Smile Hotel Nara: Your Unforgettable Nara Adventure Awaits!
Smile Hotel Nara: My (Mostly) Unforgettable Nara Adventure! - A Review That's Actually Real
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from Nara, and I've got a serious case of deer-induced nostalgia (and a few mosquito bites). And, of course, I stayed at the Smile Hotel Nara. The website promises, “Your Unforgettable Nara Adventure Awaits!” Well, let's unpack that, shall we? It wasn't entirely unforgettable, but it had its moments. Buckle up, it's gonna be a wild ride – just like feeding the deer!
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First Impressions (and a Near-Disaster):
The hotel is…well, it's a Smile Hotel. You know the chain, right? Clean, functional, a bit…generic. I'm not gonna lie, my initial reaction upon arriving was a sigh of relief. The train ride to reach Nara was a whole other level of crowded! The architecture is clean, more modern, and I appreciated the elevator, which is immediately a win for Accessibility. It’s a solid, practical space. The lobby was bustling, but not overwhelmingly so. And, bonus points: Check-in/out [express]? Yes, please! Got me out of there in a jiffy.
BUT! My first experience was…almost disastrous. I booked a room with an alleged Wheelchair accessible feature (because, well, reasons). It's important to mention that the hotel is supposed to offer Facilities for disabled guests. But when I got assigned to my room, which was a bit of a hike, the accessibility…well, let’s just say it wasn't great. The bathroom, while spaciousish, had these little bumps that made maneuvering a wheelchair a Herculean task. It wasn't quite the joyous, carefree welcome I'd envisioned. I almost had to call the Doctor/nurse on call right then and there. Which honestly I think they had, the staff was pretty accommodating. Eventually they found a better, better-suited room near the elevator, but it definitely set the tone for a slightly…uneven experience.
Rooms & Comfort (and the Wi-Fi Saga):
Once the room snafu was fixed, the room itself was… fine. Clean. Functional. The Air conditioning worked like a dream, bless its little cooling heart, because Japanese summers are no joke. A comfy Bed. Blackout curtains? Yes! Thank GOD for those. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, you say? Now, here's where things get…complicated. While the hotel claims "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" the connection was… spotty. Frustratingly so. I spent half my time battling the internet, which I can't really blame the hotel for, but it's the vibe of the experience that matters! (And yes, there was Internet access – LAN, but who carries a LAN cable these days?)
The Additional toilet was a lifesaver. I’m not saying why, but it was. The Daily housekeeping was efficient and always courteous. The Bathrobes, Slippers, and Free bottled water were nice touches. Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea? Standard, but appreciated. The Mirror was helpful for the morning ritual. The Safety/security feature was there, I saw the Smoke detector so at least that’s something. The Soundproofing was pretty good, too, because I sure didn't want to hear my fellow travelers having a party.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Buffet Battle):
Okay, the breakfast situation. Here’s where Smile Hotel Nara really has a chance to shine. Breakfast [buffet] it is! They had Asian breakfast options (hello, miso soup!), and Western breakfast choices (scrambled eggs, yes!). The buffet has Buffet in restaurant and Breakfast service. The Coffee/tea in restaurant, were decent. On the plus side, it did offer a chance to fuel up for a day of temple-hopping. It's the Asian cuisine in restaurant that was the highlight for me. I ended up eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I saw that the hotel offered Room service [24-hour], but I was too tired to order any.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (or, The Non-Existent Spa):
Alright, let's be honest, I did not investigate the Body scrub, Body wrap, the Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Pool with view, Spa, or the Steamroom. I was in Nara to see Nara. The Swimming pool was something I didn’t use.
Cleanliness & Safety (The Pandemic Edition):
Okay, look, I appreciate a hotel that takes cleanliness seriously. The Smile Hotel Nara seemed to be trying its best. The staff wore masks, there were Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. There was Physical distancing of at least 1 meter marked on floors and so on and so forth. The hotel had Daily disinfection in common areas, and I spotted Anti-viral cleaning products in use, which made me feel a little secure. They claim "Rooms sanitized between stays", but honestly, how do you really know? I choose to believe them. The Cashless payment service was handy. They had Safe dining setup.
Services & Conveniences (The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Odd):
The Concierge was helpful, though I only used them once. The Elevator, as mentioned, was a godsend. The Convenience store in the lobby was…well, convenient. The Laundry service was okay. Luggage storage was also available. The Car park [free of charge] was a big plus (if you have a car, of course), and there's a Car power charging station! I'm honestly not sure how, but there were Facilities for disabled guests.
The oddities? There were Meeting/banquet facilities. The Gift/souvenir shop felt a bit…underwhelming.
Getting Around (and the Deer Drama):
The Car park [free of charge] was a godsend. I didn’t use the Taxi service. The Airport transfer I don't think was available, but I found that the hotel location was a huge win. Getting around Nara is pretty easy. The train station (and the bus stops) are within walking distance (provided, obviously, you don't get lost in the deer park).
The Final Verdict (Unforgettable?…Eh.)
Look, Smile Hotel Nara isn’t a luxury hotel. It's a solid, functional, clean, and overall perfectly fine place to stay. The staff was friendly. The location is good. And the elevator is a lifesaver. The main issues are the inconsistency on accessibility and the maddening internet (seriously, guys, get it together!).
Would I stay there again? Maybe. If I returned to Nara and needed a budget-friendly, practical base, it would be on my list. But "unforgettable"? Not in a good way! Ultimately, the true unforgettable moments in Nara had nothing to do with the hotel. They were all about the deer (seriously, watch out for those little monsters!), the temples, the culture, and the sheer beauty of the place.
So, Smile Hotel Nara? Smiles earned. But not quite the kind of "Unforgettable Nara Adventure" the marketing department promised, for me, at least. However, I enjoyed myself overall, and I thank the team for the hospitality.
(And seriously, go to Nara. It’s magical. Just, you know, watch out for those deer.)
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Nara, My Heart (Maybe, Depending on the Deer Poop) - A Very Unofficial Itinerary
Okay, so I’m in Nara. Smile Hotel, to be exact. Supposedly, this is the gateway to ancient Japan. Me? I'm just hoping to find a decent coffee and avoid getting mugged by a rogue deer. Here's the (very loose) plan. Prepare yourselves, this is going to be a rollercoaster.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic
14:00 - Arrive at Smile Hotel Nara. Check-in. Pray the room isn't facing a dumpster (it probably is). After all that travel, my brain is mush. The air conditioning is cranked up to arctic levels. I nearly ran into a pillar in the lobby because my luggage was like a magnet, dragging me forward. Not a great start.
14:30 - Room Recon. Ugh. Okay, it's… fine. Functional. Needs more personality. Maybe I can sneak some of those Hello Kitty figurines from the gift shop in here later. Bathroom is terrifyingly clean. Suspect.
- Anecdote: The tiny fridge. Seriously? I can barely fit a bottle of water in that thing. How am I supposed to survive here? I mean, I can't even begin to explain my obsession with my favorite snacks that I brought from home.
15:00 - Coffee Crisis. Desperately need caffeine. The hotel coffee maker is a joke. Scour the area. Find a very unassuming coffee shop two blocks away. It's run by a sweet old lady who somehow manages to make the most potent, delicious brew I've ever had. God bless her.
- Quirky Observation: The coffee shop lady's cat, a ginger furball named "Mochi," is judging me. I'm pretty sure it hates me as much as I hate jet lag.
16:30 - Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Attempt 1). Okay, big plan. Walk… walk…. Oh. The humidity. It's trying to kill me. The walk is beautiful, though. Lush trees, lanterns everywhere… but the crowds! Insane. Barely made it through the first few hundred steps. I’m already sweating like I ran a marathon. Feeling slightly overwhelmed and retreat back to the hotel thinking maybe I can come back here later, maybe.
- Emotional Reaction: Initially, awe. Then, panic. Then… a yearning for a cold drink. This place is gorgeous, but also… exhausting.
18:00 - Dinner Gamble. Decide to be adventurous (aka, no more instant noodles). Find a ramen place nearby. Order something off the menu that I can't read. Hope for the best.
- Messier Structure Warning: The ramen was amazing, I think? Too much soy sauce. Face is now puffy. Considered drinking the broth, but decided against it. Regret it. Still hungry.
19:30 - Bedtime, or attempted bedtime. Jet lag is kicking my butt. Try to sleep. Fail. Stare at the ceiling. Wonder if I should have gotten that second coffee. Probably.
Day 2: Deer, Temples, and Existential Crises
- 07:00 - Wake up and feel completely energized. Coffee lady saved the day. Decide to try the Kasuga Taisha Shrine again, aiming for the early bird approach.
- 08:00 - Breakfast at the Smile Hotel. The "continental" breakfast is… well… let's just say it’s not winning any awards. The bread looks suspicious. The pastries are suspiciously dry. Stick to the weird gelatinous fruit salad. Feel my hope dwindle.
- 09:00 - Nara Park: The Deer Slaughterhouse (Kidding! Mostly). Oh. My. God. The deer. They are EVERYWHERE. They are adorable. They are aggressive. I buy deer crackers. I get mobbed. I scream. I laugh. I run. I get pooped on. This is the defining moment of my Nara experience.
- Doubling Down on the Deer Experience: Okay, let's be real. The deer are the reason you come here. They’re like furry, brown ninjas. You think you're safe, and BAM! They're nudging you with their antlers. They smell your crackers from a mile away. They're bold, they're pushy, and they will steal your map. The poop situation is… prevalent. Let me emphasize: PREVALENT. But, you know what? It's also… exhilarating. There's a primal joy in this chaos. I felt both fear and awe. I bought more crackers. I got pooped on again. Worth it. (Maybe).
- Emotional Reaction: Pure chaos. Pure joy. Slight trauma. Also, a profound respect for the ancient art of deer-related snack distribution.
- 11:00 - Todai-ji Temple. The Great Buddha Hall. It's massive. Seriously, HUGE. The Buddha statue is… well, it’s a Buddha. Big. Gold. Impressive. The kids are fascinated by the little hole in the pillar, the "nose hole," which you can crawl through for enlightenment. Nope. Not today.
- Opinionated Language: It's impressive, sure, but I’m still recovering from the deer. My brain can't handle any more awe right now.
- 12:30 - Lunch: Found a tiny udon noodle place. The noodles are perfect. The broth is heavenly. The waitress is incredibly patient with my terrible Japanese pronunciation. Finally, something that isn't a disaster.
- 14:00 - Kofuku-ji Temple. The five-story pagoda is beautiful. Stare at it for a while, contemplating the fleeting nature of existence. Try to remember to breathe.
- 15:00 - Back to the hotel. Rest. Recover from the deer attacks. Contemplate whether to buy more crackers. Decide against it. Maybe.
- 18:00 - Dinner. Try a different ramen place. Success! Find a place that just nails it. Slurp loudly. Feel human again.
- 19:30 - Collapse into bed. Tired. Happy. Slightly stinky. Worth it.
Day 3: The Endgame (and Farewell to the Deer)
- 08:00 Breakfast. Repeat the "continental" breakfast, but with a newfound appreciation for the slightly less suspicious bread.
- 09:00 - Isuien Garden. Finally, something peaceful. Beautiful gardens, tranquil ponds, a much-needed respite from the deer-induced madness. Wander around. Breathe. Actual peace.
- 10:30 - Nara National Museum. Appreciate the history and art.
- 12:00 - Final Deer Encounter. A quiet farewell to my antlered tormentors. Resist the urge to buy one last pack of crackers. Succeed. (Barely).
- 13:00 - Lunch. The Last Meal: Soba Noodles. The best in Nara.
- 14:00 - Pack Up and Leave the hotel.
- 16:00 - Train to… somewhere else.
Final Thoughts:
Nara. It’s a sensory overload. It’s beautiful. It’s chaotic. It's poopy. But it’s unforgettable. I came, I saw, I got deer-pooped on. And I'd do it all again (maybe after a long shower and a gallon of disinfectant). This quirky journey made me feel human, even in the presence of wild animals. Next stop… well, who knows. But I know I'll never forget this trip.
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Smile Hotel Nara: Your Unforgettable Nara Adventure Awaits! (…Maybe, With a Few Quirks!)
Okay, so you're thinking about Smile Hotel Nara. Smart move, if you're looking for something… well, let's just say "unique." I've stayed there, and lemme tell you, it's an experience. This FAQ is less "official brochure" and more "dude, here's what you *actually* need to know." Buckle up, Buttercup.
Is Smile Hotel Nara a good choice for *everyone*? Because, let's be honest, hotels are… a vibe.
Honestly? No. Look, if you're expecting the Ritz… run. Fast. If you're a minimalist who just needs a clean bed and doesn't mind a *bit* of character (and maybe a slightly wonky elevator), then yeah, it's a good option. It's *affordable*, and you're in NARA! That's the real prize. Think of it as a launchpad for exploring those adorable deer and the temples. That being said, if you crave luxury and pristine perfection, you’ll probably have nightmares involving the slightly thin walls. Just sayin'.
How close is it REALLY to Nara Park? Because those deer… I'm already picturing it.
Okay, this is a major selling point. It's *walking distance*. Which, for me, meant a sweaty 15-minute stroll, dodging the occasional rogue cyclist (seriously, watch out), and then… BAM! Deer city. It's fantastic. The deer are right there! You can almost *smell* the senbei crackers. (I swear, that smell is indelibly etched in my brain.) But you know, that 15-minute walk felt *longer* after a full day of hiking around the temples… just sayin'. So factor that in. Get some comfy shoes. Seriously.
What are the rooms like? Do they have… well, *everything*? (And by everything, I mean Wi-Fi that actually *works*.)
Rooms are… compact. Think "efficient." They're clean, and they have the basics. The Japanese rooms are small but cool, with tatami mats (that smell so nice!) and futon beds. You'll probably have a tiny bathroom (standard in Japan), and, praise the heavens, yes, the Wi-Fi *mostly* works. Sometimes I had to restart my phone... once. However, I’ve heard horror stories from some complaining about the Wi-Fi speeds, so your milage my vary. Don't expect to stream 4K movies in the room, though. Pack a book. Actually, pack two…
The breakfast buffet. Spill the beans, is it worth it? (I'm a sucker for a good breakfast.)
Okay, the breakfast… this is where things get interesting. It's included in the price, which is awesome, and they have a mix of Western and Japanese options. You've got your toast, your eggs (cooked in that slightly weird way that’s common in hotel buffets…), some sad-looking sausage… but also, you have miso soup, rice, and the most amazing pickled vegetables. Seriously, the pickled vegetables! I *dream* about them. And the rice. Fluffy, perfect rice. The coffee… well, it’s coffee. Not the best, not the worst. Go for the tea. Trust me.
Tell me about the staff. Are they friendly? Can they speak English? (Because my Japanese is… non-existent.)
The staff are lovely. Seriously. They're polite, helpful, and do their best to speak English. It's not always perfect, but they're patient, and they'll try their best to help you. One time, I accidentally locked myself out of my room (don't judge… jet lag is a beast!). The woman at the front desk was so sweet, even though she had to deal with my flustered, sleep-deprived panic. They're kind and efficient. Plus, and this is completely subjective, they have REALLY clean uniforms.
Any tips for navigating the hotel? Like, what’s the deal with the elevators? (Heard some rumors…)
Okay, the elevators. This is where the "character" comes in. They're… small. And sometimes, they’re… slow. Seriously, slow. Plan accordingly. If you're claustrophobic, you *might* want to take the stairs. Especially during peak hours. Also, the stairwell… well, let’s just say it has a certain… ambiance. It’s totally safe, but it feels like you stepped back into the 80s. Overall, I found myself holding my breath more than once. Just focus and be patient. I'd suggest carrying your luggage up to your room, especially if you have a ton of baggage, as I did. It saved me a ton of time in the end.
Are there restaurants nearby? Because I'm already drooling over ramen.
YES! You are in the right place. There are tons of restaurants nearby. You can find everything from ramen shops (amazing!), to traditional Japanese restaurants (expensive, but worth it for the experience), and even some Western options. I had the BEST ramen I've ever eaten about a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Seriously, I still dream of that pork belly… It's a foodie paradise, really. Just wander around and follow your nose. It rarely disappoints.
Anything else I should know? Any hidden gems or things to avoid?
Okay, a few more random thoughts:
- The vending machines: They're everywhere, and they're a lifesaver. Stock up on water, snacks, and weird Japanese drinks.
- Check-in and out: Easy peasy. They have the process down.
- The lobby: It's… functional. Not exactly Instagram-worthy, but it has what you need.
- My Experience (and this is what will stick with me): I didn't book a tour, and I was alone. I spent the whole day exploring Todai-ji Temple, and I was amazed by the Great Buddha statue. I then walked to the Nara Park. I saw the deer, and it honestly felt surreal. I had been looking forward to this moment for a long time, and it was beyond expectations. I then purchased this incredibly soft green tea ice cream, and I enjoyed it as I strolled back to the hotel. The sunset was AMAZING! So for this experience alone, I enjoyed Smile Hotel Nara.
Overall: Smile Hotel Nara is a good basecamp, if you are visiting for a few days. It is good for your wallet and you are in the perfect location to experience Nara. Embrace the quirks, and enjoy your adventure. You’ll have a blast. And don’t forget to bring some senbei crackers for the deer! And enjoy yourself, because you areFind Your Perfect Stay
