Smart Place Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya East

We were here for four nights. It’s a straightforward, no-frills hotel in a handy spot near the train and bus stops. The room was a good size, the bed was comfortable, and there was useful storage under it for our bags. The issue was finding long black hairs in the room and bathroom that weren’t ours, since we’re blonde men. Maybe the staff’s low-power suction-only stick vacuums aren’t strong enough. Apart from that, it was a decent stay.

The rooms were more spacious than any other place we’ve stayed in Japan so far, and really nice. They had comfortable beds, a kettle that worked, and a little couch or chair. I’d definitely recommend them.

The location is good, the rooms are a decent size, the beds are comfortable, and the bathrooms are good. But for AUD 690 for three nights, I’d expect the bins to be emptied and the coffee area freshened up. We had the same mug for the whole stay and nowhere to wash it. The room wasn’t serviced, and the hallways were strewn with guests’ rubbish, old towels, and sheets. Disgusting.

A clean, modern, comfortable hotel right in the heart of Kyoto, and we got it for a bargain price. One thing that caught me out was the fridge. It seemed broken, but it only works when a key card is in the power slot by the door. No card in the slot means the room has no electricity, including the fridge. Reception didn’t explain this, so keep it in mind, especially if you want the fridge running while you’re out.