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Every year, I set a personal goal to visit at least one country I’ve never been to. This year, that destination was Japan. In June, I spent two incredible weeks exploring Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. For my three-night stay in Kyoto, I chose the Four Points Flex by Sheraton Kyoto Oike – a smart pick for budget-conscious travellers who value comfort, convenience, and a clean, welcoming place to recharge after long days of sightseeing. This was actually my second stay with the Four Points Flex brand in Japan, as I had just spent five nights at their Osaka property beforehand. As a Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite member, I was also able to enjoy the extra touches of loyalty perks along the way, including late check-out.
Hotel Entrance
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Kyoto Oike
Booking: I booked a double twin room directly through the Marriott Bonvoy app. At $167.15 CAD per night (totalling $501.45 CAD for three nights), the property was reasonably priced for a modest travel budget in Japan. I paid with my TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card (up to 45k bonus, and First-Year-Free) to collect Aeroplan points on the stay (though I recently got the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card, which I’ll be using to pay for Marriott stays moving forward).
Hotel Entrance
Location: I arrived at the hotel at 4:00 pm after a short metro ride from the Oike metro station. The hotel is tucked away on a quiet side street, just off a busier road in the heart of Kyoto. This gives it a calm, neighbourhood feel while still being only a short walk from Oike metro station and well-connected by public transit. Shops, cafés, and restaurants are easily accessible on foot, and cultural landmarks such as Nijo Castle and Nishiki Market are within walking distance.
Hotel Lobby
Arrival & Check-In: From the moment I walked into the lobby, I was impressed. The first thing I noticed was the pleasant fragrance of fresh flowers, which was refreshing after stepping in from Kyoto’s hot, humid streets. The medium-sized lobby was spotless and well-designed, with comfortable seating areas, vending machines, and even a station to restock complimentary toiletries such as toothpaste, dental floss, and skincare items – perfect for light packers.
Front Desk
Seating Area in Lobby
The front desk staff were warm, efficient, and welcoming. Check-in was smooth, and within minutes I was on my way to my ninth-floor room via one of the two elevators. A thoughtful touch I appreciated: a cold-water fountain by the elevators on every floor, which was perfect after a long day of walking or for filling up before heading out.
Lobby Elevators
Double Twin Room & Amenities: The room was compact – as expected in Japan – but smartly laid out, leaving enough space to move around comfortably. My room included:
- Two twin beds
- A desk and chair for light work or planning the day
- A television and a cozy armchair
- Hooks on the wall for clothing (instead of a closet)
- A large window, though the view was limited to an exterior wall of the hotel
- A full-length mirror
Double Twin Room on Ninth Floor
Double Twin Room
The bathroom was tucked away in the corner and featured a modern and functional layout, stocked with high-quality toiletries, a great shower, and one of Japan’s signature high-tech toilets. Wi-Fi was fast and reliable, making it easy to stay connected.
Room Amenities
Room Window
While the property doesn’t have luxury amenities like a full-service spa or pool, it makes up for it with practical conveniences:
- Coin-operated laundry machines
- 24-hour front desk support
- Complimentary water stations
- On-site vending machines with drinks and snacks
Washroom
Washroom Amenities
The hotel also had an on-site restaurant, Matsuya, which served affordable Japanese and Western-style set meals for breakfast. I didn’t eat there myself, but it was a convenient option for travellers looking for something quick before heading out for the day. However, it has since permanently closed as of August 2025, so future guests will need to rely on the many nearby cafés and restaurants instead – there’s no shortage of great options!
Lobby Amenities – Toiletry Restock Station & Seating
Takeaway: The Four Points Flex by Sheraton Kyoto Oike isn’t a luxury destination hotel – but that’s not its purpose. For travellers who want a clean, quiet, and comfortable base at a reasonable price, it hits the mark. With its central location, friendly staff, thoughtful amenities, and reliable standards as part of the Marriott brand, I’d recommend it to anyone planning to spend their days out exploring Kyoto and just needing a dependable place to return at night. That said, while I’d happily stay here again on my own dime, if I were travelling to Kyoto for business, I would likely opt for a more full-service, upscale property with expanded amenities.
Hotel Lobby
