Ben S Guesthouse Kyoto

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2026

Araceli

Staff wa nice and friendly.

Friends_and_family Friends

4/10

Poor

26 Nov 2025

Jodie

Not very practical if you have heavy luggage as there’s no lift and everything a bit separated by floors. Also wasn’t too pleased that my locker important things were removed from staff because it was in wrong number but then I wasn’t informed, so when i needed to check out it left me in a very panicked state. The all gender bathrooms are also a bit less than ideal as I wouldn’t want to be sharing shower rooms with guys. The good thing though is that it’s cheap , conveniently close to attractions and the actual room pod was surpringly spacious.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Nov 2025

Ulrike

Everyone is helpful

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Nov 2025

Ulrike

I like staying there. Everything is clean. People are polite accommodating and I feel very safe.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

03 Nov 2025

Robert

Close to sightseeing attractions.

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

22 Oct 2025

Jason

I regret spending money here and checked out after the first night (booked for two nights). The lobby was nice, the rest of the place was not. Everything was old and outdated, which is fine for the price, however the stench that pervaded the place is a sign of poor cleaning. The toilets wobbled when sat on, and started to flush from the wobbling. The showers were cracked and worn in places, although they did look clean. The bedding was clean. The bunk style beds had room to move around, but mine was crammed into a space so tight against a wall it was extremely difficult to get into. I’m not sure how that is legal, as in case of emergency there is zero chance you’re getting out of that bed fast enough to escape. To top it off, they expect you to strip your own bed? I did, because I’m not a savage, but it is absurd to ask guests to do work that the lodging is being paid to do, especially considering the condition of the place as described above. I will never stay there again and recommend no one else should until things change.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Oct 2025

Sophie

My stay at Santiago Guest House Kyoto was even better than I expected. The location is perfect, and the dorm setup gives you enough privacy while still feeling cozy and social. The guest house has everything you might need — washing machines, a comfortable common area, and a lovely café. But what really made the experience special were the owners — incredibly friendly, welcoming, and kind. We even had an amazing karaoke night together and met wonderful people. The whole experience was just great — I would absolutely stay here again!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Aug 2025

FAYE

Overall great!

8/10

Excellent

21 Jul 2025

Adrian Kyle

Exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. Situated in an ideal location near many famous tourist spots. Just a bit too hot temperature in the rooms but otherwise, A grade for the low costs.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2025

Spencer

Social areas are very inviting, and nice cafe.

Business_and_leisure Self

2/10

Poor

14 Jun 2025

Shelby

I got so many bug bites here and even saw a cockroach in the lobby.. some of the staff is rude and one was pretty creepy.. I wouldn’t want to stay here again

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2025

Josue

Perfect, I made friends late night playing Jenga.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

25 May 2025

Roberta

.

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2025

Carlo

Amazing

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

21 Apr 2025

Chance

Unfortunately the only good part of my stay was how comfortable the bed was, but it stops short after that. It's so extremely dirty that I barely wanted to touch anything in the place, the common areas are also extremely dirty so it's not an inviting place to relax.

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

26 Mar 2025

Victoria

I booked a girls dormitory stay but it would’ve been nice to know that the shower/bathroom is CO-ED. also there’s a weird medicine smell in the rooms? And towels aren’t provided, it is a 200 yen per rental. The hygiene is questionable… the thing I liked was that this stay was on the cheaper side. It’s in the middle of tourism so it’s very loud and busy.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

23 Jan 2025

Chiung yin

Overall I would recommend this place. It's a good budget hostel and has everything that you need.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jan 2025

Chiung yin

I would said it's a budget hostel, has basic amenities.Close to some attractions. Shower room is spacious.Hood Wifi.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Dec 2024

Prab

FOR THIS PRICE - exceptional cleanliness and service. If i’m ever coming back to Kyoto, this is where imma stay (unless I go all out on a Ryokan).

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Nov 2024

Giovanishka

This property was perfect, the only issue is that there’s a lot of mold.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

27 Oct 2024

ETSUSAKU

insufficient room survice

I could not find a shee for upper one.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Sep 2024

Wentian

Always happy here. Hope to see u again next fall

8/10

Excellent

16 Jul 2024

Maria

I know is not directly related to the staff but directly to the guest that stay there but some of the share spaces were a little dirty... I think the administration should put more rules about to clean each space you use and create consciousness that there are other people than you. I another thing is that the administration should make maintenance to the showers and the shoes area... But other that that, was a great experience, the staff is super nice, also the beds and the first floor is also good. With wonderful location to move around.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

29 May 2024

Hannah

Men in women's room at night

Common area on 2f smells of stale body odour. Male staff came into the \"women only\" bedroom at 7pm (a time that I don't think staff should be in bedrooms..) to close the curtains?? Surely us women are capable of moving some fabric? What made this worse was that the curtain was right next to my bed, where I get dressed. I didn't appreciate an unexpected man reaching round the side of my bed to close the curtain.

Self

8/10

Excellent

23 May 2024

Kalle

Location is definitely the strong point of this guesthouse. Staff was also very good. Some minor improvements would be better cleanliness and softer mattresses.

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

09 May 2024

Forrest

Beds are terrible. Entire second floor smells like BO.
It’s worth it for a day or 2 if you are trying to save money and make friends.
But the beds and smells are just too much at some point.

A lot of younger people to meet -best part.
But quite uncomfortable after two nights.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

27 Dec 2023

Epie

The beds in this capsule hotel are really big and comfy.

The only thing that I would recommend to them is the provision of wet sanitizing tissue to clean the toilet sitting before use. It is a public restroom so sanitation must be a priority.
Apart from that I will recommend it to friends and travellers on the go.

2/10

Poor

24 Dec 2023

Bee

You get what you paid for. Not sure what to expect. I stayed in many capsule hotels and guesthouses but this one is probably my least favorite. My bunk was next to the window (and i mean NEXT to the window), it’s basically my wall covered with a curtain. Very tight space to get into my bunk that they put me in. Since my bunk was next to the window, during daytime it is like a sauna in my bunk. Lucky it’s winter time so during nighttime it is actually cool and tolerable. There was a fan that i was using but somebody took it away or hid it. Dont know why as it’s not their bunk that is steaming hot. I cant say for other bunks but my mattress was so overused that there was no cushion or padding at all. I can feel my body touching the bunk board. I better off sleeping on the ground. It really aches my body. Pillow wasn’t the best, was hard and felt like sleeping on a beanbag but worst. Single toilets are shared between floors. Common area was okay, have a fridge but its always full with other people’s stuff so i recommend just buy a bento from a konbini. Microwave, electric tea kettle and single stove burner is available. Shower is good, multiple single showers for privacy. Check-in was horrible, no one was there. Waited for 3 hours just to have someone to show up for work and then again the person look like any other guests who is staying at the guesthouse so i cant even tell. Didn’t even acknowledge my existence even though. Guesthouse is on busy and main traffic so it is noisy.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Dec 2023

Leslie

First, let me begin by saying that this is a guesthouse with shared living/sleeping areas (meaning shared showers, own bunk bed but in a shared room etc) so if you're looking for privacy don't book a hostel. There is no elevator so be prepared to carry your luggage up 3-4 flights of narrow stairs. There is a small locker provided where you can set your own code; it's only big enough to keep shoes and valuables in. It's a small sleeping area so getting into your luggage is a bit of a hassle.The outside area is a bit noisy since it's right beside the street, for those sleeping beside the window this might be a nuisance. If you're a side sleeper, the mattress was a little thin but this might just be common of hostels and possibly Japan. 1F common area is very open with a wide space to lay out and relax. 2F is where the kitchen, dining area, shower room, and sinks are so this floor can get a bit stuffy and hot. All this being said, this was the best time I've had in Kyoto, I've met many people and had many connections that I was a bit sad to leave. The staff is very helpful, I've accidentally reset my locker code multiple times and while not related to me I've witnessed them do their best to make the guests' stay more enjoyable. Thanks Santiago, hope to see you again!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Nov 2023

Wentian

Thanks for another excellent stay, and thanks to the hard working staff
Hope to see you again next year

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2023

Wentian

Thanks for another comfortable stay in between cycling trips

10/10

Exceptional

29 Sep 2023

Wentian

great value for money, always a pleasure to stay here

10/10

Exceptional

24 Sep 2023

Joshua

Nice. I didn't encounter any centipedes (huge plus)

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2023

ChiHung

清水寺いくなら快適です

安くて清水寺も近くて便利です。

Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2022

Wentian

I've largely stopped staying in dorms but this hostel is a happy exception. It has a lively social atmosphere and readily accomodates travelers' needs. They allowed me to keep a small bag here for 5 nights in between bookings while I did a bicycle tour of Lake Biwa, it was a huge help to me. See you next year ?

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

13 Aug 2021

Verified traveler

Staff is friendly

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

30 Dec 2019

Mimi

What I liked about the property was that it was only a walking distance away from Kiyomizu-dera.

What I did not like about the property was the lack of cleanliness. On the night when we arrived, I stepped foot into the shower/washroom floor, it was a pig sty. The sink was full of hair from someone who had shaved their beard. The floor was wet and full of hair. The problem was that people completely disregarded that these were shared facilities. The toilets was not cleaned properly. There were stains on the duvet and pillow. You had to pay for certain amenities, such as towel. And you have to pay a city tax of 200 yen for every night you stay.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

23 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Me encantó que tuvieran espacio para preparar alimentos (algo sencillo). Super cómodo la litera al lado de la ventana (aunque por las noches hay un poco de ruido por las motocicletas).

Algunos huéspedes un poco \"inquietos\" a la hora de beber.
Área super accesible y muy buen precio considerando que se encuentra un four seasons y un Hyatt por el lugar.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

17 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

There are 26 beds in one room, so there was a lack of fresh air.

Business_and_leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

22 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

The staff is very helpful, but they don’t have elevator, and this is something necessary, but it’s, the rooms smell rare and I get allergies while I was in the dormitory, I think they need to clean the carpet and everything.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

現代っぽい旅館。すごく清潔と思う。
スタッフが皆英語できるので、旅館が外国人に人気が強い。
国際的な雰囲気をかかまれている。
ベッドが広い。
Nice clean modern place with English speaking staff and large beds.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

18 Sep 2019

Angelo

It was close to some temples and restaurants such that you can walk to them.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Santiago Kyoto

Staff are very helpful and excellent services. Easy access to town with one day bus pass, Check In/Out easy and quick. Will stay there again for my next visit.

4/10

Poor

22 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Should coordinate with local bus

Far from railway... bus stop changes so you have to walk far... shower room smells bad... not alwayskept clean... you may take uber as option if bringing big luggages... friendly staff tho...

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Best hostel in kyoto

The hostel has a really great location, it’s close to Kiyomizudera. It is also easy to access from Kyoto station, the bus stop is really close to the hostel.
The bed was really comfortable, clean bathrooms, there is also kitchen if you want to cook something or just heat the food from konbini.
Really nice and friendly staff! Would definitely consider to stay there again :)

8/10

Excellent

10 Apr 2019

Simon

We spent roughly 8-10hours a day at the hostel. Its a great location, and you won't spend a lot of time indoors. Kyoto is a must see!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Apr 2019

sinlin

Nice and good location

It's not the cleanest place we had stayed but it's nice and decent. Climbing 4th floor with two big suitcases wasn't the best thing though... but it's a hostel, can't really complaint about it. Staff is really helpful and friendly. The location is great. Close to everywhere you need to go in Kyoto. I like it.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

I had visited this hotel 2 years ago and decided to book again because I had really liked the service and the beds were comfortable. They renovated and looks much better BUT
CONS
1) The bed was really hard. If you are not used to sleeping on thin matresses
2) the service when I checked in compared to last time was not impressive. The lady didn't even show what was around or recommended anything (usual thing in a hostel).
3) They said reception closed at 10pm, but when I ran to get there and rent a towel, the lady was gone (it was 9.59pm).
4) The hair dryers don't really DRY, so if you have long hair don't even bother washing it there. It will take you AGES to dry it.
PROs:
1) it's really silent compared to other hostels
2) their breakfast is super yummy
3) the staff in the morning is super sweet and helpful!
4) LOCATION

8/10

Excellent

26 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

A good stay

A good stay at Santiago. Friendly staff, clean dorms. We would recommend.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

22 Feb 2019

anita

No frills but clean and convenient.

This is a no frills place to stay. First, start with the good.
The place is clean and in a great location with a bus stop nearby.

A major issue is the rooms are on the 2-4th floors and there are no elevators so you have to lug your stuff up a few flights of steps.
As a hostel, we expected there to be little to no amenities. but many others offer good amenities. The beds need an update, they are extremely flattened futons.
The minor inconveniences are the WiFi was spotty, I couldn't get WiFi, yet my daughter on the top bunk had no trouble.

We asked where we could put recycling and was told in a very sharp manner they did not do that there. (we understood that Kyoto has a strict recycling policy) You'd think that with the number of young people staying there, it would be an attractive feature if they made it convenient for people to recycle.

Other inconveniences are the lack of cooking implements in the kitchen and no toaster. There is not a place to lock luggage up during the day and was assured that theft was not a problem. But nor was there an option to rent a bike-lock to lock to a post as other hostels have offered, even in no crime Japan, it's just nice to have that assurance that our stuff won't disappear while out being a tourist.
We found ourselves saying to each other a few times, \"well, at this price, how can we complain?\"

Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Oct 2018

Ivan

Nice staff and good location ,walking distance to famous Kiyomizu. Basic amenities is available and comfortable resting area for dining . 7 stops away from Kyoto station via bus 206 and 207. Near to gion shopping area too

8/10

Excellent

19 Oct 2018

Michaela

Friendly staff, nice hotel with beautiful decoration

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2018

Jacob

Everything was great here. Staff are really friendly, speak excellent English and were very helpful. The cafe downstairs is really lovely and comfortable, and you get a 200 Y discount on all menu items after breakfast. One downside was the kitchen is quite small and not well-equipped. Just one hot plate, a tiny sink, and a pot and pan and silverware. No plates, no salt / pepper / oil, etc. Also, the dorm room was a little stuffy for my liking, but not a problem really. Everything was super clean and easy.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2018

Taco

Great location. The staff was very kind and professional. I will definitely stay here again!

10/10

Exceptional

15 Sep 2018

Caitlin

Clean, close to metro, and full functioning kitchen. Great place for budget travelers who like to save on expensive restaurant dining.

Friends

4/10

Poor

04 Sep 2018

Ango

The hotel's hosts were helpful and showed us what to take and where we should go. Extremely nice hosts. However. Washroom were shared with more than 8 people. The washroom isnt that clean. And only 3 sinks work out of 5. Only 1 washroom in the shower area. 2 on the 3rd floor. No elevators. Rooms... i got the bottom room. Spacious but for a 5\"8 tall girl, i had to bend down everywhere i go in the room. I couldnt stand up striaght. The bed mattress was a thin futon. Very uncomfortable. The beds needed to be made yourself. 2nd floor to put ur luggages b4 and after check out which i like. You might want to bring a lock (bike locks). 2/5 stars.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jul 2018

Verified traveler

Nice staff and nice guesthouse
Good location
Love it!

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2018

Ann-Marie

Easy and Comfortable

Experience was good! Front desk staff was helpful, and the facility was nice and convenient. Walking distance to lots of fun things in the area. Bunk was comfortable and the free locker was great for securing my more expensive items. Other travelers were pretty respectful. No complaints here!

Friends

8/10

Excellent

03 Jul 2018

kriss

Nice clean and convenient stay

The only problem is the WiFi, slow and doesn’t work sometimes

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2018

R

nice place to stay...

very kind and humble staff - i liked! will keep it in mind to go back during next vacation.

4/10

Poor

08 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Not my favorite place to stay

I’m not a fan of this property. It’s new and modern, but I didn’t like they layout. The high bunk was difficult to get in and out, the mattress was very hard, and the people staying here were unusually loud. You hear lots of street noise at night too. Good thing I only stayed 1 night.

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2018

Fay

Very clean but kitchen small and basic. Hostel had bit of a clinical rather than homely feel. Otherwise great facilities and good location. Staff very friendly and helpful.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Dec 2017

aurelie

nice play to go, the manager is nice.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Dec 2017

P

Clean and Well appointed hostel in good location

Stayed for three nights, hostel very clean and quiet. Bathrooms and showers clean and always had hot water. Staff very helpful and informative . Cafe downstairs serves nice breakfast for 500 yen. You can get a day bus pass from the hostel for 500 yen good value if you take more than 2 buses

10/10

Exceptional

18 Dec 2017

Barbara

Segoii

A dream place

8/10

Excellent

06 Dec 2017

Verified traveler

Strategic location

Its located in good place, close to Kyomizudera, close to bus stop then you can go to many famous places in Kyoto.

6/10

Pleasant

01 Dec 2017

Verified traveler

Nice staff

Located right again the corner of a junction. Not good for you if you’re sensitive to noise.

8/10

Excellent

27 Oct 2017

Low

Recommended

Convenient location.
The bed is big.

Family

8/10

Excellent

24 Oct 2017

Verified traveler

Wifi didn’t work in room

8/10

Excellent

08 Oct 2017

PALI AHA

RiCKETY BEDS. CHANGE THE CARPET!

(1) The bunk BEDS SQUEAK. I was on the top but the beds made noise and vibrated when someone below or next to me moved on their bed.
(2) LOCKERS available.
(3) Good LOCATiON; many buses.
(4) They needed to change the RED CARPET on the stairs 7 years ago.

8/10

Excellent

11 Aug 2017

Margaret

A Warm Welcome to Santiago Guesthouse.

I stayed at Santiago Guesthouse Kyoto for 3 nights. I arrived at Kyoto station and travelled to Santiago by bus which took about 7 minutes. As it was fairly early morning, they were happy to store my bags until my 4pm check in. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, carried my bags upstairs as they do not have escalators or lifts and guided me to the best tourist attractions and how to get there.
The local area is great for public transport and very close to shops and places like Gion, Temples and Shrines.
Santiago Guesthouse is clean, inexpensive and conveniently located. The rooms are big enough for the purpose and the showers although on a separate floor to the bedrooms are clean and comfortable with all toiletries and hairdryers provided.
The communal area for eating and drinking is a bit small when there are big groups but it was not a problem.
A big thank you to all staff members of the cafe and the guesthouse for welcoming everyone and for your friendliness and help. Thanks too for communicating so well in both English and Japanese.
From a much appreciated guest from Australia.

6/10

Pleasant

01 Dec 2016

Dwinda

Better to book the room without breakfast plan.

Everything was OK until I get my breakfast. The receptionist is friendly, the room is good, the location is very close to Kiyomizudera temple (only 9 minutes walk!). But the breakfast time is very late (8 AM) and not on time. When I got my breakfast, a grumpy woman served my pancake with no smile. Better to book the room without breakfast plan.

8/10

Excellent

15 Jun 2016

Verified traveler

價錢還算合理，地點不錯，環境跟床位都很乾淨，沐浴用品都有提供，不過浴室小了點。
非常推薦想到京都玩的朋友到這住住。

4/10

Poor

02 Jun 2016

Roman

I would NOT recommend it

This guest house is located near very busy intersection, which makes the room very noisy. The only way to deal with the noise is to close the window. This means that about a dozen of people sleep in one room with closed windom. As a result, an unpleasant stench develops and persists though the day. Another issue is that the reception is only open from 8AM to 9pm. This means there is nobody from staff in a critical time period in morning or evening to clean bathroom and/toilet when everyone is using them. The positive include good location and lockers. Overall, my recommendation is to find a different place to stay.

8/10

Excellent

17 Apr 2016

Verified traveler

Bit of a headache to reach from Kyoto station if u don't speak the language but taxi and bus ranks are within a couple of meters.
Short walk to Gion and handy location for other places.
Cosy atmosphere and those staying at the hotel get discounted meals in the cafe

8/10

Excellent

13 Apr 2016

Verified traveler

Good location. Place was clean for a hostel. The beds were quite comfortable and spacious.

8/10

Excellent

06 Apr 2016

Verified traveler

Excellent location and price.

For a budget traveller you cannot beat for the strategic location by the bus stop. Close to Kyoto Station and Gion and well known temples. Our third time to stay in Kyoto during cherry blossoms season.

8/10

Excellent

22 Mar 2016

Rintaro

Good price and facilities

Although it was one night stay, this guesthouse is a great choice to explore Kyoto as the location is quite convenient. Easily access to Kiuomizu temple, walkable to Gion(about 15min) and bus stops are just near there.
The beds were comfortable and design ed to protect one's privacy.
Make sure that you don't need kitchen because it doesn't have. But you can use hot water and microwave I suppose.

8/10

Excellent

26 Feb 2016

Luchia

Solid youth hostel

I only stayed in Santiago one night after a long leg traveling around Japan and a last minute decision to stay in Kyoto an extra night. Looking back, I wish I had stayed there longer. Its not like it was amazing, but definitely a great value. Of all the hostels I stayed in, the Santiago staff were really the only memorable ones. I didn't even talk to them that much, they just gave off a fun, relaxed vibe. Most seemed native to near-native English speakers. It definitely has a very backpackers hostel atmosphere- clientele skew young and western. The beds were comfortable, and spread out enough that other people's noise wasn't really a problem (a big drawback with other hostels I stayed in). The attached cafe is a plus, and opens early enough for morning coffee before heading out. Shower facilities seemed clean, and there were plenty of mirrors/sinks/hairdryers for everyone.
Negatives: The toilets are separate from the other bathroom facilities. Like separate floors separate. So the only way to wash your hands was with the little automatic sink above the toilet that turns on when you flush (you can't adjust the temperature, no soap, blah blah i just thought it was inconvenient). Also- there were individual lights in the bunks but they were suuuuuper dim. I checked in early evening after a long day of hiking, so i just kinda wanted to chill in my bunk and read or something, but the lighting made it kinda difficult.
Having said that, I think the price outweighs the negatives.

8/10

Excellent

30 Jan 2016

Verified traveler

Good Hostel

Nice hostel with friendly, helpful staff with comfortable bunks in spacious dorms! It has a small common room with hot water and microwave but it does a bit crowded and could do with being larger to accommodate the amount of guests it has. The wifi was a bit intermittent also. I would stay again!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Dec 2015

hyang sook

recommendable location and staff.

Two things were left to be desired. toilets needed more frequent care and room wifi was unstable. Other than that, everyrhing was perfect. Staff was all friendly, location was good in that geisha and maiko neighborhood gion and a big tourist gathering temple kiyomizu dera were within a few minutes walk distance.

8/10

Excellent

10 Dec 2015

Verified traveler

Cheap but good place. The location is good and overall it is clean and comfort to stay

6/10

Pleasant

25 Nov 2015

Verified traveler

A decent dormitory, but do not expect too much

This was the first time I stayed at a dormitory style hostel. My \"roommates\" were considerate of our shared quarters and everyone kept their voices down. Everyone sharing the room had the door key, but most people did not feel the need to lock the door. One night, someone did and locked out an unsuspecting \"roommate\", who had to bang on the door. The room smelled and I was glad we were able to open the window for fresh air. A little inconvenient that the showers were only located on one floor. There were only 5 shower stalls but while fully booked, we did not have trouble taking showers at our convenience.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 Nov 2015

Verified traveler

Close to Kiyomizu, okayish

Close to Kiyomizu dera and Kodaiji. Showers and lobby on 2nd floor, room was on 4th floor, no lift so that was inconvenient. Lockers small. Beds had curtains. Closed between 12 and 4pm, no real security for bags if you get there early and want to leave them. Showers tiny, barely adequate, you've got to keep pushing a button to keep them working. On the upside, CHEAP!

6/10

Pleasant

22 Nov 2015

Verified traveler

Decent place to stay but nothing special.

Reasonable location an easy walk to Kiyomizudera, and walkable to Gion, with a bus stop just round the corner for transport to other parts of the city. Not a huge amount of shops/restaurants in the immediate vicinity though. Beds were a decent size and comfortable. Some traffic noise as it's located on busy junction. No kitchen, just a microwave and kettle with plastic cups (no plates/cutlery etc). Only hostel I've stayed in in Japan which didn't provide free tea and coffee. Showers could have been a bit hotter.

8/10

Excellent

03 Nov 2015

Wing Han

Good value for what it has, very clean bathrooms and prime location

Family

6/10

Pleasant

19 Oct 2015

Verified traveler

goos transport

Easy to navigate around, close to buses and trains and pottery stores for souvenirs. Some of the staff were friendly and helped us choose which places to narrow down and visit while in Kyoto.

6/10

Pleasant

18 Oct 2015

Verified traveler

It could have been cleaner

The person in charge in the morning was very friendly & helpful. He directed me as to where I should go and helped me with my luggage. However, the toilets on my floor were not very clean. The floor was sticky and there was poor ventilation. I don't there were enough toilets to accomodate the number of people on the floor. They should clean more frequently. In the dorm room, the bed was clean: but the room smelled because of the living condition. I am glad I only stayed for one night.

6/10

Pleasant

07 Oct 2015

Rye

Close Enough to Good Spots

It was generally okay. But there ad was a little misleading. We thought they had semi-private rooms with two or three beds. So we were a little surprised when we were directed to the dorm.

8/10

Excellent

25 Aug 2015

Verified traveler

Cleanly living close to sights

Other than the massive feet smell once you reach the stairs (I discovered this occurs at most hostels in Japan), Santiago was one of the cleanest hostels I've stayed in. My friend and I stayed in a all female room that was booked for the weekend. It was quiet, comfortable, and spacious with a large bed and plenty of space to store luggage either in the bed or below. It was also nice to have a personal plug-in inside the bunk. The bathrooms are clean the hostel has a bus stop, subway station, and tourist attractions within 5-10 minutes walk. I had no problem leaving my belongings while I explored during the day. Santiago is one of the few hostels I've stayed in that had a cafe attached. It was great to walk down stairs in the morning and order an actual breakfast with a great discount for staying in the hostel.

6/10

Pleasant

12 Jul 2015

On

Nice place but a little hard to sleep

The hostel was very close to Kiyomizu temple and the bus stop to Arashiyama. They had the routes written out so that was helpful. But the beds were just rock solid and quite uncomfortable.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

11 Jul 2015

Sultan

Cool place...

It was cool and worth the money. Not far from the older part of the city, and a simple bus ride on the 100 bus from kyoto station (or was it 106 I forget).

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE STAFF
1) Get some constant deodorisers for the shoe area. The smell of funky feet is so overpowering when you walk in, you get worried about the cleanliness of the hostel. But it's nice.. Just the smell of stinky feet where you have the shoes placed.

2) please put a sign on the doors of all rooms in multiple languages telling guests to please not allow the door to slam shut when they come in and out of the room between 11pm to 8am. It's inconsiderate and loud as hell.

Thats it.. Good place!

6/10

Pleasant

30 Jun 2015

Lieny

Convenient with the bus stop just outside

Hostel is just a convenient 3 mins walk to the nearest bus stop where if you get the Kyoto bus pass, you can just use the buses freely. The bus pass is available at the reception. There is only 1 bathroom area (several cubicles) on the first floor, and it was wet and had many hair on the floor, it was quite disgusting especially if you go barefooted. My first night here was very warm, as the staff did not turn on the air conditioned, luckily it was turned on the next night. I liked the curtain around the bed as it provided some privacy. Bed & room was clean. Wifi was strong in the room and the common room.

6/10

Pleasant

16 Jun 2015

KA CHI MICHELLE

Good value for solo/ budget travellers

Large bunk beds, comfortable beds and most of the public areas. Except the shared bathrooms and sinks are very wet and seems no one to clean it. Good to have cheap bike rental, very close to kiyomizu temple.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2015

Verified traveler

Nice guesthouse

I loved staying at this guesthouse. Receptionists all speak decent English if not perfect, and the lady who were there on my first night helped me carry my luggage into my room. Common space provides good opportunity for guest interactions. Shower room stayed clean for three days until my last night - the floor was full of hair and water spillage, which was not cleaned even the morning after. Overall I would stay here again, but think it needs more frequent cleaning.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

11 May 2015

Colleen

Good times

This was my first stay in a hostel and it was a good experience. It was unisex, lots of couples and families. Everyone very friendly and respectful of our space. Each bed has a curtain around it for privacy as well as lockers to keep your personal belongings safe. Desk provided us with maps and refrigerators available for food. I do wish we had stayed closer to downtown area, but only about ~20 min walk. Close to shrines and temples!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

26 Apr 2015

Yev

Great location in Kyoto

The location of the hostel and staff are amazing! It is located so close to some of Kyoto attractions, so you do not really need to ride public transport for hours. Kiyomizudera Temple is ten minute walk from the hostel. Getting to and from Kyoto station is straightforward too, as long as you have a bus schedule. The staff is great and welcoming. There is a small coffee shop with great Western food selection on the first floor, what makes it is convenient for lazy travelers. Seven-eleven and Familymart are around too. It was a bit hard to find the lunch/dinner places nearby though.

6/10

Pleasant

13 Apr 2015

Verified traveler

Location is great by Gojo-zaka bus stop 6 minutes.

It is a hostel so you got for what you paid for. Depending the roommates. Some are noisy and inconsiderate or snoring. Kyoto is not cheap so it meets your budget if you are a budget traveler and just need a place to rest for the night.

6/10

Pleasant

06 Apr 2015

Verified traveler

Santiago Guesthouse Kyoto - 26 - 29 March 2015

It is quite a distance away from the nearest train station (kiyomizu station) but a short distance walk from bus stop (need to take bus from Kyoto station).

12 Bunk bed were shared in a room, not much of room space to place luggage. bed surface was a little dirty, but their provide bed sheets to be placed over the mattress.

No lift access, so guest with large luggage not advisable to stay, it's good for those who travel light. Common space was really small, but with a good road view. 4 Shower cubical only, each of them is quite small, not enough hanging hooks to hang your items during shower.

Counter staff is not really that friendly, not much of services provided, but afterall it's just a shelter over the head when travelling in kyoto, can't ask for much.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

01 Apr 2015

L

Good Location, Basic Dorm Room Hostel

Excellent location for sightseeing. Conveniently located next to a bus stop, multiple restaurants and convenience stores. Beds were comfortable but rooms were slightly cold. Shower/bathroom could have been cleanier. Staff was friendly and helpful. Cafe located on the first floor was very convenient.