Hotel M's Plus Shijo Omiya

Once we got our bearings we realized this property was very close to train and bus lines and shopping and entertainment. Hotel was a little bigger than some of the other properties that we stayed in during our Japan trip. This is more of a foreigner hotel so the staff are all friendly and speak English well. They allowed us to store our luggage for free both before and after our stay.

The location In Shijo-Omiya is fairly nondescript; but there are heaps of buses in all directions, and the subway and tram as well. So providing you're ready to use public transportation, it's very convenient. And if you enjoy walking, there's plenty to see and do. I've stayed in this place before and even though it's now a few years older, it's still in great condition. Rooms are tiny: I had just enough room for my roll-aboard between the foot of the bed and the window, but otherwise you'd be using the hallway outside the bathroom. If you're a couple you'll probably need to adapt to the size of the room. The bathroom is great ... deep bath and shower, so it's possible to relax here at the of the day. There are laundry facilities on the second floor. The dryers seem set to only one temperature, the lowest possible. This probably avoids complaints about overcooked clothing, but does mean you're looking at an hour or more to dry your clothes. There are cafes around if you want a basic 'morning service' breakfast (eg, coffee, toast, egg, Y420 up) or you can pay the hotel Y100 for a coffee, and use pastries etc purchased at one of the nearby convenience stores. Personally, I prefer the cafe alternative, but I saw plenty of guests using what was originally the breakfast room to talk, plan their day, and have something to eat. Getting to the hotel from the station is probably best by taxi, around Y1200. You can theoretically get there by subway, but this involves a change of trains and double the cost of a single subway ride. There are plenty of buses, but a source of great irritation to local commuters (even if they say nothing) is people like you and me lugging huge bags onto very crowded buses ... if you want to be respectful of the community you're staying in, just don't do it.

Recommended by my cousin who stayed last year. Elevator from Omiya station is just round the corner so no hassle with big luggages. Superbly friendly staff. We reached around noon and they allowed leaving luggages at lobby. When I mentioned a bag contains fragile item, the staff was very kind to bring it into a room instead of placing at lobby. Location is extremely good. Easy assess to Arashiyama, Karasuma for Nishiki and Kawaramachi shopping and Gion area. Supported by various bus numbers so easy access to other popular interest of attractions and Kyoto station. A big supermarket across the street, plenty of eateries. We patronised Nakau for economical supper and breakfast which is surprisingly good. Though further from Kyoto station, we enjoy the quietness and convenience and family room with tatami arrangements.

My room was small yet cosy and clean. I loved that I could soak in the bathtub after a long day. The hotel's location was convenient: the train station, convenience store, bakery, and restaurants were just around the corner. The staff (including the cleaners) was amiable and humble. (I wish I had asked the staff's name to give them credit).

Hotel was close to hankyu omiya station and several convenience stores. Lobby lounge area was spacious (tables and couches) with water and coffee (100yen) provided. Room was clean, fairly spacious compared to other hotels with fridge and complementary green tea provided. Carpeted floors and beautifully adorned wallpaper. Lighting was divided by regions using accessible and convenient buttons located at head of bed.