APA Hotel Kyoto Eki Horikawadori

The hotel offers a luxurious urban escape, renowned for its rooftop public bath with its sauna and open-air hot tub, providing a relaxing experience after a day of exploration. Guests consistently praise its excellent location near Kyoto Station, overall cleanliness, attentive staff, and value for money. It is ideal for sightseers and business travelers seeking convenience and relaxation, with efficient services and proximity to transport making it suitable for those who prioritize exploring the city. Solo travelers and couples will find the compact yet well-equipped rooms practical for short stays. To enhance your visit, guests are advised to utilize the public bath for a unique experience and to be mindful of the compact room sizes, especially if traveling with large luggage.

Facilities & Amenities
The rooftop public bath, complete with a sauna and open-air hot tub, is a major draw, providing a relaxing experience for many guests. However, it is important to note that the public bath has a tattoo policy, restricting entry for tattoos larger than 6 inches. The hotel also offers laundry facilities, though some guests found the number of machines insufficient for the hotel's size, leading to long waits. Free Wi-Fi is available, though a few guests reported spotty connections. Rooms are equipped with various amenities such as water bottles, quality shower heads, and robes, enhancing guest comfort. A money exchange booth is also available, adding to the convenience for international travelers.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, though some noted occasional issues with dust or missed spots during cleaning. The room size is consistently described as small or tiny, particularly for two people or those with large suitcases, often requiring creative solutions for luggage storage. Despite the compact space, the beds are generally found to be comfortable, contributing to a restful sleep. However, feedback on pillows is mixed, with some finding them too hard. Noise levels are a significant concern for many, as the thin walls mean conversations, alarms, and even television sounds from adjacent rooms are often audible, impacting sleep quality. In-room amenities like coffee makers and vanity dressers are appreciated.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast receives positive feedback from most guests, often described as delicious and offering a wide variety of options. The buffet includes both Western and Japanese cuisine, with many appreciating the inclusion of Kyoto specialties such as yuba (tofu skin) and various small dishes. Some guests specifically enjoyed the fresh olive bread and granola. While the food quality is generally praised, a few guests mentioned that the hot food could be warmer. The restaurant atmosphere is typically busy, reflecting the hotel's popularity. Despite some finding the breakfast price a bit high, many felt the quality and selection justified the cost, making it a satisfying start to the day.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, situated within a short 5 to 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station, making it highly convenient for accessing trains, subways, and buses to explore the city. Guests appreciate its proximity to various public transportation options, simplifying travel to major attractions. A significant convenience is the 7-Eleven located right next door or accessible via a back entrance, providing easy access to snacks and essentials. The area also offers numerous restaurants and shopping options within walking distance. While parking is available, guests note it can be expensive and sometimes limited, with some larger vehicles needing alternative arrangements.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlight their willingness to assist with inquiries, provide local knowledge, and accommodate requests. The check-in process is generally described as quick and easy, often utilizing self-service machines, though some found this less intuitive. The hotel offers convenient luggage storage both before check-in and after check-out, which is greatly appreciated by travelers. Additionally, the option to ship luggage to other hotels or the airport is a valuable service. Most interactions reflect a professional and welcoming approach, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests planning to use the public bath should be aware of the tattoo policy, which restricts entry for tattoos exceeding 6 inches. This is an important consideration for some international travelers. Another recurring theme is the challenge with room temperature control; many guests reported rooms being too warm with limited ability to adjust the air conditioning, sometimes necessitating opening windows, which then introduces street noise. While the check-in process is generally efficient, some guests noted a strict policy against early check-in, even if rooms are ready, leading to queues. The hotel offers a convenient luggage shipping service to other destinations, though delivery times may vary.