Kasuga Hotel

The staff are incredibly friendly, and there are free drinks from a machine in the lobby, plus cookies and crackers. The main reason to stay here is how handy it is: getting to Kintetsu Nara station is extremely easy, and I doubt there’s a hotel any closer. The building’s a little dated, but that gives it some old-fashioned charm.

We finished our honeymoon in Japan here, and the staff made it feel special. They surprised us with a bottle of white wine on our room veranda as a congratulatory gift, such a warm and thoughtful touch. Dinner and breakfast were traditional, beautifully presented, and made with local, seasonal ingredients from the hotel’s monthly Japanese menu. The flavors were delicate, and the service stayed attentive, warm, and professional throughout. The inn has a peaceful, almost timeworn atmosphere, and its onsen has three pools and everything needed to unwind after a day out. It’s an easy walk to the station, deer park, and a lively street of shops and local food places. A lovely end to our trip.

I loved staying here, especially the traditional dinner and hot bath. The hotel has a traditional look with modern comforts, and it’s right beside the railway station.

For the rates they charge, I expected much better cleanliness and upkeep. The sofa and outdoor bath tubs in our room were dirty and needed maintenance, and the corridor carpets weren’t clean either. The advertised Japanese character also came across as more surface-level than authentic. They served Matcha tea when we arrived, which was a nice thought, but it felt a bit imposed. I can’t have caffeine in the evening, so I would have preferred to be asked first. The quality didn’t match the price, and I wouldn’t recommend staying here.