HIYORI Stay Inn was our favourite accommodation in Japan for a multitude of reasons. I'm surprised we didn't leave a review here our first visit, but we're making sure to for our second.
When you first enter the hotel, you're greeted with a graceful and friendly front foyer, created with Kyoto's image in mind, while being joyfully modern. Reception offers a warm and gracious welcome, by individuals who are incredibly diligent and accommodating to your needs and questions as they arise. On our first visit, we arrived fairly early, and we were able to leave our luggage with them in a dedicated space, allowing us to explore Kyoto some before we checked in.
The individual that greeted us first was Joe, who on both our visits, made sure we were very comfortable and happy with our stays. I would say that his bright and friendly personality helped carve our experience at the inn (as well as with the local restaurants that he was happy to recommend to us). Everyone we encountered at the inn was incredibly polite and personable, and there was nothing truly left to be desired, when compared to some other accommodations we had in Japan.
The rooms that we stayed in were incredibly comfortable and cozy (we had chosen slightly pricier and larger rooms given it was a longer stay); it was spacious while giving a sense of homeyness that suits the overall atmosphere of Kyoto. We were given a sizable living area, a full kitchen with utensils (they also loan out seasonings for a small price, which we didn't notice on our first visit, so we went to a nearby market instead, oops), and a well-equipped bathroom (which has a large bathtub and shower in it; the toilet is in a separate room). Instructions on how to operate the bathtub (which has an automatic fill and heating function) and an in-unit washer/dryer was provided! They also offer adapters (amongst other amenities) in case it is required for those that have a three-pronged plug instead of the two that is typically common in Japan.
I think our favourite two things at the inn were: its breakfast (which had Japanese sausages included; I'm not sure what makes them so good, but we had them each day, as well as pancakes from the automatic pancake maker!), and the rooftop terrace (which provided a nice view of the surrounding area as well as a moment of peace away as desired).
The inn is about a 20min walk away from Kyoto station, and is accessible by bus as well. It's not too far away from the trains (the Keihan main line, which was down the street) and other buses, making it fairly convenient to get to other areas of Kyoto for day trips.
There are many restaurants, a supermarket (if you want to cook for yourself in the inn), as well as pharmacies nearby if you need (my brother got sick on our second trip). Similar to other suburban areas of Japan, there are many convenience stores around for quick meals or other needs.
In short, it was a wonderful stay, and we would do it again the next time we find ourselves in Kyoto! We stayed for six nights on our first visit and four nights for our second. I'd highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for someplace comfy...
Read moreThis was our favorite hotel in Japan by far. The staff is so incredibly friendly, hospitable, and helpful and the hotel itself is top notch. The hotel is well located near many public transportation options and within walking distance of downtown Kyoto and other attractions. Despite its central location, it is still incredibly peaceful and quiet with a gorgeous view of the river.
The amenities in the hotel were fantastic. From the free juice, ice cream, and noodle station in the afternoon and evening, to the roof deck with views, to the free bicycles with which to explore the city, to the fantastic breakfast, to the collection of free toiletries in the lobby in case you forgot anything, it was amazing!
Within the room the amenities and luxuries made us feel so pampered. The floorplan is very well suited for families with children or for groups. The beds were the most comfortable by far we encountered in Japan and everything in the hotel is so clean and new. We felt so pampered there and wish we could have stayed longer. I could not recommend it more highly. It is amazing and we are so glad we...
Read moreThe best hotel among of all hotels we stayed in Japan. I love how clean, equipped and spacious the room is. We have a small nice balcony with nice Japanese garden decoration. The washing machine was so quiet and efficient and clothes easily dried in bathroom with the drying function on. This hotel is definitely suitable for family, we traveled with our two year old and everything just great eg location, kitchen washing machines . The manager Joe was just amazing, he offered us a baby nappy bin to use during our stay, and helped us book restaurants as we don’t speak Japanese. Every night we came back from hotel, Joe and the staffs always welcome us back!! Walking distance to two subway stations and a medium size supermarket near the station. We took Taxi a lot of times as it’s not far from some attractions + easier with kid. We will definitely come back to HIYORI next time when we...
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