Hotel Sasarindou

The location worked perfectly for sightseeing, with all the major attractions just a short walk away. My room was spotlessly clean, and the staff were friendly and attentive from the moment I checked in. I had a wonderful stay and would definitely book again. Highly recommend!

The front desk service was horrible. I tried changing the music in the common lobby area, and the front desk person threw what seemed like a child’s tantrum. Later, I asked him to come upstairs because I’d found the light switch on the floor and it wasn’t working. When he came up, he said I had broken it. He seemed very unstable and acted like a child. Please find someone who can communicate better with the public and tourists.

The room was so warm that we turned the heat off and opened the window, even though it was early March and around 50°F. The traditional Japanese breakfast, served from 07:00-09:00, was lovely. It’s a smaller hotel, so things run on a smaller scale: they don’t clean rooms daily, but drop off fresh towels. The location is right in the heart of Gion, so it’s easy to walk around and close to buses and trains. I wouldn’t recommend staying here if you’re sensitive to mold or have mold illness. I noticed a concerning amount of black mold in the shower unit, and who knows where else it might be growing.

The only breakfast option is traditional Japanese, with no continental or European choices. That was a bit of a surprise, but it was delicious. It’s a very central traditional hotel in Kyoto, with a super big, clean room and an equally spacious bathroom. A/C is available, and there are lots of toiletries at the entrance, plus a kettle, tea, and coffee.