The L.A. Mart Hotel Kyoto

The beds were the highlight for us, really soft and comfortable, the kind you sink into and don't want to leave. Our room had two twin beds and a decent amount of space. The hotel is in a handy spot, with a 7/11 nearby and long shopping streets full of places to eat and browse. We picked up lots of different souvenirs there. You have to leave your key at the front desk whenever you go out, though it’s easy and the staff are kind. We heard some street noise through the thin walls, but were tired enough to tune it out. Had a great two-night stay, though light sleepers may notice the noise.

We liked the location, and the staff were friendly during our two-night stay. But the room felt almost like a bunker, with barely any fresh air, and it didn’t seem very clean. We didn’t mention it at reception because there wasn’t one specific thing we could point out. Since leaving, one of us has developed an infected eye, and both of us have strange rashes and itching. I’m not sure I’d recommend this hotel.

There was no daily housekeeping, and sleeping on two single beds pushed together as a queen was uncomfortable. The bathroom fan didn’t work, the lighting was extremely dim, and the room smelled damp and stale as soon as we entered. This room isn’t even worth one star. Avoid it at any cost.

The rooms are on the small side, but the beds were cozy and really comfortable, and for the price that’s hard to beat. We had no cleaning service during our stay, though the front desk could provide towels and anything else we needed. The staff at LA Mart were helpful and available around the clock. The neighborhood was lovely and clean, with a major shopping area and lots of food within walking distance. We had an amazing time in Kyoto.