S-Peria Hotel Kyoto

The location and facilities were decent, and I enjoyed the onsen and vending machines. But the service was among the worst I’ve had in Japan. I sometimes avoid speaking Japanese at hotels to see how staff treat guests. I went to the front desk to ask about laundry, and a staff member told me they only had a coin washer. I thanked her and headed toward the elevator. Then I heard another staff member ask why she hadn’t given me the laundry service sheet. Her reply was, “cus he was seriously annoying”.

The hotel was clean and quiet, with plenty of natural light through the window, plush beds, and friendly staff who were happy to answer questions. I enjoyed my stay and paid for breakfast one morning, though it was just okay. It’s a good fit if you’re renting a bike or going on a tour. Getting around was the drawback. It can take 20-30 minutes to get anywhere, if you’re lucky. Nishiki market is a 26 minute bus ride away, and although Kyoto station is one convenient stop away, the train doesn’t come very often. I might choose somewhere more central next time.

The onsen was better than the ones I’ve tried at other Kyoto hotels, which was the main reason I booked. But getting to the shopping areas on 4th Street was inconvenient. Buses took a long time, and walking was about 30 minutes. My room was extremely cramped. Once my suitcase was open, there was barely space to move. Housekeeping was also a problem: a housekeeper accidentally stepped on my belongings inside my trolley. I mentioned it at the front desk the next morning, but the staff seemed unaware, which was frustrating. I believe they learned about my concerns after I posted this review on Google. I stayed five nights in a dark second-floor room facing the backyard, with no natural light even in the morning. As a solo traveler, that was disheartening. It seemed to me that group bookings were given priority over individual guests. Based on my experience, I wouldn’t recommend the hotel to someone traveling alone or with a partner.

The public bath was just what I needed after long days of walking. The hotel staff were excellent, and everything was very clean. It’s in a quiet area with easy access to buses and trains. A great place to stay in Kyoto, recommended.