MIMARU Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo

We loved the location because while close enough to popular areas, it was also far enough to not feel like a tourist hub. It was a great neighbourhood with lots of quality local restaurants. The washing machine was a plus and the room had a handy wardrobe, which meant that at least one suitcase could be put away.

The staff were the stand out feature of this hotel. Their English was exceptional and made small talk which was lovely. The kids did the bingo activity where you can win a gachapon! The kids loved it and the staff engaged with them in such a lovely manner. The room space was amazing for us! We’re a party of 5 (two are 9 and 12). We had a good seating area to eat properly at, a fridge and freezer! The washing machine was epically long (4hours to run!) but did a good job washing and drying. Tip is not to overload it or you’ll end up damp clothes. You can do extra drying functions but it’s to not overload for best results. We all had space to leave our suitcases open! So much decent space! Two sinks and two toilets! Such a luxury! A great size bath too. The walk from the station left long the first time we did it, but it definitely didn’t feel bad, plus we walk pass two combini’s on the way, so always stopped by to grab snacks. Walkable to nishiki market and a big pharmacy to buy cheap toiletries and kitkat! Tonnes of local restaurants! But if you don’t like ramen/yakitori, there’s a MacD right at the station.

Location is close enough to the main street with shops and restaurants, however if tired after a long day of walk and do not feel like going to the main street, there are many restaurants and family mart in very close proximity. So it is a win win. One evening after shopping in the main street, we just decided to get a cab back, it was pretty cheap, a little over 1000 YEN for a family of 4.

Family bedroom was good size for 4 people. In-room laundry very useful; dryer does do a good job drying the clothes if you follow the recommendations. Location is good; close to subway, restaurants, cafe’s, and places like family mart. About a 10 minute walk to NISHIKI market area. Great property if you’re traveling with family. Front desk staff very helpful and the luggage transport service you can book is very affordable.

Our room was exceptionally unique because it offered a tatami-style experience for the 5 of us. There were also 2 twin-sized mattress beds in the room. My husband is hard to please with certain beds that’s not of his own and he actually slept pretty well. In fact we all slept like babies. I also love the fact that it was near a few mom-and-pop restaurants that were within walking distance. Another plus is that they offered bike rentals and we rode it to a park and river nearby. It was a great way to experience Kyoto.