Hotel ZIZI Kyoto Gion — Hotel in Kyoto

Warning: If you don’t have the front door and room code before arrival, you may be sleeping on the street. There is NO staff onsite.

⚠️ 注意: 到着前に玄関ドアと部屋のコードを受け取っていない場合、路上で寝ることになるかもしれません。スタッフは常駐していません。

⚠️ 경고: 도착 전에 현관문과 객실 코드가 없으면 길에서 자야 할 수도 있습니다. 직원이 상주하지 않습니다.

⚠️ Avertissement : Si vous n’avez pas le code de la porte d’entrée et de la chambre avant votre arrivée, vous risquez de dormir dans la rue. Il n’y a AUCUN personnel sur place.

Where do I start? Oh right, with the warning—because it’s that important. If you don’t mind risking a night outside, then read on. We arrived, called the emergency number (which no one answered), and after a couple of hours in the cold, we finally got a response—only to be given the wrong door code. Impressive. After another call, we finally got the right one.

Once inside, things didn’t exactly improve. Our room had a taped-up mouse hole, though the tape was barely holding on—maybe the mouse enjoys its DIY flap door. The beds were comfy (I’ll give them that), but also dirty, with some bugs roaming around to keep you company.

Now for the highlights: • If you’re staying on the fifth floor, be ready for a serious stair climb. Not an issue for me, but definitely worth noting. • The shower is amazing—great pressure, perfect temperature, a rare win. • Waking up is… bright. The window shades are about as sheer as a cheap t-shirt, so say hello to the sun at dawn. • There’s a kettle, cups, a lot of dust, and… a pink toy in the bathroom. Unexpected, but okay. And one single used/bent Q-tip. • No staff, which might explain the cleanliness standards.

To sum it up: If you get the correct door code before arriving, this place isn’t terrible—location is solid, beds are comfy (though questionable), and the shower is a winner. If not? Well, good luck.

Would I recommend it? Only if you like gambling with your...

Staying at ZiZi Hotel Gion in Kyoto was an intriguing experience. As a family, the spaciousness of the hotel was a definite plus, providing ample room to move around comfortably. Its proximity to the train station, within a 10-minute walk, was incredibly convenient, making traveling around the city hassle-free. Additionally, being close to Gion's shops and diverse food options added to the hotel's allure, making exploration and dining experiences easily accessible.

However, the hotel's unique feature of being entirely automated, without any staff at the front desk and communication solely through a booking app, brought a mix of novelty and challenges. While the technological aspect might appeal to some, others might miss the personal touch and assistance that traditional staff interaction offers.

The absence of a lift could be a significant concern, especially for guests with heavy luggage or mobility issues. The need to arrange assistance beforehand or carrying bags up oneself could be an inconvenience, potentially impacting the overall experience, especially for families or older travelers.

In summary, ZiZi Hotel Gion offers a blend of modernity and convenience with its automated system, strategic location, and ample space for families. However, the lack of a lift and the absence of staff might deter some guests who value traditional services and assistance. It's a great option for tech-savvy, independent travelers looking for a contemporary stay with easy access to Kyoto's...

We pre booked for 4 days and extended twice as we loved Kyoto and were so comfortable at this outstanding boutique inn. We tried out 4 of the rooms and all were great.||It’s new (6m I think), modern, immaculate||Beds and pillows comfy, lovely towels and linen||Bar fridge, kettle, green tea, coffee in room||Bath and shower are big with lovely shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Plus cleanser, toner and moisturiser. Dyson hairdryer ||Monday - Friday we got a lovely breakfast basket with croissant, bread, butter, jam and juice. ||||The staff are outstanding and a real asset to this place. They were just so lovely, helpful and diligent during our entire stay. ||||Location was excellent, not that big a walk to anything we needed. Walked with our luggage and young kids from closest train station. Very close to convenience stores and an excellent ramen restaurant. ||Spotted my first geisha within 5 mins of leaving hotel after checkin. This happened a few times and I felt so lucky.||||Cons which did not bother us but may others:||Stairs only. They can carry your baggage to your room though.||First floor room was a bit noisy (street noise but it’s on a quiet street)||||In summary||Highly recommend this place and think the pricing was cheap for what it offered during our...