Novotel Nara

The hotel is new, the rooms spotless, and everything you need has been thoughtfully provided. Breakfast was delicious and offered a good range of choices. In proper European hotel fashion, it was lovely to find two types of sparkling wine in the morning. The large public bath is a nice extra, especially for many Japanese guests. Breakfast staff seemed a little casual and inexperienced at times, but the stay was very positive overall. It's great to see a European-style hotel in Nara that still embraces Japanese hospitality.

We’d planned to stay three nights, but Nara won us over and we decided to stop traveling around. We asked twice to extend our stay, and the staff were so kind and did everything they could to keep us in our first room. Since it was fully booked, we only had to move once, on our final nights. Given our last-minute plans, that was already above and beyond. Both rooms were really clean. I usually feel I need to clean a hotel bathroom myself, but not this time. I’ve worked in hospitality, including cleaning and front desk, and I can honestly say the staff are amazing. 10/10 experience. They were friendly, helpful, and patient.

The Italian restaurant’s buffet was great. I was on a half-board rate, and as a Diamond member I also got excellent Accor status recognition, including access to a lovely lounge. The hotel and room both felt brand new, with beautiful design, great amenities, and a very comfortable room. Everything was very clean, and the staff were consistently welcoming and professional. One of the best Novotels I’ve stayed at, and an easy recommendation for a visit to Nara.

The Executive Lounge on the 8th floor was a highlight, with lots of seating, a useful work station, and a steady supply of wine and food. The meals were delicious, too, and service was outstanding the whole time. We spent 10 nights here, and every staff interaction felt warm and welcoming. The team were next-level professional from check-in until we left, and made us feel at home. It’s a new, modern hotel with beautiful design. We’re genuinely sad to go, but have already decided it’ll be our base whenever we’re back in Nara. Thanks for making the stay so memorable!