We stayed in this hotel for 2 nights. I was a little apprehensive, considering some of the other reviews I'd read. However, we only have positive experiences to report. The hotel staff was incredibly friendly and their command of English was good. We were greeted happily and politely by staff every time we walked in and out of the hotel. The room itself was perfectly fine and virtually identical to the 3 rooms we've stayed in in Tokyo and Kyoto. The bed and mattress were OK, even though they were small. But that seems to be the case with all Japanese hotel rooms .... For the price, it's great value. Interestingly, this was also the only hotel room that had English language programs on tv, so we were able to watch movies etc. Also, the location could not be better. Right in the middle of things, shops and restaurants galore and close to Nara park with all the sights.
Definitely recommended!