Carta Hotel KyotoBettei

The location was decent, with most places walkable, and the room was big for Japan. But I’d still take a smaller room if it meant sleeping comfortably. The bed was rock hard, and I couldn’t sleep. When I asked to get my money back after booking four nights so I could move elsewhere, they refused and offered a thin topper that barely helped. I ended up adding another duvet and just about managed. The awkwardly placed headboard left a gap between the bed and wall, so it wasn’t somewhere you could sit and relax. The shower was a wet room, and cleaning only happened every five days, which seemed strange. I wouldn't stay again. I'd pick a business hotel where I could get a comfortable night's sleep. I’m puzzled by the good reviews and felt a bit misled. I wonder if it’s because they give a free Starbucks voucher to people who leave a positive review.

We really liked the spacious room, and the lobby was quiet and pleasant. The staff were kind and the service was good. Coffee was nice too, though only available during certain hours. We watched the Olympics from bed. Nearby, you can get Melon Pan at Konbini stores like Family Mart, and there’s an amazing ramen place, Men-ya Takakura Nijo!

Our Japanese Western room was spacious by Japanese standards. There’s a laundry machine on the second floor, but after an hour in the dryer our clothes were still damp. Carta Hotel was a great place to stay. It’s a short walk from Karasuma Oike station, with 7-11, Lawson's, and two Family Marts close by. The staff were friendly and helpful, suggesting places to eat and things to do around Kyoto.

The location made it easy to get around, with Nishiki Market about a 10-minute walk away and the nearest train station just four minutes off. Grocery stores, 7-Eleven locations, cafés, and restaurants were all nearby. We spent three nights at Carta Hotel and had a wonderful time. It was very clean, and the staff were welcoming and friendly throughout. The amenities were a pleasant surprise, especially the shampoo and other beauty products. They'd put together useful kits with a sponge, comb, and toothbrush, and even had a hair straightener and curling iron as well as a hair dryer. I highly recommend it.