Question 1

Which are the best hotels to stay in Nara as a budget traveller?

Accepted Answer

The best hotels to stay in Nara as a budget traveller include NARA Visitor Center & Inn, Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring, and Hotel Rokune.

NARA Visitor Center & Inn, with an outstanding 9.6 rating, is superb for those who appreciate a historical setting, being located within a historical district. Guests consistently praise its excellent staff, location, and facilities, and it offers complimentary toiletries and free WiFi.

For a comfortable stay with excellent service, consider the 3-star Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring, rated 9.4. Reviewers frequently highlight the friendly staff, comfortable and clean rooms, and excellent service. This hotel also provides free WiFi and complimentary toiletries, and its hot spring spa is a popular feature.

Another great option is the 3-star Hotel Rokune, which boasts an impressive 9.6 rating.

Question 2

How much does a budget hotel in Nara cost?

Accepted Answer

Budget hotel prices in Nara vary, but you can find a great deal from £22 on Expedia. To find the cheapest budget hotels, be flexible with your dates—typically, off-peak and mid-week stays are cheaper. Stretch your budget further by looking for hotels with free breakfast, free parking or free airport shuttles. Sort your search results by "Price: low to high" to see our lowest rates.

Question 3

Which area of Nara is best to stay in for cheap hotels?

Accepted Answer

For travellers seeking cheap hotels in Nara, areas around Nara Station and the Naramachi district offer the best value and accessibility. These locations provide convenient access to public transport and many of Nara's main attractions, often at more budget-friendly prices than accommodations closer to the park itself.

The vicinity of Nara Station is particularly practical for solo travellers. Here, you'll find a good selection of business hotels and guesthouses that are often competitively priced. Being close to the station means easy connections to other cities and a straightforward journey to the famous Nara Park and its temples, either by bus or a pleasant walk. There are also plenty of affordable eateries and shops nearby, superb for a quick and inexpensive meal.

Naramachi, the old merchant district, is another excellent choice, especially for couples. This charming area, with its narrow streets and traditional wooden houses, offers a more intimate atmosphere. While it boasts a mix of accommodation types, you can find some lovely guesthouses and smaller hotels that provide good value.

Question 4

What are the top-rated cheap hotels for families in Nara?

Accepted Answer

For families seeking affordable and highly-rated accommodation in Nara, excellent choices include Henn na Hotel Premier Nara, Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring, and Bakery Hotel Château D'or - Hostel.

The 3-star Henn na Hotel Premier Nara, with a 9.0 rating, is praised by customers for its great location and amazing breakfast. Families will appreciate the convenience of free WiFi and complimentary toiletries.

Another superb option is the 3-star Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring, boasting an impressive 9.4 rating. Reviewers frequently highlight the friendly and great staff, comfortable and clean rooms, and excellent service. Its location is often described as excellent, and it offers free WiFi and free toiletries.

Question 5

What cheap hotels in Nara offer complimentary breakfast?

Accepted Answer

For cheap hotels in Nara offering complimentary breakfast, excellent choices include Bakery Hotel Château D'or - Hostel, Comfort Hotel Nara, AB Hotel Nara, Toyoko Inn Nara Shin Omiya Station, and Toyoko Inn Kintetsu Nara Ekimae.

Bakery Hotel Château D'or - Hostel, with a 9.0 rating, provides a free continental breakfast, making it a great option for budget-conscious travellers. Guests frequently comment on its convenient location and lovely rooms.

The 3-star Comfort Hotel Nara, rated 8.6, offers a complimentary buffet breakfast daily. This hotel also provides free WiFi and free toiletries, adding to its value.

Another solid choice is the 3-star AB Hotel Nara, which has an 8.6 rating. It features a free buffet breakfast and free WiFi, and guests often praise its great location and friendly staff.

The 3-star Toyoko Inn Nara Shin Omiya Station, rated 8.4, includes a free Japanese breakfast daily, great for those wanting to experience local cuisine. Free WiFi and air conditioning are also provided for guest comfort.

Finally, the 3-star Toyoko Inn Kintetsu Nara Ekimae, with an 8.2 rating, offers a free buffet breakfast with local options.

Question 6

When is the most affordable time to visit Nara?

Accepted Answer

The most affordable time to visit Nara for budget-conscious travellers is generally during the shoulder seasons: late autumn (November) and early spring (March to early April), excluding the cherry blossom peak. These periods avoid the highest prices and crowds of summer and the Golden Week holiday in early May, offering a pleasant climate for exploring.

Solo travellers will find accommodation prices dip outside of peak times, particularly for hostels and business hotels. You'll also encounter fewer crowds at popular spots like Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple, making for a more relaxed experience. Fewer tourists generally mean better deals on flights and train tickets if booked in advance.

Families might appreciate the mild weather of these shoulder seasons, which is ideal for walking around Nara Park and interacting with the deer without the intense heat of summer. Many of Nara's key attractions, such as Isuien Garden and the various temples, offer free or low-cost admission, making it easier to stick to a budget regardless of the season.

Question 7

What are the best cheap hotels in Nara with a pool?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Nara that offer a pool, consider ANDO HOTEL NaraWakakusayama～DLIGHT LIFE & HOTELS～ and Nara Park Hotel.

The 3-star ANDO HOTEL NaraWakakusayama～DLIGHT LIFE & HOTELS～, with an 8.8 rating, provides a great value for travellers. Guests can enjoy both an outdoor pool and a children's pool, making it suitable for families. Additionally, the hotel offers complimentary self-parking, free toiletries, and free WiFi. For convenience, it provides free pick-up and drop-off services to the train station.

Another excellent option is the 3-star Nara Park Hotel, rated 8.0 by guests. This hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool and a children's pool. Reviewers frequently highlight the friendly and kind staff. Travellers will also appreciate the free WiFi, complimentary self-parking, and free pick-up and drop-off services to the train station.

Question 8

Are there any cheap Nara hotels near Yoshiki-en?

Accepted Answer

For affordable hotels near Yoshiki-en in Nara, consider NARA Visitor Center & Inn, Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring, and Hotel Tenpyo Naramachi.

NARA Visitor Center & Inn, with an outstanding 9.6 rating, is highly praised by guests for its excellent staff and facilities. It offers free WiFi and complimentary toiletries, and its location within a historical district is ideal for exploring.

The 3-star Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring, rated 9.4, provides free WiFi and free toiletries, along with free wired internet in public areas. Guests frequently praise its friendly staff, comfortable and clean rooms, and excellent spa facilities, making it a great choice for relaxation.

Hotel Tenpyo Naramachi, rated 9.4, also boasts a prime location within a historical district. It offers free WiFi and complimentary toiletries, and its rooms are often described as incredible and spacious.

Question 9

Is Nara a budget-friendly destination?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Nara is a budget-friendly destination, especially when compared to larger Japanese cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, offering excellent value for travellers.

For couples and solo travellers, accommodation options in Nara are generally more affordable, with guesthouses and business hotels providing comfortable stays without breaking the bank. The city centre is quite compact, making it easy to explore on foot, which significantly cuts down on transport costs. For places further afield, local buses are efficient and reasonably priced.

Much of Nara's charm comes from its free attractions. The iconic Nara Park, famous for its polite deer, is entirely free to enter and offers a delightful experience. You can spend hours wandering through the park, visiting the grounds of the Todai-ji Temple (though there's a small fee to enter the main hall), and exploring the many smaller shrines and gardens. The traditional Naramachi district, with its preserved Edo-period merchant houses, is also wonderful for a leisurely, free stroll.

Dining in Nara can also be very economical. Look for local eateries and noodle shops, particularly around Nara Station or in Naramachi, where you can find delicious and filling meals for a fraction of the cost of dining in more tourist-heavy areas of Japan. Picnics in Nara Park, with snacks bought from local convenience stores or markets, are another excellent, cheap meal option.

Question 10

What cheap hotels in Nara offer cooking facilities or kitchenettes?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Nara that offer cooking facilities, consider Mountain Home Lodge in Deer Park and Nara Imai House.

Mountain Home Lodge in Deer Park is a 3-star hotel with a great 10.0 rating, and it provides a full kitchen in its spacious rooms. This is ideal for those who prefer to prepare their own meals, offering great value for extended stays. Free WiFi is also included.

Nara Imai House, with a 9.0 rating, also features a kitchen in its accommodations.

Question 11

Which cheap hotels in Nara have good reviews for customer service?

Accepted Answer

For affordable hotels in Nara with fantastic customer service, travellers often praise Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring, Hotel Tenpyo Naramachi, and MIROKU NARA by THE SHARE HOTELS.

The 3-star Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring, rated 9.4, receives glowing reviews for its friendly and great staff, who consistently provide amazing service. Guests particularly appreciate the natural hot spring baths after a day of exploring.

Hotel Tenpyo Naramachi, with a 9.4 rating, is another excellent option. Its staff is frequently described as friendly, and the hotel offers free WiFi and complimentary toiletries, adding to a comfortable stay in a historical district.

The 3-star MIROKU NARA by THE SHARE HOTELS, with a 9.2 rating, is known for its friendly and helpful staff. This hotel also provides free WiFi and early check-in options, which can be a great convenience for travellers.

Question 12

Are there any cheap hotels in Nara that allow for late check-out or early check-in?

Accepted Answer

Yes, several budget-friendly hotels in Nara are great for handling non-standard arrival or departure times, though specific policies can vary.

The 3-star Comfort Hotel Nara, with an 8.6 rating, offers flexibility for both early check-in and late check-out. It also provides a complimentary breakfast, giving guests a great start to their day.

Another excellent choice is the 3-star AB Hotel Nara, rated 8.6. This hotel is known for its friendly staff and convenient location, and it also accommodates early check-ins and late check-outs. Guests can enjoy free WiFi and a complimentary buffet breakfast.

For those prioritising early arrival, the 3-star SUPER HOTEL Premier JR Nara Station, with a 9.0 rating, specifically mentions early check-in as an amenity. It's a practical option for travellers arriving ahead of schedule.

The 3-star MIROKU NARA by THE SHARE HOTELS, boasting an impressive 9.2 rating, offers both early check-in and late check-out options. Guests frequently praise its spacious rooms, amazing breakfast, and helpful staff. Its location is also highly regarded.

Finally, the 3-star Henn na Hotel Premier Nara, rated 9.0, also provides both early check-in and late check-out. Reviewers often highlight its great location and amazing breakfast, making it a convenient and enjoyable stay.

Question 13

How can I save on a budget hotel in Nara with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

There are plenty of ways to save on a budget hotel in Nara. Join One Key™, our free travel rewards programme, to unlock Member Prices across a range of hotels. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on hotel bookings. If you're feeling spontaneous, be sure to check for last-minute deals.

Question 14

What free activities should we do in Nara?

Accepted Answer

Nara offers a delightful array of free activities, making it an excellent destination for budget-conscious solo travellers. The city is renowned for its natural beauty and historical sites, many of which can be enjoyed without spending a penny.

The most iconic free activity is wandering through Nara Park, a sprawling green space home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. These friendly creatures are a highlight, and while you can buy special 'shika senbei' crackers to feed them, simply observing them and taking photos is completely free and provides lasting memories. The park itself is a beautiful place for a leisurely stroll, offering scenic pathways and ponds.

Within Nara Park, you'll find the majestic Tōdai-ji Temple complex. While there's a charge to enter the Great Buddha Hall, you can freely explore the extensive temple grounds, admire the impressive Nandaimon Gate with its guardian statues, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere. Similarly, the grounds of Kōfuku-ji Temple, with its striking five-storied pagoda, can be explored without an entry fee. Many solo travellers find peace strolling through these ancient grounds and observing the intricate architecture.

Another excellent free option is a walk up to Mount Wakakusa, especially during the warmer months. The panoramic views of Nara city from the summit are breathtaking, and it's a wonderful spot for some quiet contemplation or a picnic. The climb is manageable and offers a refreshing escape into nature.

Question 15

Is it cheaper to book flights and a hotel in Nara as a package?

Accepted Answer

Booking a hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it’s wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.

Question 16

Can I cancel my budget hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right budget hotel in Nara for you.

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