Mitsui Garden Properties in Kyoto

This was my first stay at Mitsui Shijo, and its location helped me discover several delicious and affordable restaurants nearby. Overall, the stay was great, but I really can't recommend the public bath. It was crowded, and none of the tubs were being filled, which made me worry about the hygiene. It would be perfect if there was a microwave next to the ice machine. I was also very happy to receive a small horse as a New Year's gift when I checked out! Plus, there's a Pokémon store on the second floor of a nearby shopping complex.

Location, location, location! This hotel boasts incredible convenience, situated right next to the east wall of JR Kyoto Station, just a one-minute walk away. Unlike other Mitsui Garden Hotels, the Kyoto branch is generally smaller and doesn't have a hot spring. However, the surrounding area offers fantastic access to food, transportation, and shopping. 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, Don Quijote, Aeon, and Isetan are all within walking distance. The Osaka Airport limousine bus also departs from Kyoto Station.

The hotel's location is excellent. Turn left when you exit, and you'll find Sentaro's main store. Keep walking, and there's Ichi Ramen, a 100-yen shop, a business supermarket, and a Fresco supermarket. Turning left also quickly gets you to Takashimaya and a FamilyMart convenience store. The breakfast was generally decent. You can order one main dish from the menu, and they have freshly made onigiri. The music in the public bath (Onsen) was quite atmospheric, haha. However, the toilet in our room wasn't cleaned thoroughly, and the duvet itself had some stains, though they're usually not noticeable when covered by the sheet. The front desk and restaurant staff had good English and service attitudes.

This is also a Mitsui Garden Hotel, but unlike the typical 'Japanese' style I usually associate with them, it's much more modern. The public areas are excellent, and the steam room and sauna are definite highlights! They also maintain that modern aesthetic. All the showers are stand-up. The decor and material quality in the rooms and on the guest floors are a bit subpar and overly simplistic. Because the 'base color' is so dark, it tends to show dust bunnies more easily (not necessarily dirty, but it doesn't look good) 😂. The bed, however, is comfortable, and the curtains are great at blocking out light (though it's a shame the windows don't open, I just wanted some fresh air). The TV is high-definition, but its use is limited if you're out all day. The hotel is conveniently located near a bus stop, making it easy to get to attractions like Kiyomizu-dera and Eikan-do. It's actually not far from Shijo and Kyoto Station; on a nice day, you could easily walk, but if it's cold, judge your own stamina. The Gojo subway station entrance, right outside, isn't very friendly for those with large luggage as there's no elevator. Overall, the hotel service deserves a thumbs-up. The front desk staff, both male and female, speak good English and are very friendly and proactive in offering assistance. I noticed a larger number of Western guests during my stay. Just a heads-up: room trash is only collected every two days.

The room wasn't very big, and it definitely wasn't the 32.4 square meters I booked. When I talked to the front desk, they just said it was the largest room they had. With a double bed and a sofa bed, there was very little floor space left. I contacted Trip.com customer service, but the hotel still insisted it was 32.4 square meters. There was nothing more I could do, as I had several meetings there for a few days, so I just made do. The hotel environment itself is quite nice, with a Wabi-sabi aesthetic, and the surrounding streets are very quiet. Not too far away, there's a bustling commercial street, making it a peaceful spot amidst the lively area. The restaurant has a beautiful ambiance. Many thanks to Trip.com customer service for their active help in trying to resolve the issue.

Highly Recommended Stay in Kyoto I would like to strongly recommend this hotel for anyone visiting Kyoto. The staff demonstrate exceptional professionalism and hospitality. In particular, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Miss Yuki, who assisted us with our check-in and kindly introduced many wonderful sightseeing spots and activities in Kyoto, as well as to Miss Tsai, a ********* staff member who supported us during check-out with great warmth and care. Their thoughtful service truly reflects the welcoming spirit of Kyoto and the hotel’s commitment to excellence. I am genuinely impressed by the quality of the team members who bring guests happiness and satisfaction through their dedication. They truly deserve recognition and applause for their outstanding service. Our two-night stay was far too short, and we are already looking forward to returning in the near future.

The hotel service was excellent, and the premises were spotlessly clean. Its location was also very convenient for travel. I particularly enjoyed the artificial carbonated bath, which was very clean and great for relieving travel fatigue; even the toiletries were from premium brands. This stay also included a complimentary trial size of Decorté serum, which was a lovely bonus. The hotel staff were incredibly patient and helpful with all my inquiries. Furthermore, they provide washing machines, a thoughtful convenience for travelers, and vending machines are available on almost every floor. I would definitely choose this hotel again for my next visit to Kyoto.