The JW Marriott can be summed up under one phrase, “noblesse oblige”. It’s a French phrase meaning nobility obligates. It’s the belief that because you are noble, that you are obligated to help those below your station. Furthermore, it’s not an exact comparison because they don’t make you feel like you are below them. In fact, they exalt you as a guest. To put it simply, their service is the best I have ever had.
Location
The JW Marriott Nara is centrally located in Nara, next to an up-and-coming area near the government building. There are bus stops right in front of the hotel going both West and East toward JR Nara Station, or Nara Park. There isn’t much food or stores in the immediate area, but if you venture forth about 5–10 minutes you can get to the local mall which has a round one, and a cafeteria style food court.
There is a shuttle from the Hotel to both major train/bus stations that runs every half hour. From there, you could go to either station and hit the side streets to find great eats and local wares.
The Room
The room is gorgeous. Not the largest room I have been in, but on the larger side for Japan. It makes good use of its space, and you certainly don’t feel cramped in the bed portion nor in the bathroom portion. It’s a newer hotel, so everything is still nice and new. The view isn’t anything to write home about, but it certainly is a pleasant place to wake up every morning. The hotel is prompt with turndown service, and daily housekeeping.
The Gym
The gym was pretty good. The Spa was fully featured with a locker room, sauna, pool, and hot tub. I enjoyed how you could access the fitness facilities directly from the room elevator without having to go near the front lobby. It also was convenient that you needed a room key to get in. The showers in the bathroom were also just as impressive as Equinox, the gym I frequent-which is a major prop to the hotel.
The machines were in good working order, and although I didn’t use them-the gym stayed open and was never crowded every time I peeked my head in.
Breakfast
This is the hotel’s only major shortcoming. I went into breakfast every day without fail. The breakfast hardly changed every day without fail. Although the service was great, it got stale fast being asked every morning if I wanted to have some egg-based dish, do I want coffee or tea, etc. The disappointment lied in the fact that the hotel had set these extremely high expectations with presentation, comfort, and service - only to have a passable and oddly repeating morning meals. Perhaps they will learn from their mistake and have more MEAT
and a little more variety. But the fruit, and cereal, was fantastic.
Overall Score
The JW Marriott Nara is simply the best hotel I have had the pleasure of staying at. The thoughtfulness and carefulness of the staff, the greetings in the morning and evenings, the cleanliness of the room - the design; I loved it all. I cannot sing enough praises of this place. If you are in Nara, it’s a no-brainer- stay here.
5/5
