Nara Hotel

Nara Hotel, a Michelin Key Selected property, stands as a venerable institution in the heart of Nara, Japan, consistently enchanting guests with its blend of historic charm, exceptional service, and prime location. Dating back to 1909 and designed by renowned architect Tatsuno Kingo, the hotel is often likened to a grand European lodge, offering a unique and luxurious stay that transports visitors back to early 20th-century Japan.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Nara Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive overall score of 8.7 on Agoda and 8.9 "Very Good" on Booking.com and Kayak. Guests frequently describe it as a "true gem," "luxurious," and a "classical and wonderful hotel" offering a memorable experience. Many highlight its "timeless elegance" and "rich history," making it a destination in itself.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Nara Hotel:

• Service: The hotel is celebrated for its "exceptional hospitality" and the "friendliness and helpfulness" of its staff, who are noted for being attentive.
• Location: Its unparalleled setting within Nara Park, a 1,600-acre national treasure, provides stunning views and immediate access to major attractions. It's common to spot deer from the hotel grounds.
• Design: The hotel's traditional Japanese architecture, particularly the Main Building designed in the Momoyama Goten style with hinoki cypress, exudes a profound atmosphere and classic splendor. The grand lobby, adorned with intricate Japanese artwork, further enhances this sense of elegance.
• Amenities: Nara Hotel offers a range of facilities including two renowned restaurants, a charming tea lounge, a well-stocked bar, serene gardens, complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking, bike rentals, and a convenient free shuttle service to and from the train stations.

3. Room Quality

Nara Hotel offers a variety of spacious and tastefully decorated rooms, including Deluxe Twin, Standard Japanese Double/Twin, and Standard Twin options in both the Main and New Wings, often with city or park views. The rooms are designed in a traditional style while incorporating modern comforts, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, warm colors, an LCD TV, mini-bar, and a bathrobe. Many rooms boast beds with down comforters and premium bedding, along with well-appointed bathrooms featuring deep soaking bathtubs, bathrobes, slippers, and bidets. Some even include "airweave mattresses," a product favored by athletes. Guests often appreciate the generous size of the rooms, especially compared to typical Japanese hotel accommodations. Complimentary green tea from the Inokura Tea Farm is also a thoughtful touch.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel provides a delightful culinary journey with its diverse dining options. It features two on-site restaurants: Mikasa, serving traditional French cuisine, and Hanagiku, offering seasonal Japanese dishes. The main dining room is praised for its elegant ambiance and its signature "Dutch oven beef stew." Both Japanese and Western breakfast options receive high praise from guests. A cozy coffee shop and a bar are also available for lighter fare and drinks.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Nara Hotel is a consistent highlight, with a staff rating of 9.4 on Booking.com and a service score of 9.2 on Agoda. Guests frequently commend the staff for their "exceptional hospitality," "friendliness," and "helpfulness," noting their attentiveness and willingness to assist. The free shuttle service to and from the train stations is a valued amenity, enhancing convenience for travelers.

6. Location & Accessibility

Nara Hotel boasts a superb location, "nestled in the heart of Nara" and on the beautiful hills of Nara Park, overlooking the city's historic sites. It offers unparalleled access to key attractions, being just a 10-minute walk to the center of Nara Park, 15 minutes to Isuien Garden, and 20 minutes to Todai-ji Temple. Other significant cultural sites like Nara National Museum and Kasuga Grand Shrine are also easily accessible. The hotel is conveniently located near public transport, including Gakuemmae Station, Shin Omiya Station, and Kintetsu Nara Station, with a taxi ride from Kintetsu Nara Station taking approximately 5 minutes. Nara Station is a 10-minute bus ride away, offering connections to Kyoto in about 45 minutes.

7. Value & Pricing

While Nara Hotel offers a luxurious experience, it generally receives good ratings for "value for money" (8.3 on Booking.com, 8.4 on Agoda). With an average price of around $255 per room, it is positioned as "exceptional value" given its high-end amenities and services, especially when compared to the average hotel price in Nara. Room rates can vary significantly, ranging from approximately $132 for a standard room to over $600 for a deluxe room. Many guests feel that the unparalleled historic ambiance and quality justify the cost.

8. Common Complaints

Despite its many strengths, some recurring criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Dated Aspects: Some reviewers mention that certain areas, particularly the bathrooms and carpets, can appear "a bit dated" or in need of renovation.
• Noise: Due to the hotel's age, some guests have experienced noise from adjacent rooms due to thin walls.
• Pricing of Drinks: The cost of drinks at the bar, such as a pot of tea or a glass of wine, has been cited as expensive by some guests.
• Service Inconsistencies: Isolated incidents include a shuttle driver taking a guest to the wrong station and some staff being perceived as "a bit snooty."
• Language Barrier/TV: Non-Japanese speaking guests have noted difficulties operating air conditioning controls and the lack of English channels on the television.
• Breakfast Policy: A specific complaint involved an extra charge for coffee for a guest ordering the Japanese breakfast, while those with Western breakfast received unlimited refills.
• Cleanliness/Pests: A rare but severe complaint mentioned a dead cockroach in a room and unresponsiveness from staff regarding messages.
• Extra Charges: One guest reported an unexpected extra charge for a third person despite booking a room for three.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. livejapan.com
3. agoda.com
4. narahotel.co.jp
5. booking.com
6. kayak.com
7. expedia.com
8. booking.com
9. michelin.com
10. momondo.com
11. hotels.com
12. traveloka.com
13. narahotel.co.jp
14. jrhotelgroup.com