Abigail06

Does anyone have any suggestions on places to stay in Nara and Osaka? I'm open.

My husband wants to spend two nights in Nara, but from what I've seen on the boards, it may be a one day trip.

ozchinois

Stayed in Nara Hotel for a night, quite well located. It's a very old building with a beautiful weeping cherry blossom at the front which was in bloom when we were there.

kja

I spent 2 nights at the Little Hotel Nara Club, which I enjoyed. Its a small, lovingly decorated place run by a very nice young couple. My 2 days in Nara were very busy ones, and I did not see everything I would have liked to see. But how long to spend there depends on what you want to see and do.
Hope that helps!

Abigail06

Thank you both.

I am looking at a very wide range.

I looked at the Nara Hotel. How did you book? I've tried to book online and via email and no response.

I also looked at the Little Hotel Nara Club. Very cute. This is a possibility.

We had a mix up with the Hotel Fujita Nara.

Also considering, if available:
Ryokan Matsumae
Seikan-so
Hotel Nikko Nara
Yoshidaya Ryokan

Any thoughts on these would be greatly appreciated.

ozchinois

From memory it was either on-line or via email.

Abigail06

Thanks, again.

My husband emailed the Nara Hotel again. They responded this time and said they were booked. We are staying at the New Otani.

Reen

I can highly recommend the Seikan-so. We stayed there for two nights 2 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the ryokan and the town of Nara. (We found plenty to do in Nara to warrant staying the two nights.) Our room at Seikan-so was like my personal Japanese fantasy come true. Just beautiful with tatami floors and sliding doors that opened to a private balcony with a view of the gorgeous, peaceful garden.

In addition to all the atmosphere, we also had a TV, air conditioning, yukata (robes), hot tea to drink on the balcony each day, and extra bedding that we used to beef up our futons.

Be aware that this is a tradtional ryokan with futons (for sleeping on the floor), communal bath, and toilets down the hall. I had been concerned about the communal bathing intially, but it is no problem and all part of the experience. I would not have missed this whole experience for anything. It was one of our favorite places to stay in Japan and I really cannot recommend Seikan-so highly enough.