ASAI Kyoto Shijo

ASAI Kyoto Shijo, a Michelin Key Selected property in Kyoto, Japan, opened in June 2023. It is celebrated for its blend of modern comfort with traditional Kyoto charm, offering guests a unique "Live like a local" experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

ASAI Kyoto Shijo generally receives "Wonderful" to "Exceptional" ratings from guests. It holds an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Google Maps based on over 366 reviews. On booking platforms, it scores around 9.0/10 on Booking.com, 9.4/10 on Hotels.com, and 9.3/10 on Trip.com. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with guests frequently commending the friendly staff, cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and excellent location.

2. Key Highlights

Guests particularly love the hotel's stylish public spaces and extremely comfortable beds. The design blends modern aesthetics with Kyoto's heritage, featuring elements like lantern-inspired lighting and street-style tiling. The hotel fosters a local community atmosphere with its vibrant communal spaces designed for work and relaxation, often hosting collaborations with local creatives. Its dedicated "ambassador team" is praised for providing practical travel advice and helping guests immerse themselves in Kyoto life. The on-site restaurant, Soi Gaeng, offering authentic Thai cuisine infused with Kyoto characteristics, is also a significant highlight.

3. Room Quality

ASAI Kyoto Shijo features 114 guest rooms, designed for functionality within compact spaces, typically around 16 square meters. Despite their size, rooms are described as clean, comfortable, and well-equipped. They boast quality mattresses, powerful high-pressure rain showers, and smart amenities such as high-definition smart TVs and AI-powered speakers that can act as alarm clocks and tour guides. Thoughtful design elements like wall-mounted TVs, simple clothes hooks, and elevated tatami beds with ample under-bed storage for luggage help maximize the limited space. Rooms also include air conditioning, an electric kettle, a refrigerator, and complimentary toiletries. Soundproof windows and blackout curtains are provided, though some street-facing rooms might experience slight ambient noise during the day.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's ground floor houses Soi Gaeng, a unique restaurant and bar that creates a warm, relaxed community atmosphere. The dining concept successfully combines Thai hospitality with local Kyoto ingredients. Guests can enjoy set breakfasts with options including Japanese, American, and particularly authentic Thai dishes. Soi Gaeng also serves lunch, dinner, high tea, and a variety of cocktails, drawing inspiration from Thai street food with offerings like pork skewers, fried spring rolls, Thai shaved ice, and mango sticky rice. Many guests appreciate the delicious and well-priced food.

5. Service & Staff

The service at ASAI Kyoto Shijo is consistently highlighted as exceptional. Guests frequently commend the staff for being friendly, warm, attentive, helpful, and kind. Many staff members are fluent in English, facilitating smoother communication for international travelers. The team's genuine warmth and attention to detail contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel at home. Staff assistance with services like luggage forwarding has also been praised.

6. Location & Accessibility

ASAI Kyoto Shijo is ideally located in the Shijo-Karasuma district, a quiet residential area that offers convenient access to major attractions. It's situated between Kyoto Subway Shijo Station and Gojo Station, both within a 400-meter walking distance. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of popular landmarks such as Nishiki Market (11-minute walk), the vibrant Kawaramachi shopping district, and Gion Hanamikoji Street. Bus stops are also nearby, providing further transportation options. For those arriving from Kansai Airport, a JR Haruka Express train to Kyoto Station followed by a short taxi or bus ride to the hotel is recommended.

7. Value & Pricing

ASAI Kyoto Shijo is considered an affordable option within the chain business hotel category. While the average price is around US$150 per night, rates can vary depending on room type and season, with weekend rates sometimes being higher. Reviews suggest that the hotel offers good value for money, with prices starting from approximately US$55 to US$70 nightly. Guests feel the quality of service, comfort, and amenities justify the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring points of criticism include the relatively small room sizes, which is a common characteristic of hotels in Japan. The hotel also lacks certain public facilities such as a laundry room or a gym, though a microwave is available for guest use. Some reviews mentioned that soundproofing could be improved for rooms facing the street, as slight ambient noise might be audible during the day. One guest reported a serious issue with a soiled towel and a disappointing lack of follow-up from the hotel management. Additionally, initial communication was occasionally challenging with some staff members not speaking fluent English.

Sources

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