Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara — Hotel in Nara

For our anniversary, we decided on a getaway to Japan and chose to spend two nights in Nara. Having visited the Kansai region several times, we had always bypassed Nara, deterred by concerns of large crowds due to the deer. This time, being it was the off season, we decided to finally immerse ourselves in what the city had to offer. Despite the widespread advice that Nara is best suited as a day trip, or at most, a one-night stay, we booked a two-night experience at the Shisui Luxury Collection Hotel. Looking back, we’re thrilled we did—and in hindsight, we regret not extending our stay!

The hotel is thoughtfully divided into three distinct sections: the main building and the Saryō Zeze Cafe, where Champagne Hour is held, are located on one side, while the guest rooms are situated on the other, separated by a pedestrian walkway. The main building, a former residence of the Nara Prefectural Governor from the Taisho era, houses the concierge desk and restaurants. Saryō Zeze, once a temple building, serves as the venue for Champagne Hour. The two modern guest room buildings, on the other hand, are sleek and practical in design, offering a harmonious balance to the property’s historical elements.

While the architecture was undoubtedly impressive, what truly made our stay unforgettable was meeting Mr. Naoyuki Yoshimura, the hotel’s Concierge. As travellers who have stayed at luxury hotels and ryokans throughout Japan, we can confidently say that Yoshimura-sama’s passion, care, and deep connection to Nara were like nothing we have experienced before.

From recommending Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden local izakayas, and even planning early morning and late-night hikes to avoid the crowds, every single recommendation from Yoshimura-sama was impeccable. What set him apart, however, was his unwavering dedication to ensuring our experience was perfect. After we raved about an exceptional local umeshu we had at Kappou Matsuki, he took it upon himself to call the restaurant and several liquor stores in the city to track down several bottles. Unprompted, mind you! It was such a thoughtful gesture that left us deeply touched and we snapped up every bottle we could!

I could easily share many examples of how Yoshimura-sama’s impeccable style of omotenashi elevated our stay. His passion for Nara was contagious, and his unwavering attention to detail surpassed even our experience at a Ritz-Carlton a few days later. He truly made the city come alive for us, and thanks to him, we left with a deep affection for Nara—a destination often overshadowed by the allure of Osaka and Kyoto.

As for the room itself, it was modern, stylish, and incredibly comfortable—perfect after a long day of exploration. As Titanium members, we were graciously upgraded to a room featuring a rotenburo, where we could soak in simple onsen water while enjoying views of a small maple tree and a tranquil zen garden. This peaceful retreat was especially soothing during the rare moments when the snow gently fell.

For breakfast, we opted for the Japanese breakfast both mornings, and on the second day, the team tailored the menu to offer us a fresh variety of dishes so there would not be overlap from the first day. Reading reviews from when the hotel first opened, I understand the breakfast was initially a point of contention, but it’s clear they’ve listened to guest feedback and made significant improvements. This was, without a doubt, one of the best Japanese breakfasts we've had—on par with top luxury ryokans and hotels alike. Each dish was prepared to perfection.

In conclusion, if you’re planning a visit to Nara, don’t just treat it as a day trip—spend a couple of nights at the Shisui Luxury Collection Hotel. If you’re fortunate enough to meet Yoshimura-sama, you're in for an exceptional experience. The hotel is lucky to have someone like him representing their brand, and we’ll certainly be returning to Nara in the future, thanks to his...

A Stay at Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara – Where History and Luxury Meet

From the moment I arrived at Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara, I knew this was going to be a special stay. Nestled within the heart of Nara, this hotel is more than just a place to rest—it’s an experience that blends centuries-old history with impeccable modern luxury.

The hotel itself is housed in a beautifully restored Taisho-era building from 1922, once the official residence of Nara’s governor. Walking through its halls, I could feel the weight of history—the intricate wooden details, the carefully preserved architecture, and the stunning historical gardens that have stood the test of time. Yet, despite its historical significance, Shisui offers every modern comfort imaginable, seamlessly combining the old and the new.

My room was an absolute dream—a perfect fusion of Japanese minimalism and modern luxury. I stayed in a suite with a private onsen, an experience that truly elevated my stay. Stepping onto the balcony, I was greeted by breathtaking views of lush gardens, tranquil forests, and even the distant grandeur of Tōdai-ji Temple. Sitting there, soaking in the warm onsen waters, surrounded by Nara’s timeless beauty, was nothing short of magical.

Dining at Suiyou, the hotel’s signature restaurant, was another highlight. Breakfast was a serene affair, with a beautiful view of the historical gardens as I enjoyed a meticulously crafted meal. But the real standout experience was the Champagne Hour at Saryo Zeze Café, a former temple building now transformed into a charming café. This exclusive “Garden Delights” event is open only to hotel guests, offering an intimate moment to sip champagne while overlooking the breathtakingly preserved Japanese gardens.

Every detail at Shisui exudes sophistication and exclusivity, from the luxurious Byredo Le Chemin amenities to the exceptional service that made me feel like part of a family. The staff was warm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable—ready to assist with anything while maintaining a sense of discretion and elegance.

And of course, the location couldn’t be better—just a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station or a quick 5-minute taxi ride. With Nara Park, Tōdai-ji, and the charming streets of Naramachi all within walking distance, exploring the city was effortless.

If you’re visiting Nara and looking for a stay that blends luxury, history, and exclusivity, Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara, is simply unmatched. A perfect retreat for discerning travelers who appreciate heritage, elegance, and world-class hospitality.

✨ Would I stay here again?...

I do not recommend this place. Especially if you are paying paying the full price like us. For this price point I would expect alot more. Here are the details.

If you want the short version, the key words are 1) Not clean 2)Bad guest service and untrained unprofessional workers 3) Food is not good.

First, we booked this place as a gift to myself(us couple) and for my parents as this was our wedding trip. We got married 2 days before in Kyoto. I had asked to leave a note for my parents to thank them for what they do prior to the stay. Because of this, they knew we were newly married. It was kind of them to leave a small note and a fruit in our room to congratulate us, but they assumed we requested to be put next to each other. They said because of this, they could not accommodate any Marriott status upgrades. I absolutely understand when they don't have upgrades available due to occupancy but knowing there's actually rooms left, and this being their reason it was definitely frustrating.

Secondly, you cannot choose whether you get a room with an outdoor view tub or one inside. Even when you pay for the Onsen rooms. I did request but they said they cannot guarantee.

The two worst things about this place is the guest services and the cleanliness. The first person that greeted us (a lady) was extremely rude. Made us wait forever for check in when we arrived where there were no people waiting. The person that guided us to the room was telling us how he wanted a better job. He actually turned out to be the nicest/ best person at the hotel. Every time we returned to the hotel, we were asked if we were checking in. There's less than 30 rooms here. Please remember our names and faces. We also tried to dine for dinner at the restaurant. Sat for like 30 mins before anyone came. We got up and left. I left last so explained to them why we are leaving. They apologized the next day but that's not what we are looking for. We just wanted a better service. This is supposed to be a high end restaurant too. They couldn't even figure out what luggage goes where and we had to sort them ourselves from one room.

You can see in the pictures the rooms are not well maintained. Bathrooms are dirty, walls not cleaned. You also can't change the tub temperature yourself and need to contact the front desk and wait like 30mins. You can't drain or clean the tub.

This is like a $700+ a night per room hotel.

If you are looking for a something nice or luxury, this is definitely not the place. Yes the construction is nice, but people running it definitely need to up their game. Cleanliness, hospitality,...