3-Star Hotels in Nara Prefecture, Japan

It's a well-known fact that accommodations in Japan can be pricey, so for my trip, I opted for several chain budget hotels, and Smile Hotel was one of them. It offers great value for money. The Smile Hotel in Nara is conveniently located right next to Nara JR Station; you can spot their sign as soon as you exit the station. It's the perfect starting point for exploring Nara. Rooms in Japanese budget hotels are generally small, but they are always clean and tidy, with impeccable hygiene standards. And even though the rooms are compact, they still come with a desk and chair, which I found very convenient for writing and organizing. I really appreciate that. Finally, a heads-up: toiletries and pajamas are available on the first floor for guests to pick up as needed. You might want to grab them before heading up to your room.

Very friendly and helpful staff. We were able to leave our luggage after checking in and enjoy coffee and tea when we picked it up in the evening. Clean and well-kept rooms.

Fantastic hotel for anyone who drive. Free Car park with lots of spaces. The facility is very clean, spacious room, both indoor and outdoor hot spring. Really there is nothing to complain in this hotel. It is located in a fairly decent neighborhoods and able to provide this standard of hot spring is phenomenal. One of the best stay we had in this journey. Highly Recommended.

Friendly staff. Helpful amenities that made the stay comfortable. Approx 15 minutes walk to Nara Station and Nara Park. Provided one keycard for the room. Room was a lot more spacious than most other hotels of the price. They have a dining/seating area in the lobby, as well as a dry foot spa and a manga corner. Would stay here again.

The transportation is incredibly convenient; you can take an elevator directly from the platform to the front desk, so there's no need to worry about wind or rain. Plus, there are plenty of convenience stores nearby. The hotel's own hot spring is open all night, which is perfect if you want to avoid crowds. The entire place is clean and tidy, and the room even came with a multi-port charging cable, which shows great attention to detail! Thumbs up! Breakfast starts at 6:30 AM, which is especially good for those who need to leave early. Check-out is quick and self-service. This is my second time booking this hotel, and I'll definitely choose it again next time I'm in Nara.

The room is large, suitable for self-driving family travel hotel, there are not many restaurants nearby, the hotel can make an appointment for barbecue, but it should be noted that: make an appointment with the hotel three days in advance before entering. The pastoral scenery can see the beautiful sunrise and sunset.

Excellent stay! The breakfast was fantastic, and the staff were attentive and meticulous. The room was huge, especially by Japanese standards – incredibly spacious and a rare find. It truly felt like a secluded paradise.

It's quiet, clean, and friendly. It's in the countryside, but there are restaurants and convenience stores nearby, and there are various places like a mart, Don Quijote, and Liquor Shop nearby. Public transportation can be difficult. I used a rental car and got around comfortably.

Hotel is at Kintetsu Nara station. Easily accessible when taking train. Nice quaint area to walk. Room has humidifier, kettle and cups, hairdryer, mini fridge and a tv. Breakfast comes with delicious thick toast set and coffee. Laundromat is at the cosy lobby area. I stayed for 2 nights. Many good eateries around the area and shopping malls. Tourist attractions are walking distance only. Highly recommend this hotel 👍🏻

It is not far from Nara JR Station and Kintetsu Station, but Kintetsu Station is relatively closer. I checked in during my birthday. I informed the hotel in advance and received a handwritten card and a bag of konpeito when I checked in. There is no need to clean up and there are free cans of sparkling wine or barley tea. I added a Japanese dinner, and when I was almost done with the meal, the restaurant staff also brought free small cakes with candles and fruit platters, which was very touching. The rooms are all sliding doors, with a tatami area, which is very large and clean. There are free white pajamas to change every day. The bathroom and toilet are separated into wet and dry areas, and there are two hair dryers. There is free coffee and matcha milk on the first floor. You can mix your own sparkling wine before 21 o'clock in the evening, and the souvenir shop is also open before 22 o'clock to buy some specialties. There is a free 1-hour walking tour of Nara street buildings at 7 o'clock on weekends. Just inform the hotel in advance to make an appointment. There is a non-hot spring hot spring bath on the basement floor, but I didn't experience it due to the itinerary. The breakfast is a buffet of Japanese scenic spots. The egg rolls are delicious, and the fruit is as good as cantaloupe. A very pleasant stay experience