Nara Washington Hotel Plaza is a practical mid-range city hotel on Shimosanjo-cho, in the commercial streets that link the two main stations. It has 203 rooms with electronic bidet toilets, hair dryers, flat-screen televisions, mini-fridges and desks, along with a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, an elevator, laundry service, massage services and luggage storage. It is about six minutes on foot from JR Nara Station and eight minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station, and Nara Park, Sarusawa Pond and the Kofuku-ji treasure hall are all within about ten minutes. It is a sensible choice for travellers who want to be central and keep costs reasonable.
Location and getting around
The hotel sits between the two stations, so it works whichever train you arrive on, and both are within a short walk. The covered shopping arcades of the old town begin close by, and there are many restaurants, convenience stores and cafes in the surrounding streets. Nara Park, Sarusawa Pond and Kofuku-ji are within a ten-minute walk, and Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha are a longer stroll through the park.
Rooms and who it suits
Rooms are efficient and clean, designed for short city stays rather than long lounging, and the bidet toilets and mini-fridges are welcome touches. The hotel suits couples, solo travellers and small families who plan to spend most of the day out. Because it is a mid-range hotel without a spa or large public areas, it is best for people who want a comfortable base rather than a resort experience.
Good to know
Cooked-to-order breakfast is available for an extra charge, and many guests prefer to eat at cafes nearby. The hotel does not offer parking, so check nearby car parks if you drive, although most visitors arrive by train. Check-in starts at two in the afternoon and runs until midnight, and check-out is at ten, which is earlier than at many hotels, so plan your luggage storage. The 24-hour desk is helpful for late arrivals.
Why stay here
- ✓Six minutes from JR Nara Station
- ✓203 rooms
- ✓Bidet toilets in rooms
- ✓Restaurant on site
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Laundry and luggage storage
- ✓Elevator access
- ✓Ten minutes to Nara Park
Good questions
How far is the hotel from the stations?+
It is about six minutes on foot from JR Nara Station and eight minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station. Nara Park is about ten minutes away.
Is there parking?+
The hotel does not offer parking, so check nearby car parks if you drive. Most guests arrive by train.
What time is check-out?+
Check-out is at ten in the morning, earlier than many hotels. Luggage storage is available if you want to keep exploring.
