Sakai Plaza of Rikyu and Akiko

The onsen is not big but it is clean and has a peaceful atmosphere. Drinks are provided in the common area and it is perfect after using the onsen. Breakfast and dinner provided were of good quality. The staff speaks good English and they were very helpful.

The hotel is a bit underwhelming. I still do not understand why it is rated so highly on Expedia. It feels more like an okay apartment (nothing fancy) than a hotel. The bed covers were stained with what looked like blood, and they had to move me to a different room. The AC was very loud, and I had to use air plugs to sleep (it is very warm in Kyoto in the summer, so sleeping without AC was not an option). Also, the windows are blurred, so you do not get any view. The location is okay, as it is not far from Kyoto station. Some nice things, the place might be ideal if you are traveling in a large group (my room had two queen beds and a sofa that could transform into a third bed). It also had a four persons dinning table, a properly sized fridge and freezer, a microwave and a washing machine, so it may also be ideal for long stays.