5-Star Hotels in Nara Prefecture, Japan

Checking in can take a while, as the butler asks quite a few detailed questions and then gives a thorough introduction to the building and its various areas. Some staff members have good English, others not so much, which can sometimes make understanding difficult, but it doesn't significantly impact the overall experience. The breakfast is exquisite. During the tail end of the Golden Week holiday, we had to queue for a table. The Japanese grilled fish was delicious, but other dishes were just okay. The Western options were decent and quite plentiful. The room was clean and tidy, and on our last day, we even saw deer chasing and playing in the courtyard. The hotel has a distinct resort vibe, and Kengo Kuma's design features many highlights. It's a tranquil oasis in a bustling area, and the courtyard is beautifully maintained. Most guests seemed to be older, well-established families, with fewer young people. (As a 'workhorse' who needed to get some work done in the evening, I found there were no power outlets near the desk for my laptop, which really drove home the point that everyone else was truly here to relax and enjoy their vacation). Overall, I had a very pleasant and comfortable holiday. It's a beautiful hotel and definitely worth experiencing.

Overall, my stay was quite good. The hotel has a new and modern exterior design, and facilities like the gym are very clean. The room itself was tidy and clean, the bed was comfortable, and all the amenities were well-equipped. The location is convenient, with shops and restaurants nearby, and getting around was very easy. The staff were friendly, and the check-in process was smooth. It would be even better if the price were more favorable. I would consider staying here again if I have the chance.

This is a great option if you want a budget option that is still reasonably comfortable and clean. You get a physical key as the room key and there and then you know that it is a dated hotel. And that also means anyone can access the hotel room floors, and thankfully, there was no security issues throughout our stay. Besides that, the hotel room amenities are acceptable and we enjoyed using the bathroom supplies very much. We booked the Large Twin Room which also means our bath area and toilet are in separate rooms, which is great. The bathroom has the traditional bath house concept with the stool and low mirror, which made our bath time fun for the kids and interesting for adults. We like that fresh towels were provided daily even if we put the Do Not Disturb sign on the door knob. Housekeeping would leave the items in a plastic bag outside your door, including bottles of mineral water. Yes, bottled water is provided for free here, which is perfect. The hotel staff were very friendly. Lifts were spacious and worked perfectly. There were no bugs in the room. Our non-smoking room also smelled fine - no odd or bad smell/odour. The location is also easy for taxi drivers to find. There's also a Family Mart and 7-11 less than 5 minutes away. While you're there, check out Yakinikukotora, just 5 minutes away - a great place to go for dinners and suppers; I believe they close at 3am. All in all, it was a pleasant stay.

Good ..The guide lady who helped show me the way was especially nice. She could even speak a bit of Chinese. She helped me get on the shuttle bus to the station. And the scenery around here is really amazing.

This has been one of the best if not THE best experience I have ever had in a Japanese hotel. We stayed in Nara for 2 days. The hotel has only a few rooms and quietly located within walking distance of the Kasuga Taisha. The room we had faces the forest on one side and a beautiful path on the other, and it was super large. It might not be as noticeable as others near the train station, but it’s a must try if you plan to stay in Nara for an extended period, which in its own rightis definitely worth it.

I like Mercure very much. There are lounge services in the afternoon and evening. There are quite a lot of drinks, as well as cookies and candies. It is very comfortable to chat with family and friends. The room is quite large. The one we stayed in is a bit old, but the hygiene is still quite good. This time, we included a buffet breakfast and dinner. There are not many categories, but there are still surprises. It includes many specialties of Kashihara Nara, and provides a lot of sauces, which can be DIY. A student team checked in on the second day of the stay, but the hotel management is good, orderly, and food is added in time. The overall feeling is great.

very clean and staff very nice and warm welcome. also they share some best food restaurant to us. will come back next time.