Hotel Unizo Kyoto Shijo Karasuma

The location in Shijo is excellent for exploring Kyoto, and the lobby is cute and very Instagrammable. Staff were friendlier than at some other places I’ve stayed. But the room cleanliness was such a letdown that I wouldn’t return unless it improves. There was dust on the bedside table and headboard, and it felt as if only the center of the room had been wiped. I also found stray hairs on the bathroom floor and shower wall. The carpet had stains that made me keep my socks on. The modern look is fun, and it might suit someone who just needs a place to crash, but style doesn’t make up for poor hygiene. If you expect a spotless room, I’d look elsewhere. I really wanted to like this hotel because the design is trendy and the location is a 10/10. It looks great in photos, but fell down on basic cleanliness.

The room was clean and comfortable, with a well-kept bathroom and bed, and had what I needed after long days exploring. Nishiki Market is nearby for food and shopping, and there are a few Indian restaurants close by too. ibis Styles Kyoto Shijo is a convenient base for getting around. Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line is within walking distance, and the bus stop just outside made visits to popular places easy. Ninenzaka is about 10-15 minutes away by bus or taxi. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for comfort, good transport links, and a handy Kyoto location.

The reception staff were five-star, but breakfast was more like three: boring, cold, and uninspiring. That was my biggest disappointment, so I’d avoid it. I picked this hotel for its convenient location and transport connections around Kyoto. My room felt dated, which is understandable, but it could use some improvements, like a bigger safe and a few shelves for storage.

The staff were fantastic, welcoming, and helpful. When one of our suitcases broke, they arranged disposal for a small fee, and they offered umbrellas when it rained. Laundry facilities were useful too. The location worked well for us. Our room was small, as expected, but smelled strongly of cigarette smoke, especially the bathroom, even though it was a non-smoking room. The air purifier didn’t clear it, and with no windows that opened, it was hard to feel comfortable. There was also dust on the bed frame and wooden furniture, and each guest had just one very flat pillow. Better cleaning, pillows, and removing the smoke smell would bring this hotel to a 5/5 for us.