So, over all, Hostel Ryokan was amazing. Going down the list:
The service was phenominal. My friend got sick while there and Chika, the owner, made him soup. Over all, Chika is amazing. She is so warm and kind and makes you feel welcome. We were allowed to check in early and check out late, which was supremely generous of her. So 10/10 for Service.
Cleanliness was top notch. The main room was a bit cluttered, but everything was spotless. 10/10 for Cleanliness.
The beds in the hostel were great. Long enough to accommodate my tall friend, warm enough for my chilly self, and very comfortable. We did rent a private room, so I cannot speak to how sharing the common bedrooms were, but we never heard a peep from them, so I suspect they were quite peaceful as well. 10/10 for Comfort.
As I mentioned earlier, the common room was a bit cluttered, and the building was certainly nothing to look twice at from the outside, but overall the condition was very satisfactory for the price-point. 8/10 for Condition.
So, the one poor point is the location. You are way outside of downtown Kyoto (though you are quite close to the Thousand Gates hike), but the good news is that you are only two blocks from the subway station, so getting around is a breeze. We did not mind having to take the subway into the downtown (only two stops), but the area still is not that scenic. 6/10 for Local Area.
I hope to stay here again when I next visit. 10/10.