Smile Hotel Kyoto Shijo

This hotel offers a highly convenient urban base, distinguished by its central location that provides exceptional access to public transportation and local attractions. It is an excellent fit for sightseers eager to explore the city's landmarks, business travelers seeking efficient commutes, and solo travelers or couples looking for a well-situated and comfortable stay. Families also find it suitable due to its practical amenities and proximity to essential services. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff, convenient location, good breakfast, and overall value for money. To enhance your experience, be mindful that the air conditioning is centrally controlled and the hotel utilizes a traditional key system that requires leaving your key at the front desk when departing.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides practical laundry facilities with coin-operated machines, which are a significant convenience for longer stays, though guests note they operate during limited hours and require coins. Many appreciate the availability of free amenities at the front desk, allowing guests to take only what they need. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator and a kettle, adding to the comfort of the stay. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests reported inconsistent quality. The presence of numerous power outlets in the rooms is a welcome feature for charging multiple devices. A recurring point of feedback concerns the air conditioning, which is centrally controlled for the entire building, leading to rooms sometimes being too warm or cold depending on the season, with staff offering fans or suggesting windows be opened.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness is generally positive, with rooms often described as well-maintained, though some reviews mention isolated issues such as hair in the bathrooms or minor mildew and old stains. The comfortable beds consistently receive praise, contributing to a restful night's sleep. However, many guests find the room size to be quite compact, typical for Japanese hotels, which can make managing luggage challenging. Noise is a significant concern for some, with reports of sounds from adjacent rooms due to thin walls, as well as occasional street noise. The pillows are frequently described as hard or uncomfortable, impacting sleep quality for some.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is a notable highlight for many guests, offering a wide selection of both Western options and traditional Japanese dishes. Most guests find the food quality to be good, with many praising the taste and variety available. The breakfast is often described as a great value, and the ability to book it on the same day is appreciated. While the spread is generally well-received, some guests note that certain fried items may not always be served hot, and for longer stays, the menu can become somewhat monotonous. The presence of a coffee machine is also a welcome addition for morning beverages.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently lauded as a major advantage, placing guests within easy reach of numerous attractions and essential services. It is conveniently situated near multiple bus stops and metro stations, facilitating effortless travel throughout the city. Guests appreciate the short walking distance to popular areas like the main shopping street and Nishiki Market. The surrounding neighborhood is bustling with a wide array of restaurants, convenience stores, and supermarkets, providing ample dining and shopping options. While parking is available nearby, guests should be aware that it can be expensive.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for their friendly and helpful demeanor. Guests frequently highlight their attentive service, noting their willingness to assist with inquiries, provide local recommendations, and accommodate requests such as early check-ins or luggage storage. The quick check-in and check-out processes contribute to a smooth arrival and departure experience. Many guests appreciate that the English-speaking staff are readily available, making communication easy for international visitors. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, significantly enhancing the guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel utilizes a traditional key system, requiring guests to leave their room key at the front desk every time they exit the building. The laundry facilities are coin-operated and have specific operating hours, which some guests found restrictive. A convenient feature is the self-service amenities station at the front desk, allowing guests to pick up toiletries and other items as needed. The centralized air conditioning system means that individual room temperature control is limited, which can be a point of discomfort for some. Additionally, the room cleaning policy typically involves cleaning every three days, with daily towel changes available upon request.