Smile Hotel Kyoto Shijo

I was able to enter my Room a little before the check-in time. While many nearby Hotels start check-in at 3:00 PM, being able to stay here from 2:00 PM until 11:00 AM the next day was the deciding factor. The location is also great—just a few minutes’ walk from Shijo-Karasuma—and it’s convenient for getting anywhere, not only via the subway and Hankyu line but also from the nearby Shijo Nishinotoin bus stop.The Room had everything I needed, including an air purifier permanently installed, so there was nothing lacking. If I had to mention one thing, it’s that you need to pick up amenities such as loungewear and toothbrushes near reception. However, I think taking only what you need is good from an eco-friendly perspective. It’s very reasonably priced, and it’s especially nice that stays in midwinter or midsummer can be reserved at particularly affordable rates.

[What I liked]Facing Shijo-dori, so it felt safe even at night. The Room isn’t large, but it’s not cramped either; there was enough space to open a large suitcase. The air conditioning is a bit old, but you can adjust the temperature and fan speed. Not sure if you can switch between cooling and heating. Even with the lights off, the refrigerator and air conditioner stayed on, so it wasn’t hot when I came back. Two power outlets by the bed. There’s a FamilyMart nearby, and there’s also a 24-hour supermarket diagonally across the street—very convenient.[Information]No amenities are placed in the Room at all, so you need to pick up nightwear, a toothbrush, etc., from in front of the front desk and take them up yourself. There is no cleansing oil or toner/lotion. From Shijo-Karasuma Station, it’s just under about a 10-minute walk at an easy pace while pulling a suitcase. Exit 26 is convenient.[What didn’t suit me]There was a humidifying air purifier, but it seemed old so I didn’t use it. When filling the bathtub, the water flow was extremely weak and took a long time. For towel replacement (and trash), you put them in a foldable basket (a faux-leather basket) and leave it outside your door. I appreciate that staff don’t enter the Room, but you have to put out not only bath towels and bath mats but also regular towels—so I couldn’t use them after putting them out, which was inconvenient. It sounded like they wouldn’t replace them unless you put them out… so I did—but still felt unsure about it. I’ve seen systems where you leave your trash bin outside sometimes; am I the only one who doesn’t really like that? The key isn’t a card key; it’s an old-style key that feels somewhat heavy to carry around. The Room lighting is mainly orange-toned and slightly dim.During the Gion Festival (Ato Matsuri), after the parade ends some floats remain near this Hotel for a while, so there were crowds and parts of the sidewalk became impassable—I had to go around via back streets unexpectedly.I got good value overall for what I paid. Thank you for having me stay here.