Have you stayed at a traditional Japanese inn?

For those of you who have been to Japan, have you stayed at a ryokan? If so, what was it like during your stay? What did you like about it and why? I’ve read and done some research on them and I heard some very good things about ryokans. Were the staff friendly and did they render any hospitality? Were there any ryokan in Japan where the staff spoke any English? If I stayed at a ryokan, what will I need, and do they have any showers there? I know some ryokans have an onsen or a hot spring bath, and I know some ryokan etiquette.