MADOKA Kyoto Station West

There was enough room for our luggage and to move around, and the toilet and shower were in separate rooms. The place felt a bit like an AirBnB, possibly a converted apartment building in a residential neighborhood. Staff availability was very limited. After checking in I didn’t see anyone again, though they did bring one towel when I asked.

This was the best hotel on my trips to Japan. The room was roomy even with an extra futon for three people, with a tatami area that made it feel like staying in Japan. There’s a water dispenser, a lifesaver for someone like me who drinks like a fish, plus an ice machine and microwave. There was only one washer-dryer, though, and I hope they add more. It’s self-service, with cleaning every three nights. You can ask for garbage pickup daily, but I usually put food waste in the laundry room bin, which was fine. The hotel locks down for safety after 11pm, but you can get back in with your room key. It’s a bit far from the station, though the flat, uncrowded route was manageable even with big luggage. Watch the step in the laundry room, we tripped or nearly fell there twice after forgetting about it. I also couldn’t work out the AC remote, so one night was too hot, another too cold, and one night it suddenly got hot in the middle of the night. Maybe they could provide instructions for using it.

I liked having both a regular bed and a Japanese-style sleeping option. I chose the regular bed in the end and used the tatami area as a spot for tea and coffee. I just wish they’d asked which option I wanted.

You don’t get much of a view, and the trains going by nearby can make nights a bit noisy. They leave free earplugs in the lobby. Still, it’s cheaper and roomier than most places, very close to Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower and the Aquarium, and quite reasonable for the price despite needing a few more amenities.