one evening. We didn't feel very welcome and after a drink we decided to go out.

Loved this hotel! Great location, right alongside a canal covered in cherry blossoms, close to the river, and walking distance from the main tourist drag in Kyoto (Nishiki market, etc.). But, rooms were quiet and comfortable - bigger than average for Japan. Free waters/juices/coffee/tea all day was awesome, and the central dining area is open for spending time later in the day too. Nice bathroom amenities and pajamas. Front desk staff was excellent, able to store luggage both before and after stay. Strongly recommend!

beautifully presented rooms with huge comfy beds - and two pillows. the room was a little on the small side, but we could book a larger room. fantastic free tea selection. didn’t book in the breakfast. bathroom was very spacious and lovely. the staff were very helpful and the hotel is perfectly placed in the city centre at the top of Pontocho St but in a little quiet corner. we booked far enough in advance that the hotel was very well priced.

only comment would be the awkwardly placed light switches by the bed! very convenient to have them so close, but we did turn the lights on by mistake with our heads in the night!

The location was amazing, very walkable to so many things (Nishiki, shopping streets, restaurants, Pontocho, Gion). Drinks (coffee, juice, tea) were available in the lobby for free daily. Has a rooftop lookout, we ate breakfast up there one sunny morning and had a great view.

The king bed was very firm.

I was really impressed with every aspect of this hotel. The staff were very kind and accommodating. The facilities were excellent. Great service. The rooms were very comfortable although the king size room was pretty tight. I plan to stay at this hotel again on my next visit to Kyoto.

I stayed at Aru hotel for 5 days with my husband. We had an amazing time. Impeccable clean and spacious rooms, the view from the twin room was spectacular. Free coffee, premium tea and detox water in the lobby. The staff was super nice. Wonderful experience, we can only dream about this type of room and service at this price tag in Europe… Location was a 10. Bus stop was a minute walk and you can also walk to many beautiful sights in Kyoto. Very lively area with lots of restaurants and bars. Wonderful scenery. I hope I will be back to Japan, Kyoto and this hotel. Thank you.

The hotel was clean , in an excellent location. Our room was a little small but we managed. Shopping, restaurants, attractions- everything is close by. (Walking or from nearest bus station ). Complimentary tea (many varieties) and coffee in the lobby - all day - nice to have a refreshment before or after sightseeing. Bed was on a hard side, but I like it that way, so I was happy. Shower had a strong water pressure, hotel provided all toiletries. Staff is very friendly.

Laundry machine. Do not do laundry there. They have washer and dryer in one machine and it takes forever to dry clothes and even after 3 cycles, jeans are still damp, we had to hang them to dry overnight.

The hotel was clean, comfortable and in a great location. My room was well appointed and an average size for Japan standards. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Breakfast was a good value for the price.

Nothing other than I think I was charged to store my luggage for the day, but it was a reasonable fee.