【至の宿・南】【maple season】7min Kyoto Sta./Open-Air Bath

I was already worried about checking in because this was a whole hotel, and the reservation email's phone number didn't answer. After looking it up, I found another number on the website and called because the name on the building's noren curtain didn't match the address. The person who answered said they'd only just joined the company and didn't know the curtain's name, so I couldn't work out where to go. Even after meeting them, I still couldn't find it. We wandered around for minutes in the heat and rain and ended up back at the first noren curtain, which had a different name. The door still wouldn't open, so we had to wait in the heat. It was a complete disaster, and the supposed five-minute walk turned out to be quite a distance. I also understand there's a 200 yen accommodation tax per person. I paid it for my one-year-old, but at another hotel the next day, only the adult was charged. Which is right? We couldn't use the open-air bath because the balcony of a neighboring house looked straight into it. The bottom of the bucket was black and dirty, probably moldy. It was a huge disappointment, especially on a memorable first trip with my mother. I was quite shocked.

The bedroom and bathtub were as clean as the photos suggested, and the amenities were very clean too. The microwave and electric kettle were made by BALMUDA. I stayed with my children, who were thrilled that it was a two-story building, and we slept soundly because it was very quiet at night. The price was so low that I hadn't expected much, but I highly recommend it for families.

I thought about canceling because of the spread-prevention measures, but the accommodation told me there would be a cancellation fee. They said the same would apply even if I got COVID-19. I wish they'd been more flexible. I think places like this are part of why infections are spreading. This company's customer service is awful.

I was here for work, and the room was clean and really relaxing. I'll definitely come again!