Stay SAKURA Kyoto ZEN

The check-in staff were very nice, and the amenities cover the basics well. Noise from the intersection can be loud when speeding bikers pass, but I could manage that. The bigger problem was people in rooms upstairs, or possibly several rooms, making a lot of noise against the thin walls. From 7 pm until 1 am there was constant stomping, banging, and dropping or throwing things. It made it hard to relax or get to sleep early, and after some particularly loud bangs I could feel the floor, chair, or bed shaking. I’m still staying here now.

The room was clean, new, and much bigger than most, with a washing machine. The walls are thin, so I could hear people walking upstairs and neighbours moving around. The area is quiet, but not well placed for eating or visiting places, and the subway is a solid 20-minute walk. Buses are nearby and go to the main sights, though they’re crowded.

It’s clean, neat, and quiet, with a supermarket and places to eat within walking distance. The kitchenette has cookware and utensils if you want to make a light meal. Parking costs extra and isn’t always available nearby. There’s a step at the entrance on the ground floor or first floor, so it isn’t convenient for wheelchair users.

There wasn’t much nearby, but it was a great hotel, or Airbnb, I guess. Check-in was all online, with no one there in person, and that worked great too.