We stayed in Kyoto in 2008 at Bola-Bola. It was great and everything we had hoped. It is very affordable, inviting family, spacious rooms, and decent location. The owner pointed out a nice nearby onsen after our late arrival. It was a great stay. I will stay here again when I visit Kyoto next time.

friendly, clean very comfortable even though tradtional mattresses on floor. lovely family. great restaurant in walking distance. easy to get around kyoto from there. stayed before sept 10

I'm the kind of person who plans things on the fly, and my girlfriend is not. We were staying in Tokyo and decided to take a two day trip to Kyoto without advance reservations and we ended up finding Bola Bola because of a tour book she bought. We picked it because it was one of the cheapest places that... More

My boyfriend and I went to Kyoto on a vacation from our jobs teaching English in Korea over New Years '10-'11. We originally booked this place because everything else was already booked since it was New Years, but I feel like it was destiny that this was the case. This place just gave me the best feeling and when I... More

Unfortunately, we only stayed one night because it was booked when we wanted to prolong our stay. Staff is the best! Provided us with free maps (hand drawn - we still have them as souvenirs), pointed out the best places to go, kept our bags, etc. Rooms are spacious (for Japan). Toilets and showers (squeaky clean!) are only downstairs, while... More

Very friendly, helpful host who provided us with maps and reccommendations of things to see and do in Kyoto. Only one train stop away from Ashyiama which is on my must see list for Kyoto - not only does it have a world heritage site, it's landscape is stunning, tofu restaurant superb and shopping is fun. Only 2 or 3... More

To be honest we were on a tight budget and booked Bola Bola because it was cheap, not expecting too much. What we got was absolutely perfect, it felt like home. The owner was extremely helpful, the rooms were clean, the beds were extremely comfy, the kitchen was useful to have, and the showers were very powerful. Staying there was... More

I think this place is perfect if you are a young student/traveler on a tight budget. It is a great hostel type of accommodation. It is a good option if you are that type of traveler. However, I do not fit into that category and felt it was not an appropriate fit for me. But, the owners are so kind... More

It's soooo cute and gives you more the traditional inn (ryokan) feeling. If you're looking for more of the tatami mats and futon experience, this would be a good place for you. It's a family-run place, and they couldn't be friendlier. One of our little group had hurt her ankle and they were so considerate and helpful with making her... More