Natural Hot Spring Super Hotel Kyoto Shijo Kawaram

I really enjoyed this hotel. It’s a convenient base for exploring Kyoto, and the facilities are plentiful. Breakfast was a favorite, healthy and with the feel of a Japanese family meal. From 1800-2000, there’s a welcome drink session where you can sample different kinds of Japanese alcohol. The onsen was great too, and the price is inexpensive.

I especially liked being able to pick my pillow from several options with different thicknesses and firmness. I wish every hotel offered that. The Onsen was pleasant, the breakfast was good but busy each morning, and the staff were polite and helpful. The hotel also pays attention to its environmental impact. It’s clean and very nice, with a great location if you want to stay near Gion. Little conveniences make things easier, like using a door code instead of having another card to keep track of.

The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, and we got free drinks and ice cream every day. After busy days, the in-house hot spring (Onsen) was a godsend. We also happened to catch a complimentary Maiko performance during our stay. The hotel is right by Shijo Kawaramachi station and the Tewaramachi shopping area, with local sights close at hand. Breakfast had an amazing spread, including lots of traditional Japanese food.

I left feeling disappointed. My concerns weren’t properly accommodated, and the hotel didn’t adequately address an issue I had with another guest. I also couldn’t use the hot spring facilities because of the strict scheduling restrictions. I don’t expect to return. Management should improve staffing, security presence and surveillance, and customer service so guests can get better support when problems come up.