Kyoto Luxury Escape: Prince Smart Inn Shijo Omiya Awaits!
Kyoto Luxury Escape: Prince Smart Inn Shijo Omiya Awaits!
Kyoto Luxury Escape: Prince Smart Inn Shijo Omiya – Did it Actually Charm Me? (A Rant-Review!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups. I'm back from Kyoto, and let me tell you, my brain is still processing the sensory overload. But before I drown in matcha lattes and ancient temples, I gotta break down the Prince Smart Inn Shijo Omiya. They lured me in with promises of “luxury escape” (cue dramatic eye roll), so let’s dissect this little Kyoto gem, shall we?
First Impressions (and a minor freak-out):
The "luxury" part? Let's just say it's smart luxury. It’s not gilded everything, more like… clever use of space. The lobby was clean, modern, and thankfully, air-conditioned (Kyoto in summer is a sweaty death match!). Accessibility seemed pretty decent; the elevator was readily available (thank god, because I’m carrying a suitcase of questionable souvenirs!), and there were mentions of facilities for disabled guests. The real test, of course, is being disabled, not just having the brochures say it, but I saw a few things that looked promising.
Cleanliness & Safety – My Inner Germaphobe Approved! (Mostly)
Alright, this is where the Prince Smart Inn really won me over. In the post-pandemic world, I’m basically a hand-sanitizing ninja. And they delivered. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. The room itself felt clean (though I did my own wipe-down of the light switches – old habits!). Rooms sanitized between stays? I’m betting on it. The staff were trained in safety protocols, and I saw people masking up without being forced, which is a gold star in my book. They even had hand sanitizer everywhere! Maybe I’m a sucker for a well-stocked sanitizing station, but it made me feel a hell of a lot safer. There’s CCTV in common areas and outside the property, which is comforting, and they had fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and a front desk [24-hour]. Okay, I was starting to relax.
The Rooms: Functional, Not Extravagant (and My Tiny Bathroom Trauma)
My room? It was…functional. It’s the age-old hotel game - a game of space. They maximized every inch. They had air conditioning that actually worked (hallelujah!). They promised “luxury,” and, well, okay, the blackout curtains were a godsend for morning sleep-ins, and the complimentary tea was a nice touch. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms was a necessity, and it actually worked, unlike some hotels! The bed was comfy enough, though the “extra-long bed” felt more like "standard-long" to me.
Now, the bathroom… Ah, the bathroom. It was tiny. Legitimately tiny. You’re basically brushing your teeth in the shower. And the toilet…oh, the toilet. It was…well, Japanese toilets are an experience. I spent a good five minutes just trying to figure out how to flush the damn thing. Private bathroom is a plus, obviously. But the size? I'm 5'8", and I felt like I could touch everything simultaneously.
Internet Access & Beyond:
The free Wi-Fi was the real MVP, allowing me to live-stream all my social media updates, and I was actually able to Internet [LAN] when it was needed for work; very helpful. They even offered Internet services.
Getting Around & Location, Location, Location
They had a car park [free of charge] which is a rare treat in central Kyoto, so big win! The area around the hotel was good, a bit removed from the mega-tourist hordes, which I appreciated. There was a convenience store nearby for late-night snacks (essential!), and it's relatively close to public transport. I basically walked everywhere anyway, because: Kyoto.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Where it Got Interesting
The hotel offered breakfast [buffet], an Asian breakfast, which was more of a grab-and-go situation. I'm not going to lie, I was pretty disappointed. I'm not a huge buffet person as a rule, but it was scary. Mostly packaged stuff. Very disappointing. I opted for a local bakery, where I had one the best pastries I've ever eaten. Thank God for Japanese bakeries, seriously. They did have a Coffee shop and Coffee/tea in restaurant, which came off as a bit sad. They also had restaurants
On-Site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges - I didn't see this listed, but definitely explore what is on walking distance.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax… (The Elusive Spa)
This is where the “luxury escape” promise started to wobble. There were no Body scrubs, Body wraps, or Pool with view. No Spa or Spa/sauna. It was a far cry from a traditional spa experience. They had a Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness but I didn’t use them.. They certainly weren't promoting any particularly relaxing elements.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things… and the Big Ones
The staff were generally friendly and efficient, but a bit…distant. I didn’t get that authentic Japanese hospitality feeling, but they did do what they were supposed to. They offered daily housekeeping, which was immaculate, and the daily disinfection in common areas just made me feel safe. They also had a doorman for whatever reason (I'm not sure why!) They have a Concierge, but I didn't use it.
For the Kids & Family-Friendliness (Or Lack Thereof…):
Didn't really see much evidence of kid-friendliness. They might have had a Babysitting service but I didn't see any, and the hotel really wasn't geared towards families, so it's a low score here.
The Breakdown: My Honest Opinion
Okay, so here's the deal. The Prince Smart Inn Shijo Omiya is a solid, clean, conveniently located hotel. It's safe. It has comfortable rooms with functional amenities. The Wi-Fi works. It’s not exactly a “luxury escape,” but more like a “smart” choice.
The Good: AMAZING location, clean, affordable. The Bad: "Luxury" is a stretch, the bathroom is tiny, the breakfast is forgettable. The Ugly: Nothing was actually ugly.
Overall: A Solid 3.5 out of 5 Stars. I’d stay there again if I was backpacking or on a budget. It’s a good base. For a proper luxury escape, look elsewhere, but this gets the job done. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go dream about those pastries…
Luxury Escape Near Taiyuan Shanxi Da Hospital: Shell Hotel Xiaoma Garden Awaits
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your pristine, perfectly-formatted itinerary. This is a chaotic, caffeine-fueled, and potentially slightly embarrassing account of my time at the Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya. Let's see if I can even hold it together…
Day 1: Touchdown in Kyoto – And the Great Vending Machine Debacle
- Arrival: Arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Okay, smooth landing, thank you, universe! Except… Ugh, my luggage is like a grumpy toddler. dragging it out of the airport.
- Transportation: Finally snagged the Haruka Express to Kyoto station. The train was sleek, futuristic, and… full of people. Found a seat eventually, wedged between a couple who kept staring intensely at their phones. Are they playing a silent game of "Who Can Stare the Longest?"
- Check-in: Prince Smart Inn: Tiny, efficient, very Japanese. The lobby's all clean lines and polite bows. The room is… smaller than advertised, but hey, it's Kyoto, every square inch is a treasure, right?
- Afternoon Fiasco: Vending Machine Mayhem. Right, so I'm jetlagged. I'm thirsty. I see the glorious glowing promise of a vending machine. Oh, sweet, sweet nectar of life! Except… I put in the money, push the button for my beloved matcha latte, and… nothing happens. Try again. Still nothing. Panic sets in. Is this some kind of test? Do I need a secret code? I end up staring at the machine for a solid five minutes like a confused chimpanzee. I finally gave up and retreated after the very kindly receptionist giggled while showing me. (apparently it wasn't working in the morning.)
- Evening: Wandering through the Shijo-Omiya area. The lights, the smells, the sheer bustle! It's sensory overload in the best way possible. Found a tiny ramen shop with an impossibly long line. (because everyone knows the best food has a line.) Decided to brave it. Best. Ramen. Ever. Seriously. The broth… I could bathe in it.
- Bedtime: Collapsed into bed. Jet lag is hitting me like a ton of bricks. But, the sounds of Kyoto are still roaring outside. Oh, but the internet worked in the room tonight…
Day 2: Temples, Teahouses, and Tourist Traps (Oh My!)
- Morning: Woke up way too early, courtesy of the aforementioned jet lag. Decided to actually be productive for once in my life. Headed to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The view! Breathtaking. Took a million photos (naturally). Dodged a crowd of selfie-stick-wielding tourists (my least favorite species) and kept my sanity intact.
- Afternoon: Gion district: Geishas! Or rather, the rumor of geishas. I lurked around hoping to catch a glimpse but only managed to see a bunch of bored-looking Western tourists with cameras. Feeling slightly disappointed. Found a traditional teahouse, spent a fortune, and drank the best matcha tea of my life. This is what I needed after the hunt for geishas.
- Mid-Afternoon Fumble: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Crowded, undeniably beautiful. The light filtering through the bamboo is genuinely magical. However, the serenity was a bit… shattered by my own clumsiness. Tripped, nearly fell into a ditch, and earned a few concerned glances from the locals. Smooth, me, real smooth.
- Evening: This is where things got a bit… off-track. Found this little izakaya, and just had a good time.
- Bedtime: After 10 hours of wandering, I passed out.
Day 3: Lost in Translation (and Tempura)
- Morning: Nijo Castle. The architecture is amazing, and I’m a sucker for a good sliding door. It was a little too much talking and a little too much walking.
- Afternoon: Trying to master the Kyoto bus system. Utter chaos. Finally, I managed to get on the right bus, only to discover I had no idea where I was going. Cue frantic Googling and eventually… arriving at a random, very charming, local temple.
- Late Afternoon: The day's highlight: Tempura. Just ordered the first thing on the menu and was rewarded with light, crispy, perfectly fried vegetables and seafood. I’m in love. Ordered a second helping.
- Evening: Walked back to the hotel. Ate some noodles. Slept.
Day 4: Farewell Kyoto (and a Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble)
- Morning: Packing. Oh, the joy! Trying to cram all my newly acquired treasures (and slightly questionable souvenirs) into my already bursting suitcase.
- Breakfast: Tried the hotel’s breakfast. Surprisingly good. Had it on the balcony, enjoying the last hours here.
- Late Morning: Last-minute souvenir dash! Ran back to the Shijo-Omiya shopping area to find something for my Aunt Susan. Found a slightly tacky Hello Kitty keychain. I hope she likes it.
- Departure: Heading back to KIX. A bittersweet moment. Kyoto, you were a whirlwind of beauty, chaos, and deliciousness. I’ll be back. Just… maybe I'll bring a better map (and a translator app) next time. (oh, and learn how to use a vending machine).
- Aftermath: Back at home (where "home" is now) and missing Kyoto. The jet lag has fully kicked in, and I'm pretty sure my brain is still running on Japanese time.
Kyoto Luxury Escape: Prince Smart Inn Shijo Omiya - Frequently (and Frankly) Asked Questions!
Okay, seriously, is this "Luxury Escape" thing even remotely true? Because my idea of luxury involves a working air conditioner, and a hotel room that doesn't smell faintly of seaweed.
Alright, let's be real. "Luxury Escape" is maybe stretching it. Think "Pleasantly Comfortable Escape," with bursts of actual awesome thrown in. The Prince Smart Inn Shijo Omiya? It's... *fine*. The air con worked. Thank GOD. But, the seaweed smell? Okay, maybe a *hint*. You know, that lingering scent of the ocean that reminds you you're finally on vacation, but also makes you question your life choices? Yeah, that. It's clean, it's convenient (more on that later), and the staff are super friendly, even when you're struggling to understand the vending machine's obscure Japanese instructions. Is it the Ritz? No. Is it going to ruin your trip? Probably not. Honestly, for the price, it's a solid win. Emphasis on *solid*. I've seen worse (ahem, that hostel in Bangkok...).
The location! Everyone raves about it. Is it *really* that good? Give it to me straight.
Okay, *this* is where the Prince Smart Inn shines. Location, location, LOCATION! Seriously, it's gold. Right by the Shijo Omiya station? Huge. You can practically roll out of the hotel and onto the Hankyu line. I did, once. (Don't judge, jet lag is real.) Tons of amazing restaurants are a stumble away. And I'm not talking fast food; I'm talking proper Kyoto cuisine, the kind that makes you weep with joy (and maybe a little bit of wasabi). Plus, it's walking distance to Nishiki Market, which is a sensory overload in the best way possible. Seriously, I bought all the pickled vegetables. ALL of them. Okay, maybe not *all*, but more than I thought possible. So yeah: Location? Fantastic. Worth the slight seaweed smell? Absolutely.
The rooms! Are they shoeboxes, or can you actually *move* around? Because my luggage is basically a small apartment.
The rooms are…compact. Let's go with *compact*. Think of it as a perfectly organized, minimalist zen experience. Except with a suitcase that’s overflowing with souvenirs and questionable fashion choices. I brought, like, six pairs of shoes. Who even *am* I? But yeah, you can move around, although you might need to employ some creative suitcase Tetris. The bed was comfy, though! And the bathroom? Spotlessly clean, which is a major win in my book. Even the little soaps and shampoos were cute (and smelled WAY better than the seaweed, thankfully). Embrace the cozy. Think of it as a chance to practice your minimalist lifestyle, or, you know, just learn to live out of one suitcase like a professional. It's an experience. A *compressed* experience, but an experience nonetheless.
Breakfast? Is it worth it? Because I'm a hungry person.
Okay, the breakfast. *Deep breath.* It was… serviceable. There was a decent selection of Japanese and Western options. The usual suspects: rice, miso soup, some sad-looking scrambled eggs, and a selection of…interesting…pickles (seriously, those pickled vegetables are everywhere). I'm not going to lie, the coffee was pretty weak. I'm a coffee snob (don't look at me like that; we all have our flaws), and I needed *multiple* cups to even feel human. Considering the breakfast is included in the price, I’d say it's worth it. Get your fill. But if you're a true breakfast fiend, consider exploring the cafes outside. Kyoto has some AMAZING coffee shops. Just sayin'.
The staff! Are they helpful? Do they speak English? Because my Japanese is, shall we say, *rusty*?
The staff are fantastic. Seriously. They're super polite, super helpful, and most of them spoke decent English. I had a *major* issue with my train ticket (I blame the vending machine), and they went above and beyond to help me sort it out. They were patient, kind, and actually listened (unlike some people I know). They are the rockstars of this hotel! Plus, their smiles are genuine. They genuinely want you to have a good time, which is a refreshing change from some of the more… *distant* service I've experienced elsewhere. So, yes, the staff are a HUGE plus. Don't be afraid to ask for help. They're there to make your life easier (and maybe even help you avoid buying another questionable vegetable).
Would you stay there again? Give me the honest truth!
Okay, the honest truth. For the price, the location, and the overall experience? Absolutely. I probably would. I'd pack light next time (or maybe just accept that I'm doomed to overpack) and I'd *definitely* bring my own coffee. But yeah, I'd go back. Kyoto is magical, the hotel is comfortable enough, and the location is unbeatable. The seaweed smell? Eh, it's part of the charm. Maybe. Okay, I might bring a scented candle. But overall? Yes. Go. Just go. You won't regret it. (Probably.)
Parking? Do they have it? Because driving in Kyoto seems like a nightmare.
Oh, driving in Kyoto CAN be a nightmare! Narrow streets, chaotic traffic... I'm getting stressed just thinking about it. As for the hotel, you'll need to check with them directly about parking availability. Some smaller hotels like this might not have on-site parking, or it could be VERY limited. They might have a deal with a nearby parking garage. But honestly? DON'T DRIVE. Take the train. The subway. The buses. Kyoto's public transport is AMAZING and it's the least stressful way to get around. Trust me on this one. Unless you're a glutton for punishment and enjoy honking at scooters and trying to find a parallel parking spot the size of a shoebox, leave the car at home (or at your airport parking, wherever that is).
Any hidden gems around the hotel? Secret cafes, cool shops, etc.? Spill the tea!
Okay, this is *my* favorite part. Besides the general awesome-ness of being in Kyoto and having amazing things everywhere, let me unload. I gotta tell you about this tiny little cafe, just a five-minute walk from the hotel, called "Cafe de Saison" (IParisian Paradise Found: Babel Belleville's Unforgettable Charm
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