Kyoto Luxury: Hotel M's Plus Shijo Omiya - Unforgettable Stay!
Kyoto Luxury: Hotel M's Plus Shijo Omiya - Unforgettable Stay! - My Honest Mishmash of a Review! (SEO & All!)
Okay, so, lemme just preface this by saying I'm not a robot. I'm me. And I just got back from Kyoto and the Kyoto Luxury: Hotel M's Plus Shijo Omiya. And, well… it was an experience. A damn good one, most of the time, but definitely not perfect. Buckle up, buttercups, 'cause this is gonna be a long, rambling ride. And I'm gonna be brutally honest. And yes, I’m going to try and sneak in some SEO stuff because, you know, internet.
(SEO-Friendly Keywords Incoming!): Kyoto Hotels, Luxury Kyoto, Shijo Omiya, Wheelchair Accessible Kyoto, Kyoto Spa, Kyoto Hotel, Hotel Review, Japan Travel, Cleanliness in Kyoto, Free Wifi Kyoto, Kyoto with Kids, Accessible Hotel Japan, Best Kyoto Hotel, Kyoto Restaurant, Kyoto Accommodation. )
First off, finding the place? Easy peasy. Location, location, location, right? And this one's a winner. Shijo Omiya is a great base for exploring Kyoto. Public transport is right there which is a godsend when you're exhausted from temples-and-tea-ceremonies-ing all day.
Accessibility: Look, I didn't need accessibility features myself, but I saw plenty of stuff geared towards making the place welcoming. Wheelchair Accessible is definitely a thing here, important for my readers. They've got elevators, and I think a few rooms are specifically designed (though I didn't see them personally). It all looked pretty good, but I couldn't get into the details. Sorry! I'd advise checking those details with the hotel directly if accessibility is key. The Facilities for disabled guests are definitely a plus!
Cleanliness and Safety - Or, Did I Survive?!
Okay, so this is HUGE these days. I'm a total germaphobe, so I was obsessed. They had Anti-viral cleaning products – check. Daily disinfection in common areas – check. Even Rooms sanitized between stays – double check! I saw the staff properly masked, and everything seemed uber-clean. Honestly, it was reassuring. I'm talking Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. And I'm not just saying that, I'm talking right by the elevator, in the lobby, even near the vending machines (which, by the way, were stocked with some amazing Japanese snacks). They've clearly put a lot of thought into this. Hygiene certification – well, I didn't see a certificate, but I felt clean, which is half the battle. They also had Staff trained in safety protocol.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - My Stomach's Tale
Oh, the food. Where do I even begin? Let's be honest: good food is a make-or-break for me. And the Kyoto Luxury: Hotel M's Plus Shijo Omiya… it delivered, mostly.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Standard, good, not mind-blowing. Think Asian breakfast options (hello, miso soup!), and Western breakfast staples. I made a bee-line for the scrambled eggs every morning, just to convince myself I was still in Kansas (or wherever). They also had Breakfast takeaway service which might have been good if I wasn't such a fan of the buffet!
- Restaurants: There was one, I think. I spent most of my time exploring the streets. But they had an A la carte in restaurant, and I've heard good things about the Asian cuisine in restaurant.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant and a Coffee shop kept my caffeine levels topped up, even though the coffee wasn't quite as good as I'm used to.
- Snack bar was a lifesaver for those late-night cravings.
- Poolside bar was divine. I went in March, so maybe not the most 'poolside' situation but the option was there!
The Spa - A Moment of Bliss (and Embarrassment)
Okay, so the spa. This is where things got really interesting for me. I'd seen the ads for Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Pool with view. Honestly, I was sold. I needed a break, a proper chill-out.
So, I book the spa. I waltz in, feeling all zen. Get led to the changing room. And promptly trip over my own feet and faceplant in front of the poor therapist. Mortified. Absolutely mortified. But the therapist, a saintly woman, just helped me up, smiled, and said, "Relax." And you know what? I did! The massage was sublime. Seriously, that woman could work miracles. The Sauna was perfect. The Steamroom… well, I'm not a huge fan of steamrooms normally, but it was clean, relaxing, and for a good 20 minutes, the outside world didn't exist.
The swimming pool looked AMAZING, but I chickened out (see: March). I'm telling you, the Pool with view is probably glorious or, as I call it, the photo opportunity!
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious… Almost-Glorious Rooms!
My room? ( Available in all rooms and Non-smoking, FYI) Okay, it was pretty damn good. Air conditioning was a must-have (Kyoto gets hot). Air conditioning in public area too. Free Wi-Fi – a savior for Instagram and sending back those 'wish you were here' pics. Free of charge - even better. High floor was nice, especially with the window that opens. I had a Desk, which helped with work and not getting run over by the kids. A Closet I almost forgot I had and the Safe box provided some peace of mind. The Bathroom? Spotless, modern, with a Separate shower/bathtub. The biggest bonus? Bathrobes and slippers. Heaven. Towels were fluffy. Toiletries… well, they were the usual hotel stuff, fine but not luxury level. The Bed? Comfy enough, but I wouldn't necessarily say "extra long" – maybe I'm just super tall?
Things that Irked Me (Because I'm Honest!)
- Internet Access – LAN: Seriously, who uses LAN cables anymore?
- The view. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't stunning, either.
- The gym, I think existed. You know, Fitness center. I just couldn't get motivated.
- The pool was closed! See: March, so this is fair, but still!
The "Unforgettable Stay" - What Really Made It
Ultimately, what makes a stay "unforgettable" isn't just the amenities—it's the little things. This hotel wasn't perfect, mind you. It had quirks. But the staff… they were truly wonderful. Always friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care about making my stay great. They accommodated my request for extra towels. They pointed me in the direction of the best ramen place in Kyoto. They didn’t laugh (too much) when I faceplanted. It made a difference.
(SEO Stuff Again!): For example, the Concierge bent over backwards to book train tickets for me and the check-in/out [express] was so easy! And, I'm going to be honest here… there was a crying baby in the lobby everyday. That wasn't unforgettable in a good way. But you know what? It happens. Daily housekeeping kept my room nice and clean.
Services and Conveniences
- Cash withdrawal – check.
- Convenience store – right around the corner. (Hello, late-night snacks!)
- Laundry service – saved my travel wardrobe!
- Doorman and 24-hour front desk made me feel secure.
- The luggage storage was great.
- Car park + Taxi Service: I didn’t drive but it's available!
For the Kids/Family (I Don’t Have any)
I can’t tell you much here. I think it had Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids facilities. But, again, call and ask…
Getting Around
- Airport transfer made it easy!
- Bicycle parking if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Car park [on-site] - if you drive.
Wrapping Up - My Verdict
Would I recommend the Kyoto Luxury: Hotel M's Plus Shijo Omiya? Absolutely. It's not flawless. It's not the cheapest option. But it's a solid, comfortable, well-located hotel with great service. And, most importantly, it was a good base for exploring Kyoto
Escape to Paradise: Adults-Only Saradari Beach Bliss in Greece
Alright, alright, settle in, because you're about to get the real lowdown on my supposed "trip" to Hotel M's Plus Shijo Omiya in Kyoto. Forget those pristine, perfect itineraries you see online. This is the unvarnished truth, sprinkled with my own brand of chaotic charm. Buckle up, buttercups, because we're going for a wild ride.
Day 1: The Arrival (and the Pre-Jet Lag Panic)
6:00 AM (ish) - Narita Airport, Japan: Okay, so the alarm went off at 3 AM back home. I was convinced I needed to iron my lucky travel pants (yes, I have those). Now, after 12 hours of flying, my brain is mashed potatoes. The airport smells like a weird mix of soy sauce and existential dread. Finding my transfer bus was an Olympic sport. Did I mention I forgot to pack an adapter? My phone is already weeping from a lack of juice.
10:00 AM (ish) - Hotel M's Plus, Yay for the hotel!: Finally! The hotel is a cute little oasis, clean and smelling of something vaguely floral. The staff actually smiles (a refreshing change after the airport). My room is tiny, but hey, that’s Japan! I’m tempted to just collapse on the bed and not move for the rest of the day, but the nagging voice of FOMO is too strong.
11:00 AM - Shijo-Omiya area: Okay, I decided to explore my neighborhood. I got lost… completely lost. The street signs are in a language I don’t understand, and Google Maps is acting like a moody teenager. Wound up in a tiny alleyway with cats. My language skills consisted of pointing and frantic gesturing. I think I may have accidentally bought a bottle of something fermented.
1:00 PM - Lunch: Ah, finally, food! Found a little ramen shop. The broth was incredible, the noodles were perfect. I slurped so loud, I'm pretty sure I caused a small earthquake. Accidentally ate the whole pickled ginger mountain and was slightly regretful, but still, what a delicious meal.
2:00 PM - Wandering around: I tried to visit the Nishiki Market, but the sheer volume of people gave me the jitters. Decided to retreat and wander around a less crowded street with small shops. It was at this time, I got completely lost. So I stopped at a small cafe, bought some coffee and contemplated life. Then, I thought about the fact that I had not had sleep.
4:00 PM - Nap time: Hotel room, a brief moment of bliss.
7:00 PM - Dinner: Trying to be adventurous. Went to the street near the hotel and tried some Okonomiyaki. It tasted like a pancake that took a detour through a savory dimension. One of the best tasting things I have ever had.
9:00 PM - Collapse: In bed, clutching my travel pants, utterly defeated but happy. Dreaming of matcha lattes and not being lost.
Day 2: Temples, Trains, and Tourist Trauma
8:00 AM - Breakfast: The hotel had a simple breakfast. I think I had rice and miso soup, I loved it and the atmosphere.
9:00 AM - Fushimi Inari Shrine: Okay, so the red torii gates are gorgeous, right? But the crowds! It felt less like a spiritual experience and more like trying to navigate a human river during rush hour. I pushed my way up as far as I could, but after taking about three pictures, I gave up on the hiking part.
11:00 AM - Train Chaos: Figured out the train system! (Okay, maybe I just pointed at the map and hoped for the best). The ride was smooth and felt like being whisked away on a moving postcard. I almost missed my stop, though. My heart rate hasn't gone that high since high school graduation.
12:00 PM - Kiyomizu-dera Temple: This temple is just breathtaking! The views! The architecture! I nearly cried. The walk on the wooden porch was a bit crowded, but oh, so worth it!
2:00 PM - Lunch: Found a small restaurant near the temple as my stomach gargled, the food was just alright. It was cheap, though.
3:00 PM - Shopping & Sweet Treats!: I may or may not have bought a ridiculously overpriced matcha ice cream cone. And a tiny ceramic cat. And a fan with dragons. Send help. And more money.
5:00 PM - Back to the Hotel: I'm starting to understand why everyone in Japan looks so calm. I need a break, a long shower and a few hours without human contact.
7:00 PM - Dinner: Decided that I need to eat. Found a place with tempura. I ate so much, I think my stomach might be permanently stretched. I waddled back to my room.
9:00 PM - Planning (or lack thereof): Back at the hotel, attempting to make plans, or at least trying to decide what I would do tomorrow. Failed.
Day 3: The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing (and loving it)
9:00 AM - Sleep in: I missed the breakfast. Oops.
10:00 AM - Lounging: I decided to get some coffee at a place nearby. It turns out, it was a coffee place that did not do to-go. I stayed there for a good hour and chatted with the barista.
11:00 AM - Exploration: I decided to go to a tea shop and buy some tea. The shop was quiet and calm, and I ended up buying way too much tea. I decided that was fine.
1:00 PM - Lunch: Decided to go back to my favorite restaurant to eat ramen. It was just as good as the first time. It made me so happy.
3:00 PM - Hotel Time: I decided to chill in my room. I read, watched a movie and took another nap. It was the best decision I have made on this trip.
7:00 PM - Dinner: I am eating the rest of the okonomiyaki I bought because I loved it so much. I paired it with some green tea.
9:00 PM - Pack: I decided to leave my hotel the next day. I regret it, and I don't want to go home.
Day 4 (The Departure):
- Morning: I am on the train to the airport, dreaming of my next time in Japan.
And that, my friends, is the story of my Kyoto adventure. It wasn't perfect. It was chaotic. It was sometimes frustrating. But it was mine. And sometimes, that's all that matters. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go buy a postcard that doesn't involve cats.
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Kyoto Luxury: Hotel M's Plus Shijo Omiya - Unforgettable Stay! (Or At Least, I Think So…) - FAQs (More Chaotic Edition!)
Okay, spill it – is this place REALLY "luxury?" Like, did you feel pampered or just… mildly inconvenienced in a fancy robe?
Location, Location, Location! How's the neighborhood? Is it easy to get around, especially if you're, you know, directionally challenged like myself?
The dreaded Room-Related Questions! What can you tell me about the… *room*? Size? Amenities? Tiny, tantalizing details?
Breakfast! Did they have it? Was it any good? Because, let’s be honest, breakfast can make or break a hotel stay…
The Staff - Were they helpful? Did they speak English? Did they judge your appalling attempts at Japanese?
Okay, the big picture. Would you recommend Hotel M's Plus Shijo Omiya? Is it worth the price tag? Be brutally honest!
