Hey guys! Planning a trip to Kyoto and eyeing up the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi? Awesome choice! It's super well-located, close to Kyoto Station (Ekihigashi literally means "East of the Station"), making it a breeze to explore the city. I recently stayed in room 305, and I'm here to give you the lowdown. This isn't just a generic hotel review, it's a deep dive into my personal experience, covering everything from the room itself to the hotel's amenities and the surrounding area. So, buckle up, and let's get into it!

First Impressions: Checking into APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi

Arriving at the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi is pretty straightforward. It's a quick walk from Kyoto Station, which is a major plus after a long journey. The exterior is modern and clean, typical of the APA chain. Check-in was efficient and the staff were friendly, with some English speakers available, which is always a relief if your Japanese is a bit rusty (like mine!). The lobby is compact but functional, with vending machines, and all the essentials. Now, let's talk about room 305 specifically. As with many hotels in Japan, rooms at the APA are known for being compact and efficient. Don't expect sprawling luxury, but instead, appreciate the clever use of space.

My first impression of room 305 was, 'Okay, this is typical APA!' It's clean, functional, and well-designed for its size. The room featured a double bed, a small desk area, a compact bathroom, and a TV. The decor is modern and minimalist, with a focus on functionality. There's not a lot of extra space for luggage, so if you're traveling with a ton of bags, it might feel a bit cramped. However, the efficient layout made it surprisingly comfortable. The location of the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi is one of its biggest selling points. Being so close to Kyoto Station means easy access to the Shinkansen (bullet train), local trains, buses, and the Kyoto subway system. This is a game-changer when it comes to exploring the city and beyond. You can quickly reach popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Plus, the station itself is a hub for shops, restaurants, and entertainment. In terms of overall first impressions, room 305 at the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi delivered on its promise of a clean, convenient, and well-located base for exploring Kyoto. It's not a luxury stay, but it's perfect for those who prioritize location and efficiency. Let's delve deeper into the specifics, shall we?

Room 305: A Detailed Look

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of room 305. As I mentioned earlier, the rooms at the APA Hotel are designed with space efficiency in mind. This means everything is packed in neatly. The room in APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi that I stayed in, room 305, had a double bed, which was comfortable enough, but perhaps not the plushest you'll find. The bedding was clean, and there were ample pillows. There wasn't a ton of space to move around the bed, but it wasn't claustrophobic either.

Adjacent to the bed was a small desk area, which was perfect for working on my laptop or simply organizing my things. There was a TV with a selection of channels (mostly Japanese, but some international options too). The room also featured a small refrigerator, which was great for keeping drinks cold, and an electric kettle for making tea or coffee (a lifesaver in the mornings!). The bathroom was compact but well-equipped. It included a shower/tub combo, a toilet with a bidet function (standard in Japan!), and a sink. The amenities provided were basic but sufficient: shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and a toothbrush set. The water pressure was good, and the hot water was readily available – a crucial factor after a long day of sightseeing.

The room also offered a few extra touches that I appreciated. There was a small safe for valuables, and the air conditioning was easy to control. The Wi-Fi was fast and reliable, which is essential for staying connected. The view from room 305 was nothing spectacular, but it wasn't terrible either. I was facing the street, so I could see some of the surrounding buildings and the bustling activity below. However, the hotel's efficient design ensured that any external noise was kept to a minimum, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep. Overall, room 305 at the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi is a functional and comfortable space. It's not lavish, but it offers everything you need for a comfortable stay. It's ideal for solo travelers or couples who prioritize location and value for money. Let's discuss the hotel's amenities, too.

Amenities and Services at APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi

Beyond the room itself, the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi offers a range of amenities and services designed to enhance your stay. As with most APA hotels, there is a restaurant on-site. The restaurant typically serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast buffet is usually a good value, offering a mix of Japanese and Western options. Expect to find things like rice, miso soup, eggs, bacon, pastries, and coffee. It's a convenient way to start your day, especially before a long day of exploring.

The hotel also has vending machines for drinks and snacks, which are available 24/7. These come in handy when you get late-night cravings or need a quick pick-me-up. The hotel provides laundry services, a must if you're on a longer trip and want to travel light. The front desk offers luggage storage, which is useful if you arrive before check-in time or have a late departure. The staff at the APA Hotel are generally helpful and efficient. While not all staff members speak fluent English, they are always willing to assist you to the best of their abilities. The hotel offers various services to enhance convenience for the travelers.

One of the amenities, I always appreciate is the free Wi-Fi in the rooms and throughout the hotel. This allows you to stay connected and plan your itineraries. The hotel also has an on-site parking garage, which is useful if you're driving. The location of the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi is again worth mentioning in the context of the amenities. Its proximity to Kyoto Station makes it incredibly easy to access various transportation options, and the station itself is a hub for shops, restaurants, and other services. In terms of services, the hotel's check-in and check-out processes are efficient, and the staff are always happy to help with any questions or requests. Overall, the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi offers a range of amenities and services that make it a convenient and comfortable choice for travelers.

Location, Location, Location: Exploring the Area Around APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi

As I've mentioned throughout this review, the location of the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi is a massive selling point. Being located so close to Kyoto Station opens up a world of possibilities. You're practically at the doorstep of the city's main transportation hub. From Kyoto Station, you can easily access the Shinkansen (bullet train) to travel to other major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Local trains, buses, and the Kyoto subway system are also readily available, making it simple to get around Kyoto and explore the surrounding areas. But the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi is great not only for its proximity to Kyoto Station, but it also provides a strategic location to discover Kyoto's top attractions.

The immediate vicinity of the hotel is also quite convenient. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores within walking distance. You can grab a quick meal, pick up snacks, or find essential items easily. For foodies, the area around Kyoto Station is a paradise. You'll find everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to international options. The station itself has a vast selection of restaurants, and there are many smaller eateries and izakayas in the surrounding streets.

Kyoto is known for its beautiful temples and shrines, and many of the most famous ones are easily accessible from the hotel. Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its iconic red torii gates, is just a short train ride away. Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its wooden stage and panoramic views, is also within easy reach. The Gion district, famous for its geishas and traditional wooden machiya houses, is also easily accessible. For those interested in shopping, Kyoto Station has a large shopping complex with various stores and boutiques. There are also many smaller shops and markets throughout the city, offering unique souvenirs and local products. Overall, the location of the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi is excellent. You'll have easy access to transportation, restaurants, shops, and some of Kyoto's most popular attractions. It's an ideal base for exploring the city.

Pros and Cons of Staying at APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi (Room 305)

Okay, let's break down the pros and cons of staying in room 305 at the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi, so you can decide if it's the right choice for you.

Pros:

• Excellent Location: Proximity to Kyoto Station is unbeatable. Easy access to transportation, restaurants, and shops.
• Clean and Functional Rooms: The rooms are well-maintained and efficiently designed.
• Affordable: APA Hotels are generally good value for money, especially in prime locations.
• On-Site Amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, vending machines, laundry service, and helpful staff.
• Free Wi-Fi: Fast and reliable Wi-Fi is a major plus.

Cons:

• Small Rooms: Rooms are compact, which might feel cramped for some travelers.
• Basic Amenities: While functional, the amenities are not luxurious.
• Limited Space: Not ideal for travelers with a lot of luggage.
• No extraordinary view: Room views might not be particularly scenic.

Ultimately, whether the pros outweigh the cons depends on your travel style and priorities. If you prioritize location, convenience, and value for money, then the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi is a great choice. If you're looking for a more luxurious experience or need a lot of space, you might want to consider other options. However, for a clean, comfortable, and well-located base for exploring Kyoto, room 305 at the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi is a solid option. I would certainly consider staying there again on my next trip!

Final Thoughts: Is APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi Right for You?

So, after experiencing room 305 at the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi, what's the verdict? It really boils down to your personal preferences and travel needs. If you're looking for a luxurious, spacious hotel room with a stunning view, then this might not be the place for you. But, if you're a traveler who values location, convenience, and affordability, then the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi is an excellent option. For travelers on a budget, this hotel offers a good value.

It's a practical choice for solo travelers, couples, or anyone who plans to spend most of their time exploring Kyoto. The proximity to Kyoto Station is the key selling point. You'll be able to easily access transportation, restaurants, shops, and major attractions. The hotel itself is clean, well-maintained, and offers the essential amenities. Yes, the rooms are small, but they are well-designed to maximize space. I enjoyed my stay in room 305 and would recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Kyoto.

Consider this hotel if you're looking for a place where you can quickly drop off your luggage and go out. The hotel fulfills its core purpose which is to provide a clean, affordable, and well-located place to rest your head after a day of sightseeing. It's a no-frills hotel that prioritizes functionality. It's also an excellent choice if you're on a budget and want to experience Kyoto without breaking the bank. So, there you have it, guys! That's my honest review of room 305 at the APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi. I hope this helps you plan your trip! Safe travels, and enjoy Kyoto!