Urban Hotel Kyoto Shijo Premium

This hotel is highly regarded for its public bath facilities, offering a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration, and its central location which provides excellent access to public transportation and local attractions. While many guests appreciate the delicious breakfast buffet and the overall cleanliness, feedback on room size and certain aspects of service is mixed. The hotel caters well to sightseers and business travelers due to its convenient access to key areas, and its amenities make it suitable for couples and families seeking a comfortable base. For a more comfortable stay, guests might consider bringing their own preferred pillow, as the provided ones are often described as firm, and be aware of the unique transparent bathroom door design in some rooms.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's public bath, or onsen, is a significant draw, providing a soothing experience for many guests after extensive sightseeing. However, some visitors note that the bath area can feel small and crowded, especially during peak hours, and towels are not provided, requiring guests to bring them from their rooms. The bath also has specific closing hours in the afternoon, which can be inconvenient. A fitness center is available, though it requires an additional fee and pre-booking, which some guests find unexpected. Wi-Fi is generally available, but some users report occasional slow speeds. Laundry machines are provided and can be monitored via in-room television, though their availability can be limited during busy periods. Guests also appreciate the complimentary welcome drink service in the lobby, along with access to a microwave, ice machines, and vending machines.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room size is varied; some find them adequately spacious, even larger than typical Japanese hotel rooms, while many others describe them as small and lacking sufficient wardrobe or storage space for luggage. The beds are generally considered comfortable, but the pillows are a consistent point of contention, frequently described as hard and uncomfortable. A distinctive feature is the bathroom design, which often includes glass doors or half-transparent partitions for the toilet and shower areas, raising privacy concerns for some. Most rooms feature a shower-only setup, with no bathtub, due to the presence of the public bath. While overall cleanliness is often praised, a few guests have noted specific oversights, such as dirty mirrors or humidifiers, and some report issues with noise levels from both the street and hotel hallways.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet receives widespread praise for its variety and food quality, featuring a mix of Japanese, Western, and local "obanzai" dishes, including popular homemade curry. Many guests highlight the deliciousness of the offerings and the well-organized time slot system designed to manage crowds. However, some guests have experienced crowded restaurant conditions, leading to tight seating arrangements with strangers, which can detract from the dining experience. A few reviews also mentioned a perceived lack of certain options, such as fresh fruit or warm milk, particularly during colder months. While breakfast is a strong point, feedback on other meal services like dinner is less detailed, with one guest noting it was not particularly good.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient and central location, making it an excellent base for exploring the city. It is situated directly in front of a major bus stop, offering easy access to Kyoto Station and numerous popular tourist attractions like Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama. Several train stations, including Hankyu and Randen lines, are also within a short walking distance, further enhancing connectivity. Guests appreciate the proximity to a main street filled with various restaurants and the convenience of nearby convenience stores and supermarkets. However, parking is a notable challenge, as the hotel does not offer dedicated guest parking, requiring reliance on nearby, often expensive, coin parking lots, which can be difficult to find.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with the staff and service are notably mixed. Many reviews commend the team for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service, highlighting their willingness to assist with luggage, provide extra amenities like blankets, and ensure a smooth check-in process. Some guests specifically mention staff going above and beyond, such as placing luggage directly into rooms. Conversely, a significant number of reviews describe staff as unhelpful, rude, or lacking in warmth, with complaints about dismissive attitudes, unwillingness to assist with external requests like taxi bookings, and a general lack of smiles. Housekeeping also receives varied feedback, with some guests reporting a lack of daily room servicing, including not making beds or emptying trash, while others find the rooms well-maintained.

Additional Information
A recurring concern for some guests is the pervasive cigarette smoke smell, particularly in the lobby and first-floor areas, which can affect non-smoking zones and be unpleasant for those sensitive to it. Guests should also be aware that a separate lodging tax may be required upon check-in, which some find was not clearly communicated during booking. For those planning to use the public bath, it's important to note that the hotel provides common hotel slippers for use, which some guests prefer to avoid, opting to bring their own. Additionally, there have been isolated reports of issues with the lost and found service, where misplaced items were not recovered despite guest inquiries.