We were taken there by a prominent Osakan family member (who had arranged rooms for all of us at Fufu hotel nearby, a very nice hotel) who was dressed very casually. The host and waiters seemed to ignore us and at times acted like they did not understand our host, who of course speaks perfect Japanese. Drinks were delayed for a long time and we did not have a pleasant time in this long in the tooth, sort of run down bar. While a famous place with a long distinquished history, we found it, to be blunt: quite a disappointment.

The hotel has seen better times. It is an impressive historical building, but the rooms in the “new” wing are very worn out and dated (in a bad way). It is very expensive for what you get. The “old” wing might have better rooms, but overall all the facilities are in very bad shape. There must be better options in Nara. This hotel is milking its heritage without any investment to keep it up to date.

Antique hotel, without light pollution at night, you can see the star and feel the peace. Drive to Nara Park doesn't need half an hour, it's very convenient.

Very cool and historical hotel. I wish they had more history available in English, but I enjoyed the books on sale at the shop as well as the ability to explore the hotel. The "New Hotel" wing is this almost hilarious late-80s 'liminal space' style area, while the old hotel feels very historical. The floor creaks... a lot of nice touches... good paintings and views.

Currently, I am staying in Nara Hotel! Very historical hotel and really traditional. Classic, beautiful, and gorgeous. Staff are truly working hard, kind, and nice. Many customers and they seem happy to be here in this hotel. Most of them seem like Japanese. I saw many pictures on the walls that many famous people who have been here before. The room is extremely big but quiet. The room has an amazing balcony with awesome views. I can say that it is one of the topest hotels in Japan. Price is reasonable but very luxurious.

We loved this hotel! The staff was incredibly courteous and helpful. They even decorated our room for our wedding! We rented some electronic bikes for super cheap and explored Nara like a local. It was neat to be in a building with so much history, and we enjoyed walking around the beautiful grounds.

No can visit Nara Park and not visit this famous Hotel stayed by Japanese Royal Family and VIPs. Its history is fascinating from 1909 and was shown the piano when Albert Einstein performed a hundred years ago. Hotel and Bar staff were EXCELLENT. Don't miss this quaint Royal Hotel.

best hotel for this cheap price and food in this hotel is good and its 4 star hotel but it feels like 5 star

Lovely old school hotel. Don’t expect high luxury in terms to of the facilities - it’s more the thoughtful and traditional service that stands out. In terms of facilities it’s much closer to a 4 star hotel

I loved this hotel, which was also preferred by the family of the emperor of Japan.

Beautiful building, amazing location and fantastic service, we loved our short stay.

I have been visiting the Nara Hotel since the 1970s and I never get tired of the rustic elegance of the great hotel that sits above the city overlooking the many temples, pagodas, and gardens. GH

This is more than just a hotel it is an establishment with a long history. It is a beautiful place and the services are beyond anything we experienced in any other place (including other places in Japan which is known for the high quality service). The location is good The hotel itself is a beautiful old-style classic Japanese place. The bar is highly recommended, and the breakfast is wonderful.

Great location and the retro/vintage environment that is maintained is very elegant. Beautiful time capsule.

We were at the hotel to attend a wedding reception. The staff was very helpful getting us to different parts of the hotel for various activities. One activity required us to be off site and the hotel provided a wheelchair and shuttle service to get us there.

Very great! Take a closer look at the building first!

Fine old school hotel with impeccable service. Only 4* though because the 'park view' rooms only look out on trees by the window and mine was v close to the road, plus tiny bathrooms - I don;t know whether they have subdivided the rooms, but I don't remember small bathrooms last time I was there in the '90s. Go for the new wing rooms, bigger and better value. Didn't try the breakfast but looked v pricey

A wonderful, classy old hotel. Having only visited the tea room my knowledge is limited to the public areas, but his hotel oozes with history in its hallways. Extremely helpful and friendly staff, stylish and clean structure (although some outside renovations were in progress, not that it was felt much from neither outside or inside) The tea room and lounge is fantastic. A classy select menu, fresh ingredients and a fantastic view. A bit on the expensive side, but this is a very old classy hotel, and you get what you pay for.

Gorgeous rooms in the old building. Grounds are stunning. Located across the street from the Nara park and easy walk to lots of restaurants. Beautiful bar!! Excellent service!! We walked from the train station but the hotel offers a free shuttle.