Novotel Nara ノボテル奈良 奈良諾富特酒店

Novotel Nara is a modern 264-room hotel located along the Saho River in Omiya-cho, central Nara. Opened in September 2024, this contemporary four-star property offers convenient access for both leisure and business travelers. It is an approximately 8-minute walk from Kintetsu Shin-Omiya Station and a 5–6 minute taxi ride from JR Nara Station, and it sits within walking distance of the Nara Prefectural Convention Center.

The Saho River—celebrated in the Manyoshu—flows just behind the hotel, giving the surrounding area a calm atmosphere despite its central location. Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, and other iconic sites are around 10 minutes away by car, and the Heijo Palace Historical Park area is easily accessible as well. Kyoto and Osaka can be reached in roughly an hour, making the hotel a practical base for exploring the broader Kansai region.

Guest rooms range from Standard and Superior to Executive rooms and Suites, all designed with a “Japanese modern” aesthetic inspired by Nara’s nature and cultural heritage. Interiors combine warm wood textures and earthy tones with the clean, minimal style of a European brand. All rooms include free Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, electric kettle, work desk, and safe, making them suitable for short stays, extended trips, and family travel alike.

The upper floors house the Executive Rooms and Suites, which include access to a dedicated Executive Lounge. Here, guests can enjoy light snacks and drinks while relaxing on the terrace overlooking the city—an appealing option for workations, special-occasion stays, or those who simply want to spend more time in the hotel.

The hotel features three main dining venues: the all-day Italian restaurant “Trattoria Ponte Nara,” the café and bar “Social Lounge,” and the rooftop terrace bar. The main restaurant serves a breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner, incorporating Nara-sourced vegetables and ingredients. The lounge offers coffee, cocktails, and casual drinks, while the rooftop terrace provides evening bar service with views over the city—a comfortable spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Wellness facilities include a large public bath and a fitness room. The bath area centers on an indoor hot bath, ideal for warming up and relaxing after walking around Nara’s historic sites or attending meetings. The fitness room is equipped with cardio machines and basic weights, offering a simple way to stay active during a stay.

A notable feature is the hotel’s strong family-friendly positioning. Novotel Nara is the first property in Nara Prefecture to receive the “Welcome Baby” certification, highlighting its support for guests with infants and young children. Baby beds, bed guards, baby baths, kids’ amenities, and a play area are available—making it an easy choice for families seeking a city hotel where strollers and small children are welcome.

At the same time, its proximity to the Nara Prefectural Convention Center makes it well suited for business and MICE purposes. The hotel offers two banquet halls and several meeting rooms, accommodating conferences, seminars, receptions, and corporate events. Medium-scale gatherings can be held entirely within the hotel, making it a practical venue for both local and regional business functions.

The property includes an on-site multi-story parking facility for guests arriving by car. Since parking space is limited, the hotel may direct guests to nearby coin-operated or time-based parking lots when full. Because conditions and fees may vary by season, travelers planning to drive are encouraged to confirm the latest information in advance.

Overall, Novotel Nara delivers a well-balanced blend of a quiet riverside setting, Japanese-modern guest rooms, a public bath, lounge access, and strong family support—resulting in a versatile city-resort-style hotel. Designed for a broad range of guests, it works equally well for individual travelers exploring Nara, families with small children, and business visitors attending events at the convention center. It is a reliable choice when you want a hotel that is convenient, comfortable, and broadly appealing to different travel styles.