SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

When I booked, I contacted Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma to request a quiet room -- away from elevators, bars and street noises.

When I arrived, I got a room far enough from the elevators, but next to the stairway of one of the dingiest apartment buildings in all of Kyoto.

I tried to rest for half an hour, but couldn't -- as some sleazy folks were smoking, drinking and talking at the top of their lungs around 4 p.m.

I requested a new room, but it was a pain to put all my belongings back into my single suitcase.

They have no carts to help with moving belongings.

Also, my new room was near the elevator and shared a wall with housekeeping -- so I heard staff banging around in there very early in the morning.

I did not have the energy to request a second room change, so I dealt with it.

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

My Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma room was small but efficient.

There was a nice sized fridge for storing sodas and food.

The bed was comfy and the tub shower had endless hot water.

There is a full service breakfast place in the lobby.

I felt the price was a tad steep, so I did not partake.

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma sets a nice tone with a long, tranquil, decorative hallway off the street.

The staff is outstanding.

They helped me with the automated check-in and not only found me a full-service grocery within 12 walking minutes, but they also printed a color map.

The second floor lobby is filled with free small items -- toothbrushes, razors, all kinds of amenities.

UGLY GIANT BOLLARD PLANTERS DESTROY SAFETY AND VISIBILITY

WHEELCHAIR USERS CANNOT SEE WHAT’S COMING BEFORE CROSSING  BUSY ALTON ROAD AND LINCOLN ROAD IN MIAMI BEACH

Every wheelchair user’s safety is threatened by bollards along Lincoln Road at Alton Road in Miami Beach.

The car in the photo is a lane over.

It’s impossible to see what’s coming north on the closest lane.

We all know Miami drivers run red lights serially.

The bollards are there on the one in 1 in 10 million chance that a terrorist drives onto Lincoln Road.

In an urban area that consistently rates as one of the most dangerous for pedestrians, the odds of an accident because of the bollards are probably 1 in 10,000.

Very bad planning guards against the extreme outlier while ruining independence, inclusion, mobility and dignity of all people with disabilities.

UENO TOUGANEYA HOTEL TOKYO

PERFECTLY LOCATED NO FRILLS, MOM AND POP PROPERTY WITH EXCELLENT STAFF AND GREAT PRICE POINT

Ueno Touganeya Hotel’s rooms could use a makeover.

They are a bit drab.

With them being so small -- about 100 SF -- they could stand to be modernized.

There is one elevator, so there could be a wait to get up to your room if the property is fully occupied.

It would be nice to have some small breakfast offering -- just some coffee and rolls, so you could get some food on your belly before venturing out for a long day of exploring.

 

UENO TOUGANEYA HOTEL TOKYO

PERFECTLY LOCATED NO FRILLS, MOM AND POP PROPERTY WITH EXCELLENT STAFF AND GREAT PRICE POINT

Ueno Touganeya Hotel’s location by the major hub Ueno train station is a huge plus.

Ueno Station has direct access to Tokyo Station for the Shinkansen bullet trains, as well as only one change for the monorail to Haneda.

During my first stay, I could hear a lot of noise from the floor above.

Asking for a room on the top (6th) floor upon my return solved that problem.

The building is ugly and one of the few in Tokyo with graffiti marks – maybe this keeps the price low.

UENO TOUGANEYA HOTEL TOKYO

PERFECTLY LOCATED NO FRILLS, MOM AND POP PROPERTY WITH EXCELLENT STAFF AND GREAT PRICE POINT

The Ueno Touganeya Hotel front desk staff is very good with English and it was also outstanding at responding to my emailed requests and questions.

I had a request about room location (for my return, 4-day stay after my original 3-day visit) and they were super accommodating.

There is a Lawson 24 hour konbini footsteps away.

Ueno station has a gourmet grocery. 

And there are tons of mom and pop restaurants withing walking distance.

The vibrant Ameyoko shopping street is about 10 minutes away. 

There is some really great street food, sit down spots and discount shopping in the always crowded, noisy strip. 

Thankfully, Ameyoko is on the other side of the huge train station, so none of its raucousness disturbs guests at Touganeya Hotel.