Smile Hotel Kyoto Shijo (Kyoto, Japan)

Guests generally rave about the location, noting that the hotel is within walking distance of many restaurants, shops, and sights such as the Nishiki Market and Gion. It is not too far from a metro station and very close to several bus stops, including one of the main routes, and the staff are happy to let you know which numbers to catch for the sanctuaries, temples, or other sights.

Many guests describe the hotel's staff as very friendly, helpful, and able to assist with special requests. Some are fluent in both English and Japanese, a great plus for international travellers. The housekeeping team also earns high marks for their professional services.

Guests travelling to pricey Kyoto on a budget are generally favourably impressed with the amount of space and comfort the rooms provide for their modest price and three-star status. Families of four are comfortable in the quadruple rooms, and convenient extras such as the in-room fridge, coin laundry machines, and luggage storage are much appreciated.

The free Wi-Fi seems to be priced right, as most guests find it very slow and unreliable, whether they are on the top floor or in the lobby.

Some international travellers have been frustrated by the varying levels of fluency in English across the front desk staff. Others have felt that the rooms did not live up to their online profile, noting that the facts line up but the building seems older "in real life" than it appears in photos.

Several guests have been let down by the lack of continental favourites such as pastries on the breakfast buffet menu, which seems to be largely traditional Asian dishes.