LOISIR HOTEL KYOTO TOJI — Hotel in Kyoto

We went to Japan in the middle of last month to celebrate my parents’ Bday and this time we embarked on a trip to Kansai. We would like to spend more days in Kyoto so we made it our first stop and base before we moved to Osaka. As we will be going to different places, we carefully planned where we need to stay and serve as our base. First, in Kyoto where we could go to its different attractions and the neighbouring city of Nara. Booking a hotel in this historic city is a monumental task. There are several districts and locations in this charming city that serves its purpose. If you wanna go shopping, near a temple or historic site or even near a station. This time around, we are looking for an affordable place to stay near Kyoto station and good for 3 adults. Looking via Agoda, we stumbled upon Loisir Hotel Kyoto Tojo which have rooms that could accommodate 3 people perfect for me and my parents and at a very affordable price.||Prices in Japanese hotels are more expensive during weekends than weekdays and since we are landing on Friday it was the peak day. However, Loisir hotel still offers the most practical and affordable price with an impeccable service provided to us. At just 250 SGD for 3 people at a very spacious triple bed superior room, it is one of the most affordable hotels in town yet wih a 5 star hotel service provided and an ultra modern and new facilities. Because we loved our first 2 night stay so much, we booked another night at this hotel for about 180 SGD for moderate twin room which is also equipped with 3 single bed but no tub this time although the room has same size at 20 sqm. We didn’t try their breakfast at 1600 Yen because there are so many options around the hotel but we would do next time. And despite the difference between the 2 rooms, we really loved our stay at this hotel. | |To get here if your commuting, can take JR Kyoto Station West Exit via Kintetsu line entrance and take the Eastern direction until you see Aeon mall on opposite side and follow that path until you cross the other side where you could see Loisir hotel or take Toji station and take its Eastern route upon exit as well. Taxis are also available and the hotel can help you book as well. Since its a cool early Autumn weather we decided to walk our ways most of the time except when loading our luggages we took Taxi which costs only 1000 Yen++. The hotel lobby is super beautiful, classy and elegant - true to its authentic Japanese style with a touch of modernity. I loved their spacious lounge area with Japanese style lounge chairs as well as the cozy and relaxing chandelier made of classic light bulbs in different sizes in warm white tone. Check-in was fast and smooth despite the peak day we checked-in. Toiletries, ammenities, coffee/tea are located across the lift and their very generous. You could take yourself at anytime with tons of different choices but I especially loved their bath scrub and Olive oil cleansing serum which we apply nightly. ||Our room is located at the 4F and consists of 3 single beds but looks like ore of a double bed with its size. At 20 sqm this is not your ordinary space in Japanese rooms for a 3 star hotel. First, I wanna compliment the beds which are really clean, big, comfy, and smooth The blanket is thick and comfy enough to warm despite of the cold weather. air conditioning. The headrest has small compartment to put your personal stuff and its lighted with warm cozy soft white tone. There is a side table on the window side and a small coffee table. There are power outlets on each side of the 3 beds so charging is not an issue. The bed area is carpeted in Ochre colour and the toilet area has wood style vinyl flooring. We have a lovely view of the surrounding mountains of Kyoto and Aeon Mall so it was really relaxing and rejuvenating looking at our view daily and nightly. There is a wall mounted flat TV with mostly local channels only but WIFI is really fast. Overall, this side of the room is two thumbs up for us nothing could get better than this until we review the toilet/tub area.||What makes our room unique is the layout of the toilet and tub. The sink is separated so its a dry toilet style. Right after you enter the room, there is a full body mirror to your left and clothes hangers on the right. In between is the sink with mirror and they also placed here the mini-bar with Kettle/Cups/Coffee (separated from the lobby)/Fridge. I actually loved this unique idea of dry toilet but the sink could be a bit wet especially if more people are using it. Nevertheless, I still adore this concept. Next to the sink is the main door to the Japanese style toilet and with clean towels and compartments on top of it. In front of the toilet is another door that separates the tub and shower area Japanese style where you could either just sit on the plastic stool or stand. Its the first time in my travelling that I encountered this type of Japanese style shower area even after being in Japan several times. Like I said this concept of cascading privacy is perfect for 3 people like us because one could take shower/tub while another one is having toilet and last one is using the sink. What a genius bright idea indeed!!!||Water heating and pressure are strong and easy to manage. The tub is also very easy to fill so its easy to use it every night before a relaxing night’s sleep. They also provide air purifier, blow dryer, safety lock and best of all they provide Black rubber slippers which are very comfortable. As mentioned, they have a public Onsen located at 2F and I’ve tried it every night. Its very clean, spacious and well maintained. Also very easy to use, just bring your room key (females have separate), get the towel in front of the onsen before going to the locker area using your key card. Shower is located inside the onsen upon entrance and it has 2 tubs - hot and cold. I loved this cold idea because I could dip on it once in a while in between the hot onsen so I could control and regulate well my body temperature. They also have a spa inside but I didn’t try it. Its open daily until 1 AM before it starts again at 6 in the morning. I loved that Loisir placed this amenity so we could save more time and money in looking for outdoor onsen.||Finally, before we checked out in the morning, I’ve tried their free bicycle rentals and rode myself around the block up to Toji Temple/Station. It was so relaxing and idyllic especially I’m witnessing and experiencing the beauty and history of the temples and landmarks surrounding Toji neighbourhood here in Kyoto, one of the world’s most beautiful and historic cities. As we checked out, we decided to feel separation anxiety because that’s how we loved this hotel so much. The kind and helpful staff took our family photos at their lobby and helped us book a taxi for 3 which we are really grateful. Surely we will recommend this to our families and friends whenever they visit Kyoto. We too know where to go on our next return trip to Kyoto, which is definitely Loisir Hotel for sure!!! See you soon Loisir Hotel Kyoto Toji Arigato Gozaimasu!!!...

Disappointing Experience Despite Promising Communication

I booked a two-night stay at this hotel with high hopes after reading reviews and communicating with the hotel beforehand. A week prior to arrival, I emailed to ask if the single beds could be merged, as I had seen other guest mention that it was done without issue. The hotel confirmed it would be taken care of. However, upon checking in at night, we found that the beds had not been merged.

When I reported this to the front desk, I was told housekeeping could only address it the following day, as they were unavailable at night. If I had wanted the bed to be merged the next day, I wouldn’t have made the request in advance. While we could have pushed the beds together ourselves, the carpet under the bed was dirty, covered in dust, and we even found someone else's hair tie.

We also used the Yamato luggage delivery service, expecting the luggage to be brought directly to our room. To our surprise, we had to ask if it had arrived and then carry it ourselves up to our room. Maybe that is the practice in Japan that we are unsure of.

Later, we decided to use the laundry service, but unfortunately, the dryer didn’t work properly. Despite adding extra coins and following the instructions, our clothes came out still wet, as if they hadn’t been dried at all. We were unsure what went wrong but didn’t have the energy to ask for assistance, as it had already been a frustrating night with the issues.

On the positive side, the hotel is in a convenient location, within walking distance of Kyoto Station and near Aeon Mall. The room was also larger than many other hotels in Japan, but the lack of attention to detail and the inconvenience we faced during our stay made it less enjoyable. Imagine first time arriving in Kyoto and you are served with this kind of...

Amazing location! This hotel is a TRUE GEM if you are visiting Kyoto. (Away from the touristy crowds)3mins walk to Aeon Mall 7mins walk to Kyoto station 3 mins walk to Toji temple 1 Min walk to a Halal Indian Nepal restaurant (serving delicious tandoori/keema/naan/chai latte)Staffs at reception: Uemeya /Yamasaki/Kato and the female Hotel Manager on duty (which I've forgot to asked her name) were all very attentive, helpful, polite .Ms Kato, was very patient whilst processing my check-in, she answered my inquiries with clear information and later that night when my spouse and i asked how do i take city bus 207 & 202 to Gion Higashiyama Ward , she guided me correctly explaining which side of the road to catch the bus with the printed paper map guidance from the hotel desk. (Her service orientated mind & calm manner really warms my heart, she does her job with full sincerity)For great matcha 🍵 latte powder selection, can go to Kyoto station, there's Uji matcha u can buy from Gion Tsujiri cafè. (This was recommended to me by Ms Kato, no doubt the result doesn't disappoints, I bought home a 40gm matcha powder!)On the day of checkout i paid 2hrs extra at reception desk to extend my stay till 13:00 hrs .I wish my spouse & i could have more nights in Kyoto so we could stay longer in Loisir Hotel unfortunately we had to fly home due to work . However certainly, one night was enough to convince us this is the hotel we choose again for our return trip in Kyoto, lovely neighbourhood and wonderful staffs . Thank you so much Loisir Hotel team for making our stay a memorable one . The sight of sunrise through our bedroom window is simply...