Wayfarer Hotel Kyoto Shijo

The staff really made our two-month stay: they were always welcoming, friendly and ready to help. The hotel isn’t designed for a long stay, since it’s a hotel rather than an aparthotel, but we still had a very positive experience. The beds were comfortable, the rooms a decent size and the place was clean. The bathroom was the main drawback, quite small and almost like a box inside the room. We also had two small room issues at first, but they were fixed promptly. The location is excellent, and I’d definitely book again.

For three people staying three nights, this was affordable and good value. The hotel was modern and comfortable, with Shijo Station just a short walk away. Staff were polite, helpful and fluent in English. We did notice that the bathroom was a little dirty when we arrived, and the room usually smelled strange when we came back in the evening, possibly because the ventilation wasn’t great. Those were minor issues for us given the price.

The front desk staff were warm and helpful, and we found the tatami room comfortable for our family of four adults. It had enough space, two large storage cabinets, and nightwear was a welcome extra. There weren’t shelves in the hallway, but storage overall was sufficient. Toiletries included a razor, hairbrush and hair tie. Free coffee and tea were available, and there’s a good coin laundry.

Wayfarer Shijo felt a bit like staying in a friend’s spare apartment, with housekeeping every few days. We found the price fair for what was provided, though Kyoto hotel prices seem to have fallen quite a bit, so there are plenty of alternatives if you want a standard hotel experience. The location was peaceful but still accessible, and the 25T room, with beds and a balcony, was spacious by Japanese standards and worked well for the two of us. The bedding was clean and the staff friendly. There were visible scuff marks, especially in the bathroom, and the aircon and fridge were somewhat noisy. The TV remote was dusty, so we wrapped it in clear plastic before using it. Reading earlier reviews and keeping expectations in check helps.