M’s Hotel Sanjo Wakoku

This was poor service and poor value, and I wouldn’t recommend the hotel. The receptionist was unfriendly and unhelpful. There was only one very flat pillow per bed, and when we asked for another, we were told none were available in a very unpleasant manner. Later, we asked for hangers to dry our clothes. The receptionist seemed unwilling and gave us just two, though there were three of us. The room was extremely small, with barely enough space to stand properly. The sizes shown on booking sites are misleading because of the wide-angle photos. For such a tiny room, it wasn’t worth the price, especially since we booked months ahead, in June for a December stay. I’m not sure why I can’t leave this review on booking.com, but it was a very disappointing stay.

The shower foam and shampoo had a lovely bergamot scent. There’s a washer, filtered water machine, smoking room, and microwave in the lobby, and the hotel is quiet with all the basic necessities covered. It’s about a five-minute walk to the train station, and across the river you’ll find the shopping and food district. I’d stay here again next time.

We’ve stayed at more than 30 hotels in Japan, and this one had the worst service. One reason we choose hotels here is that they usually help arrange luggage delivery to airports or other towns. Staff typically fill out the forms and we just pay. Here, the staff only sent us a link and expected us to complete everything ourselves. When we explained that the linked service only delivered within Kansai and couldn’t send our luggage to Narita, and asked them to use Yamato Transport instead, they didn’t even bother to call Yamato.

After we unpacked and showered, we found that opening the window required a key. We went to reception to ask for it, but the woman there said the window in our room couldn’t be opened. When I asked how we were supposed to get oxygen, she only repeated that she was sorry, but the window wouldn’t open. Now we have to leave the room door open to get some air from the corridor. The air conditioner is weak and doesn’t help with the stale air either. Very unhappy with the hotel, and I wouldn’t book here again. Apparently they think oxygen in the rooms is unnecessary 🤨 :(