Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sakaiza Shijo Kawaramachi

Kyoto has a lot of nice hotels, so why stay here? The number one reason is its great location close to several train lines, many bus stops and many restaurants and stores in a major shopping area. We have been to Kyoto a number of times and this hotel has been our favorite because of the location, rooms and excellent service. We stayed for a week in a twin room on the 8th floor. There are 9 floors with about 8 rooms on floors 3-9. All rooms face west. Our room was good-sized, well-equipped. In addition to a large flat screen TV (with only local channels) there was a tea kettle, mini fridge, microwave and combo washer/dryer. There were also some plates and utensils. Often overlooked in these reviews is that the bed was very comfortable, and the hotel was very quiet. The hotel was newish, stylish and with a helpful staff. I particularly enjoyed the free coffee machine in the lobby and having my latte out on the 2nd floor patio. The English instructions for the washer/dryer were detailed but complicated. However, a staff member came up and showed us that we only needed to push 2 buttons after adding the hotel provided detergent. Out taxi driver from the train station had difficulty in figuring out where to drop us off as the hotel is on a pedestrian alleyway about 150 feet off the main street. The best drop off is where Shin-Kygoku (covered pedestrian street) intersects Shijo-dori (a main shopping street). Go @ 90 steps up the pedestrian street and turn right after Koe donuts, you will see the hotel sign. The lobby is on the 2nd floor. For going back to the train station, there is a taxi stand on Shijo-dori almost across the street from the pedestrian street – look for the McDonalds.

- friendly and helpful staff - perfectly helped us ship our luggage to the next hotel in hokkaido - great and clean facilities - they had a washing machine and dryer unit in our room which was very convenient - very close to food and souvenir shops

Washing facility in the bedroom. Room is clean and spacious enough. Staff members are courteous. Coffee and water machine in the lobby was convenient.

There is only one lift to service the entire building, resulting in long wait at times. We booked a non smoking room but unfortunately, despite designated smoking areas, someone smoked in their room and the entire corridor and my room smelled like cigarette for most of the night. I informed the reception staff because the last thing I want was the smoke alarm going off. Staff was very apologetic (which I assured him it was not his fault at all). Staff members stated he would come up and check it out. Totally not the fault of the hotel in this case.

no breakfast offered but free coffee!! hotel is in a busy tourist area, i.e. one of those covered market areas so there are countless shops and restaurants right outside your door. really loved the service, they were nice enough to forward along our passports after we forgot them in the safe

really nothing to complain about. we didn't hear a soul the entire 5 nights we stayed. I wonder if there were any other guests on our floor, it was that quiet.

Simple, clean hotel in a GREAT location! It's right in the middle of the main shopping district of Kyoto. I was worried it would feel too touristy or that the market would be unappealing. But I was so pleasantly surprised! The market is a bit crazy at times, but there are SO MANY amazing shops! Some touristy stuff sure, but also a lot of really beautiful gifts and souveniers, local artisans, and even some really cool cocktail bars and restaurants hidden in the area. Highly recommend staying here! Perfect central location for all the sights you'll want to see in Kyoto.

All in all we stayed almost three weeks and the hotel served us very well during that time. The room is equipped great for a bit longer stays, even if it’s not very big room. The laundry option inside the room is very handy and there’s nice amount of space to hang clothes. Room is simple but comfortable. The hotel lobby worked great for some remote work and has nice atmosphere. Location is really convenient for tourism, dining and shopping alike. We walked almost everywhere with ease and train lines and buses run close.

All was good, so nothing really to complain. It was a tiny bit dusty inside some cabinettes or corners, but overall clean. The room has ”kitchenette” but I wouldn’t dream on cooking there: there is no separate cooking ventilation and only little counter space. However, it worked ok for having breakfast, snacks or eating take away food in the room since you have dishes and possibility to wash them. I just wish the fridge would be a bit more efficient and bigger.

I personally loved the location as I could easily shop and eat downstairs. The hotel felt cozy and my room was sparkling clean with everything I wanted. The staff also kindly helped me to send my luggage to the next location (you pay but trust me it’s worth it!). The soundproof was good too!

This is only coming from my dad as we got our own separate room. While my room was very clean in every corner, he shared that his wasn’t because he found hair in bathroom floor and window area was dusty.

Location was excellent The room was very comfortable and extremely clean, although they do not clean every day. Bathroom was very clean and comfortable The staff was very friendly and helpful. If you run into a language problem, Google Translate does the job as everywhere in Japan. Breakfast is a Japanese boxed meal in the room. Not bad, but we weren't enthusiastic, you can find nice bakeries with coffee outside.

It is not possible to get to the hotel by car or taxi, but at a distance of less than 100 m you can get a taxi anytime, very convenient, and easy, inexpensive and highly recommended. It did not disturb us at all.

Great location, they had a nice lobby with free coffee machine and information on sightseeing and breakfast places in the area. Room also had a washer/dryer with laundry liquid included which was very handy.

The aircon was very loud on our first night, we reported this to staff the next morning and they promptly changed the filter which fixed it. Minor points - toothbrush is a bit hard, no instant coffee in the room (tea was available) however the coffee machine in the lobby makes up for it. We will happily stay here again.

The location cannot be better. 5 minutes walk from Gion, right next to Nashiki market and so many malls and shops. Right at the subway and a quick taxi ride (or 30 min walk) from Kyoto station. The hotel itself is brand new. Rooms are super well laid out, nice little fridge, very nice bathroom, nice touches like bathrobes, slippers, coffee in the lobby etc. Staff is very very friendly and willing to help.

I was a bit surprised that only about half speak English for foreign guests but they could usually find someone to help and we could use Google translate.