Ryokan recommendations in Kyoto

Hi, I am looking for a nice ryokan to stay in for a week this August in Kyoto. My price range is in the 4000-5000 range, if possible under 6000.

I have looked at SO many places in this range - there are really so many choices at this range, it's ridiculous!

That's why I'd like to ask here, and get some actual input from people who have stayed at some of these places themselves.

I am not too picky, since I will be alone. My preferences are

-No smoking building if possible
-A communal shower room, with many showers as opposed to having to line up waiting for your turn to use one shower
-Would be nice to have no curfue, or at least a reasonably late one (11pm or midnight)
-Also would be nice to have a large bath to stay in at night, again one that is big enough to share as opposed to waiting. Or perhaps a ryokan that is next to a bath house. If you know of one with an open-air bath, that would be excellent!

Thanks for the advice!

A friend of mine has stayed in this place and recommended it - it does not have non-smoking rooms, but each room comes with bath and toilet, and the hotel has a big bath to share as well. Location is very good:

http://www.kanko.jp/wh/ryokan-kyoto/index.html

Hi thanks for the input, I actually came across that one. It's a bit 'lower' than what I was looking for if you know what I mean ;)

I have since booked a week at Kinsuikan which is just down the road from where I need to be, so it all worked out (I hope).

I reserved it at 5250 per night using ITCJ, which is a bit cheaper than the site's official price of 5775 ;)

http://homepage3.nifty.com/kinsuikan/eng/index.html

If anyone has any input on this one, please share it!

i stayed in this ryokan last dec and i like it, location also very good.

http://www.kamogawa-kan.co.jp/english/index.html

it's usually full early though, check it out.

The Shimizu ryokan, located close to the JR station (10 min walk), very clean and very very friendly people
http://www.kyoto-shimizu.net/