Suzuki Guesthouse — Hotel in Kyoto

My stay here was not a great experience to be honest. After reading the reviews I thought I'd try somewhere different, after staying in K's House last time I came to Japan. However, it was disappointing and not what I was expecting. The two owners, a couple are friendly enough but when we arrived I desperately needed the toilet and was asked to wait while he read the rules and recommendations for places to eat in the local area which I did find a bit annoying. ||The dorm rooms are entered through traditional Japanese sliding doors, first entering one and then a second sliding door to my dorm room. The two dorms are separated by thin paper sliding doors and my bunk bed was next to one of these paper doors, and another bunk bed on the other side of the paper dorm made it impossible to get an early night. I heard and saw everything as there was nothing between me and the other bunk but a piece of paper. The floors were incredibly noisy and the toilets are adjacent to the rooms and it's possible to hear everything. Everything. Also, there's only two showers for at least 16 bunks which meant I had to wait for the shower, even though I wake up at 6am!||There's no kitchen area but there is a kettle for hot water. The communal area is ok but there was work going on on the exterior of the property which made it a little uncomfortable. Plus, they played Jack Johnson on repeat the whole time. ||To be honest, for me, it was just too noisy and I didn't feel comfortable here, however that's a personal thing and they are obviously new and getting things up...

Felt very disappointed here, the husband and wife were friendly enough, but little things annoyed me.||My girlfriend wasn't allowed to go to the toilet when we arrived, despite asking to go, and we were kept for 30 minutes while the rules were read to us before she was allowed. Being told to sit down felt quite patronising considering it was pretty basic stuff, and we could have read the sheet ourselves.|The local places recommended to us at this time were overpriced and uninspiring, we found places we felt were much better just wandering around.|They have a nice little patio with a lovely big table, but because the management were always there with their friends, we never got a chance to sit out.|Common area felt uncomfortable, and I felt awkward sitting there. |There are two showers for something like 16 beds.|If somebody is in the toilet, you can hear EVERYTHING from your bed.|Jack Johnson was playing from the moment we arrived until the moment we left. As I don't like him anyways, this was quite annoying.|I've mentioned this about another place in Japan, but again, I felt some of the guests here had either never been away, or never stayed in a hostel. Talking loudly at any time of the night and turning the light on at 2/3am.|Considering they explain certain rules at length when you arrive, perhaps these should have been the ones included.|It wasn't all negative, plug adaptor rental is...

It's a really nice and small hostel. It only has twelve beds in total, one room with eight beds, the other one with four. The beds are sturdy and give perfect privacy with curtains and Japanese paper. There are very cosy lounge areas attached to every sleeping room in which you can relax. Downstairs is also a communal space with a kitchen and also outdoor seating. The decoration is tasteful, very Japanese and professional. The airflow in the sleeping rooms is well established with two aircons, it's just cool fresh air, I had three really good nights. As it is not directly in the center you get the more mature crowd who knows how to live in a hostel. The manners are respectful and silent, which was great. From the two closest bus stops I could get direct buses to every major destination very easily and frequently. There are two great supermarkets and several convenience stores as well as restaurants in walking distance. Literally around the corner is a nice little park and a really good local Onsen. Reception time is from 9am to 9pm and as long as the bed is ready you can check in early. There are enough showers, sinks and toilets, was never crowded. Overall I'm really pleased with the stay and can recommend it to the experienced, quiet...