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.