When you stay at Guesthouse Soi, you'll be a short five-minute drive from Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine. A terrace and a garden are offered, and in-room conveniences include dryers and microwaves.
Languages
Chinese (Mandarin), English, Japanese
At a glance
Hotel size
14 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is 10 AM
Contactless check-out
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and an access code; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
One child (9 years old and younger) stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room using existing bedding
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
No on-site parking
Property amenities
Food and drink
Coffee/tea in a common area
Shared microwave
Shared fridge
Travelling with children
Children stay for free (see details)
Toys
Children's books
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Multilingual staff
Facilities
1 building/tower
Built in 2014
Garden
Terrace
Television in common areas
Reception hall
Traditional architecture
Accessibility
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Room amenities
Home comfort
Air conditioning and heating
Ceiling fan
Iron/ironing board (on request)
Dryer
Sleep well
Blackout curtains
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Shampoo
Hairdryer
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Microwave
Children's dinnerware
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or checkout. Fees may include applicable taxes:
A city tax may be collected at the property. The city tax ranges from JPY 200–1,000 per person, per night based on the nightly room rate. Please note that further exemptions may apply. For more details, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Policies
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels etc). Additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have lifts.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher on-site.
This property accepts credit cards.
Cashless transactions are available.
Also known as
Guesthouse Soi formerly Sim's Cozy Guesthouse House Kyoto
Guesthouse Soi formerly Sim's Cozy Guesthouse House
Guesthouse Soi formerly Sim's Cozy Guesthouse Kyoto
Guesthouse Soi formerly Sim's Cozy Guesthouse
Guesthouse Soi House Kyoto
Guesthouse Soi House
Guesthouse Soi Kyoto
Soi Kyoto
Guesthouse Soi Kyoto
Guesthouse Soi Guesthouse
Guesthouse Soi Guesthouse Kyoto
Frequently asked questions
Does Guesthouse Soi offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Guesthouse Soi does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Guesthouse Soi?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at Guesthouse Soi?
Sorry, there's no on-site parking at Guesthouse Soi.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Guesthouse Soi?
Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: 9:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM. Contactless social distancing and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Guesthouse Soi and nearby?
Guesthouse Soi has a garden.
What's the area around Guesthouse Soi like?
Guesthouse Soi is a short 13-minute walk from Kiyomizu Temple and 16 minutes' walk from Kawaramachi Street.
Guesthouse Soi Reviews
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.2/10
Cleanliness
9.4/10
Staff & service
9.2/10
Amenities
9.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
19 Aug 2024
Quiet nice people
Amy
Amy, 2-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
15 May 2024
Alice
Alice, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
1 Jan 2024
Leon
Leon, 3-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
22 Sep 2023
The owners are the sweetest. The hostel owner would give me snacks whenever I was working the common area, called taxis for me, and even directed me to a local festival happening in the area. The staff can speak english very well, and there was also many forgeiners in the guesthouse which was very reassuring.
The room was very cozy, and it was fun to stay in a traditional style japanese room. I liked the futon, but others who do not fancy firmer beds may be a little uncomfortable. Overall, an amazing value and experience!
Ariane
Ariane, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
6 Sep 2023
The hosts were very friendly and helpful. They helped us figure out the bus system, helped us to choose sites to visit, and they were very welcoming. The room was close to the bathrooms which were private and very clean. I like having a small western breakfast available each morning.
Dianne
Dianne, 4-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
8 Jul 2023
Wonderful hotel run by a lovely family. Very clean and nice looking. Warm welcoming environment. Walking distance to several area attractions. I highly recommend this lodging. Would stay again.
Maribel
Maribel, 1-night family trip
Verified Travelocity guest review
10/10 Exceptional
30 May 2023
While it is a bit of a walk to the nearest station, there are convenient buses nearby. The guesthouse staff are incredibly friendly and helpful and the rooms and bathroom were clean. Loved it here.
Malinda
Malinda, 2-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
1 May 2023
Guesthouse Soi was adorable with really unique, artistic decor in the shared spaces. The staff was so welcoming. We stayed in a Japanese style room that had 2 futons but could accomodate a 3rd in neccesary. Our room was spacious, clean with an air conditioner that worked super well. There was a hot pot, tea cups and tea bags in our room which was a nice touch.
Of all the "shared bathroom" stays we did on our trip to Japan, this one really got it right: the shared bathroom was a whole area -- kind of like an old school dorm-- but it had three fully enclosed toilet "rooms", three fully enclosed shower "rooms" (with a small dry) area where you could get dressed, and a row of sinks and mirrors.
We did walk to Kiyumizudera, but for the most part, vehicular transport was needed to get to most of the sights and the station. There is a bis stop down the street!
Hephzibah
Hephzibah, 1-night family trip
Verified Orbitz guest review
10/10 Exceptional
27 Apr 2023
The staff were so kind and took time to give us advice about travel tips and answer our questions. My husband also really enjoyed the traditional Japanese breakfast that was offered and was a very affordable price for the quality.
Melissa
Melissa, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
25 Mar 2023
Me and a friend stayed for a night on a two day trip to Kyoto from Tokyo and the guesthouse was perfect! Easy to check in, the staff were extremely helpful giving great local recommendations and the guesthouse facilities were great and clean. Overall a great stay, thank you!
WIlliam
WIlliam, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
17 Mar 2023
Very personable and willing to help and was very attentive. So very hospitable and I wish I could have stayed longer. Very cozy and quaint which made me feel relaxed. Spacious room was a great change from the small accommodation I had prior.
Michael
Michael, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
2 Jan 2023
The staff, Maki-san and her family, were so incredibly considerate and accommodating. I really appreciated them. We had several hiccups in our plans and they made sure we still had a clean room, gave us medicine and soup for the one of us when she got sick, and invited us to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s with them and fed us cake and traditional soba. I doubt we could’ve had better accommodations anywhere else. Even though it was a bit of a walk to get to a bus and there weren’t many restaurants open near the guesthouse, I wouldn’t change anything about our stay. I highly recommend staying at Guesthouse Soi, and I am planning to send a thank you package to Maki-san and her family to express my gratitude for their hospitality that went above and beyond what was expected.
Harriet
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
26 May 2022
Everything was loverly :-)
Kristen
Kristen, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
6 Apr 2020
Nice Place to Stay
Soi is located close to Kiyomizu-dera and not far from anywhere in Kyoto. JIll, the host was very helpful in every aspect that we needed. The room was cozy and very "Large" in Japan's standard. The hostel is accessible by bus from Kyoto station and to all the tourist spot that you may want to go to. My wife and I stayed two nights there in February and will definitely return to stay there again in the future. Thank you Jill.
Eliot
Eliot, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
10 Mar 2020
Budget Stay
Good location, easily accessible by public transportation. Good service by Jill.
Eliot
Eliot, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
21 Dec 2019
This is a very good place to stay for both short and longer visits to Kyoto! It was very easy to find - the signage was very clear. The hosts were nice and helpful and could speak both English and Chinese. The location is close to the Gion district and the nearest JR station is a 25 minute walk. The one downside was the communal bathrooms. I would definitely recommend to everyone, and would choose to stay here again if I ever return to Kyoto.
Verified traveller
2-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
21 Nov 2019
Lovely staff, go above and beyond to help and make sure you're comfortable
Verified traveller
2-night trip with friends
Verified Orbitz guest review
10/10 Exceptional
7 Nov 2019
Great guest house good value and nice people. The service was also very good. I had a late check in and there was no stress about that.
You do have to do your breakfast dishes which must be the first time I’ve ever seen that but maybe I do not stay at hostels and guest houses much.
Verified traveller
1-night trip
Verified Lastminute guest review
10/10 Exceptional
3 Oct 2019
Loved our time here - great balance of room types - free breakfast and most important lovely staff. Thank you
Verified traveller
2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
2 Jul 2019
This is a truly unique accommodation: budget dorm-room like, but we secured a "family room" all to ourselves, with own bathroom and shower. The bunk beds were fun!
CW
CW, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
24 Nov 2018
Wonderful stay at the guesthouse with extremely friendly owners who provided us travel and shopping tips to travel in Kyoto. The guesthouse is located at a peaceful neighbourhood and yet near many places of attractions. We enjoy the daily short walk to the bus stop or main road to catch a taxi to Kyoto station. We will come back again.
Verified traveller
3-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
30 May 2018
Kyoto guesthouse - comfy and handy to many sites!
Our stay at Guesthouse Soi was great! The staff were helpful and knowledgeable, sharing ideas on where to go and what to see within our limited time. There are some amazing sites within walking distance and handy bus service to the train station or other destinations. We would enjoy staying there again.
Patricia
Patricia, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
16 May 2018
Wonderful guesthouse
Being in Kyoto for the first time and staying in this guesthouse was such a nice experience. In my opinion it was quite clean, the rooms are reasonable sized and sleeping on the floor with Japanese mattress was an amazing feeling! I was well rested :) A pity it’s a bit far away from the city centre but you can get a bus to everywhere.
Verified traveller
3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
1 May 2018
Nice hotel close to few attraction's
Staff very friendly, will explain to you where to go and what to visit.
Agata
Agata, 3-night trip
Verified Ebookers guest review
8/10 Very good
23 Apr 2018
Lovely stay!
The staff was very friendly, the place was cool and clean. It has bikes to rent which is very useful as it's located pretty far from downtown but it's a good distance to do by bike.