If you visit Japan, the hotel you must stay at is JW Marriott Nara, which is located in the center of Nara prefecture where has many historical places. It is the only JW Marriott in Japan. The hotel is designed by GA Groups, which is a famous UK design company. The concept of the hotel is “Modern Japanese Elegance.” I was amazed by beautiful and detailed furnitures, and stories behind them.
Lobby
The theme of the reception and lobby: “A distinctly Japanese Grand Residence” It aims to make the hotel like a grand residence where is not too formal and guests can relax. Even though the structure of the hotel is made of steel, it elaborately uses woods in the lobby to make the space comfortable. the back of the reception displays hills surrounding Nara. Woven in the fabric with rich gold threads represents sunrise and sunset. The lobby has a linear fireplace. Above the lounge, there is a collection of lighting that features Furin, a Japanese wind charm that works as amulets.
Room
There are six types of rooms. ( Twin Deluxe, King Deluxe, Nara Suite, Executive Suite, Griffin Suite, and Presidential Suite.) Rooms use the natural colors of timber, leather, and bronze. It uses orange and natural color which reminds guests of “Wakarusa yaki” which is a famous fire festival in Nara. The carpet represents a natural color change of seasons. Above the bed is the abstract form of Nara’s deer. Everything in the room gives a guest the sense of being in Nara.
Executive Lounge
The executive lounge provides luxurious moments. It is smaller than other areas in order to make it like a home. Guests staying on the executive floor have an access to here and have food and snack anytime. Since food is buffet style and guests can help themselves from the kitchen, I felt like I was at home.
Silk Road Dining
There is a restaurant named “Silk Road Dining,” where chefs carefully select fresh ingredients from Nara and around the world. Silk Road is related to Nara since it has the final destination in Nara. Big bases made of metal represent the ancient handicrafts brought through the silk road. Guests can have buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I had breakfast there and was surprised by the variety of food such as a smoothie, fresh salad, and bread.
Azekura
Japanese restaurant which serves Japanese-style steak, and Kaiseki cuisine. The restaurant name “Azekura” is a Japanese architectural style of simple wooden construction. It has many features which remind guests of Japanese tradition and history such as fusuma with pine painting and wood pattern interiors.
Flying Stag
In the lounge “Flying Stag” in the lobby, guests can enjoy afternoon tea, tea, and cakes. Lounge bar dramatic art of stag which is a strong representation of Nara’s one of the famous iconic creatures.
Experiences
JW Marriott Nara has a lot of programs that entertain guests!! Yoga is a popular mindfulness program which makes guests relax. Because it has been one year since the hotel has opened, they offer anniversary plans not only for rooms but also dinings. The hotel collaborates with brands (Afternooon Tea collaborated with Royal Copenhagen in Silk Road Dining, Buffet with Peter Rabbit.)