Rob P.
Yelp
My friends and I booked the Hearton Hotel in Kyoto for the Gion Matsuri Festival, and it was a great choice. The hotel was a block away from where the parade starts, so we had a great view after rolling out of bed a few minutes earlier.
The hotel is a bit out of the way but nearby a subway stop and a convenience store, as all hotels in Japan are. We enjoyed the quick walk to the Imperial Palace, and the rest of the city is easily accessible via foot.
The beds were pretty firm, but we slept well regardless. Front desk staff was nice and accomodating, and there was cold green tea at the lobby most times. No free coffee, but they provided an electric kettle in the room. My friend utilized the self service laundry, which was 200 yen for the wash and 100 yen for the dry, though his clothes came out wet so I'd say you'd have to do it twice. He also paid 30 yen at reception for detergent, which was a much better deal than what he found at the convience store.
We got a great price on the hotel, and I'd be happy to stay there again. Though I wouldn't mind a litte bit closer to the center as the 15 minute walk got a bit old in the 90+ degree heat!