SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

There are restaurants and bars within walking distance of Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma.

But it is located on a super quiet street -- great for sleeping.

The thing to remember about Kyoto is its famous shrines, temples, historic zones, etc. are spread out.

If you visit for more than a day, you will be riding buses and trains to see the famous sites.

So, this is a good and affordable central location.

There also is a large, beautiful bookstore/cafe very near the hotel.

Sotetsu Fresa certainly is more sedate than some spots in Gion -- where the tourists walk the streets and partake of the bars well past midnight.

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

There is a 7-11 24 hour konbini 2 minutes away and a subway station 5 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma.

The pleasant hotel’s location is more in the downtown.

The beloved Gion and Pontocho tourist areas are about a 20-minute walk -- but there is an inexpensive bus to get you there in minutes.

The Daimaru department store's famous basement luxury food hall -- one to rival Harrods -- is 5 minutes way.

The touristy but delicious Nishiki Market and its fresh and diverse street food is 10 minutes away on foot.

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

Long before arriving at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma, I make a polite request for 2 extra flat sheets.

I got a terse note saying that could not be honored in advance, so I would have to remember to take it up with the desk staff on arrival.

Despite specific verbal and written notes to the staff, on cleaning day -- one of my flat sheets disappeared during the housekeeping visit.

I got back late and was stressed waiting for them to send a new sheet up -- while I remade the bed the way I had done up to my needs.

 

 

 

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.

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

When I arrived at Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi and saw the array of hard liquor, wine, sake and Shōchū with soda highball dispenser – I felt some trepidation.

I could see where free, unlimited booze could create some noisy, sleep-disturbing neighbors.

This was NOT the case at all on my floor, but I'm wondering out loud whether they should place some kind of limit on the free flowing alcohol.

Bottom line: Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi is the first lodging I’ve stayed, out of hundreds, worthy of 10/10 review!

 

 

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

During my 5 nights at Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi, there were some noises from the room above -- 

kids jumping off the bunk bed? 

Person who works out at odd hours?

Or maybe it was some sound from nearby trains or freeway that I thought was in the hotel.

At any rate, using the free earplugs provided and bumping up the fan on the AC had me sleeping fine.

The mid-section of the room -- tub/shower/toilet/dressing room double sinks -- is raised.

Being 13 time zones from home and a tad disoriented, this can be a tripping hazard -- especially at night when you are getting out of bed and forgetting to step up a foot to use the toilet. 

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

The Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi staff has translate apps to communicate by voice.

Two elevators to get you to room speedily. 

A menu of towels and pillows to supplement the comfy ones in the room.

I had a luxury stay at a price just above $100 USD including taxes.

The amount of freebies is astounding -- and they all are high quality.

I enjoyed this well-run property more than past stays at $1K per night luxe branded hotels.

They think of everything.

They scrimp on nothing.

I will run out of space before I list the endless high quality amenities.

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

The Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi common area is unmatched.

It has a welcoming, lavish and warm breakfast buffet.

Gourmet coffee machine and soda machine add to the calming atmosphere.

Amazing veggie curry, ramen, baked sweet potatoes and other free top notch food is available around the clock.

The lobby has free wine, sake, liquor.

The hotel draws a high caliber guest -- because I saw no one abusing the free alcohol or being noisy.

Dozens of free small things -- think ear plugs, glasses cleaning wipes, face masks -- are available in baskets in the lobby.

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi places you footsteps away from famous sites, fabulous street and sit down food, fun bars and all ranges of shopping.

The nearby Namba train station provides excellent access to all of Osaka's downtown lavish department stores, aquarium and Ferris Wheel on Osaka Bay -- and all the quirky little foodie neighborhood.

Upon check-in, they give you credits for full room and light cleanings.

That way you can have zero disturbance or frequent housekeeping.

The front desk is super responsive -- helped me with directions, suggestions and resetting the AC controller that I bumped in the night.

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

Every hotel on earth should be like Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi.

The amenities are amazing.

My room was large and featured a huge tube and shower with TV.

The bed was comfortable. 

The mini fridge was large and cool.

The dressing area is amazing with side by side sinks and dozens of high quality grooming products.

The location is perfect -- 5 minutes from major Namba train station and right at glitzy Dotonbori (neon, crowds, restaurants, energy) but somehow quiet and calm.