Nara's Hidden Gem: Washington Hotel Plaza's Unbelievable Luxury!
Nara's Hidden Gem: Washington Hotel Plaza - Is it Really Unbelievable Luxury? Let's Find Out! (A Brutally Honest Review)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your average, sanitized hotel review. We're going deep into the rabbit hole of the Washington Hotel Plaza in Nara, Japan, and I'm bringing you the straight goods – the good, the bad, and the utterly perplexing. This is my experience, flaws and all, and I'm not afraid to get messy. And honestly? I’m still a bit confused about how to feel about this place.
First Impressions: The Arrival & the "Accessible" Conundrum
Getting there was surprisingly easy. Airport transfer? Check. They even have valet parking… which, coming from a small town, felt like a total thing. They also have car park [free of charge] too. Now, let’s talk accessibility. They claim to be accessible, and the “Facilities for disabled guests” are listed, but honestly, I didn’t see a ton of detail there. I didn’t need specific accessibility features during my stay, but it’s worth double-checking with the hotel directly if you have specific needs. They boast an elevator, which is a good start! But a more detailed look on that would be great.
Settle in and Breathe… (or Panic?) - The Room
Once in my “Non-smoking” room (thank god), I was greeted with… well, a room. A pretty standard hotel room, actually. Not exactly "unbelievable luxury" material, but perfectly functional. The air conditioning was a lifesaver (Japan in the summer? Brutal.), and the blackout curtains meant I could actually sleep past dawn, which is a genuine win. Speaking of sleep, Extra long bed? Yes, please! Essential for tall people such as myself.
Now, for the details: Bathrobes? Check. Slippers? Check. The basics were covered. The mini bar was stocked with, well, mini… things. Complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker also. Free bottled water – a welcome touch. But the real battleground? The Internet.
Internet Access: A Love-Hate Relationship (and Seriously, They NEED to Fix This)
Okay, the Wi-Fi – Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – sounds fantastic. And it is free. But the connection… let's just say it oscillated between "blazing fast" and "dial-up from the 90s." I also saw Internet access – LAN available, which is a relic from the past. You're supposed to have internet access – wireless too, but it’s not as solid as it should be… I had to go down to the lobby a few times to get any real work done. Wi-Fi in public areas helps a little, but seriously, in 2024, this is a major letdown. They also list Internet services and that's something to look at more.
Food, Glorious Food (And Some Questionable Decisions)
The dining situation was… interesting. Let’s start with the positives. Restaurants? Plural! Asian cuisine in restaurant. International cuisine in restaurant. Western cuisine in restaurant. The hotel has a Coffee/tea in restaurant. The A la carte in restaurant was there. The Breakfast [buffet] was a highlight (more on that later) with a decent variety of both Asian breakfast and Western breakfast. The Coffee shop was also the home of delicious treats I sampled throughout the day. They had a Snack bar and Poolside bar, too. The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver for late-night cravings. The Bottle of water in the room was a thoughtful touch. They had Breakfast takeaway service, and the Buffet in restaurant seemed to work flawlessly. Finally, there was a Salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant.
Now for the head-scratchers. The Vegetarian restaurant? I have no idea where it was. I’d ask at the front desk, but I'm not sure the question would translate well or have a good answer. The restaurant had Desserts in restaurant. I'm not sure if all were great, but most were. The Happy hour was there, but the bar wasn't particularly lively. And is anyone really drinking coffee/tea in a restaurant? I don't get that one.
The "Unbelievable Luxury" That Wasn't Quite… Unbelievable
The hotel boasts a Swimming pool, a Gym/fitness, and a Spa. Now, I did see the Swimming pool [outdoor], and it was beautiful! The Pool with view was pretty nice. (Spoiler alert: no actual swimming happened. My fault, not theirs.)
Then things get a bit… extra. Body scrub? Body wrap? Okay, maybe I'm just not the target audience. But the Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom were definitely appealing. I didn’t get the chance to try any of these, but I will next time. Massage also.
Cleanliness, Covid, and (Hopefully) a Relaxing Stay
Cleanliness and safety is clearly a priority. They’re going all out with Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They use Professional-grade sanitizing services, Staff trained in safety protocol, and they even have Sterilizing equipment. Hygiene certification is there. Hot water linen and laundry washing. They have Individually-wrapped food options and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They offer a safe dining setup.
The "Things To Do" Angle (Or, What to Do When You're Not in Your Room)
Nara is the star of this show, not the hotel. The Shrine is a must-see, and there's a handy Convenience store nearby. You’ve got Gift/souvenir shop. The Front desk [24-hour] is helpful.
The "What's Missing" List Begins Here
I didn't see much indication of "couple's room" or "family/child friendly", though there were vague listings for them.
Now, for the Really Messy Bit: The Anecdote I Can’t Get Over
Okay, so here's the story. I went to the Poolside bar one afternoon, expecting… tropical vibes, you know? Palm trees, fruity cocktails, the whole shebang. What I got? A slightly deserted bar, a bartender who seemed a little unsure about making anything beyond beer and sake, and a view that was fantastic, just not particularly “resort-y.” I ordered a beer and just sat there, contemplating the mysteries of life. It wasn't luxurious. It wasn’t glamorous. It was… kind of perfect, in its own weird way. This, I think, is the real heart of the Washington Hotel Plaza.
So, Would I Recommend It? (The Big Question)
Honestly? It depends. If you're looking for unadulterated, five-star luxury, you might be disappointed. The Wi-Fi situation alone is a dealbreaker for some. But if you're looking for a clean, comfortable, well-located base to explore Nara, with a few nice perks and an authentic (if slightly quirky) experience, then yeah, I'd say give it a shot.
The Verdict: Maybe Unbelievable, Kinda.
The Washington Hotel Plaza isn't perfect. It has its flaws. But it's got character. And sometimes, a little imperfection is a good thing.
But Wait, There's More! (A Shameless Plug for YOU)
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P.S. Don't forget to pack your patience. And maybe a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
Johannesburg's Hidden Gem: Constantia Hotel & Conference Centre Revealed!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your average, perfectly manicured travel itinerary. This is me in Nara, Japan, probably fueled by one too many matcha lattes and the sheer awe of, well, being here. This is going to be… messy. And hopefully, a little bit hilarious.
Nara Hotel Plaza - The Epicenter (and My Temporary Sanity Anchor)
Day 1: Arrival & Deer-ly Beloved (and Slightly Intimidating) Friends
- 1:00 PM: Finally, finally landed in Osaka! The immigration line? A soul-crushing experience worthy of its own novella. But hey, I'm in Japan! Checked into my Nara Hotel Plaza room. It's… nice, clean, a classic hotel room. Still getting over the jet lag from Tokyo. Still tired.
- 2:30 PM: The obligatory deer greeting. I mean, you can’t come to Nara and not meet the famous deer. I bought some deer crackers. I swear, they’re like little furry gangsters! They’re relentless. But so cute. I may or may not have been slightly traumatized by the aggressive pushiness of one particularly large buck. He practically mugged me for a cracker. But then, he just, looked at me and I got this feeling of… maybe, respect? Like, this deer knew something I didn't.
- 4:00 PM: Todai-ji Temple… holy moly. The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) is enormous. Seriously. HUGE. It's like staring into the face of, well, enlightenment (or at least, a really, really big bronze statue). The sheer scale of everything is mind-blowing. I spent way too long wandering around, feeling ridiculously small and insignificant. Which, let’s be honest, is kind of the point.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. Ordered something… Japanese-y. I think it had tofu and miso. It was delicious actually, and I'm not a big tofu person. Feeling slightly less travel weary. Good work, Nara!
- 7:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Journaling. And battling a serious urge to just… fall asleep right here, right now. The jet lag is a beast.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and the Trauma of the Lantern Festival
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Standard fare but needed. Coffee… ah, the sweet, black nectar. Getting ready to start the day at Kofuku-ji Temple.
- 10:00 AM: Kofuku-ji. The five-storied pagoda is stunning. But I spent more time gawking at it. I'm a visual person.
- 11:00 AM: Walked the park again. Got attacked by a deer. I was not ready.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a tiny noodle shop. The slurping culture is intense. I felt a bit self-conscious at first, but hey, when in Rome… or, well, Nara. The noodles were AMAZING. Best ramen of my life.
- 1:00 PM: I attempted the tea ceremony. It's all about the ritual, the quiet, the… focus. I spilled some matcha on my hand. More than some. I'm clearly not zen material. But the tea was good. I actually enjoyed it.
- 5:00 PM: Going back to my room and relaxing before the Lantern Festival.
- 6:00 PM: Nara Tokae Lantern Festival. I thought it would be magical and I was right. Everything looked soft, magical, everything was lit by small, lovely lights. It was hard to take pictures, but I will try my best to get some pictures.
- 7:30 PM: After the festival I'm getting my favorite snacks and heading to my bed. Sleep is what I need now.
Day 3: The Long Road to… More Temples? And Ramen (Again!)
- 9:00 AM: Ugh. Woke up feeling oddly emotional. The sheer beauty of this place and my general feeling I am still dreaming that I just need to remind myself of all the temples.
- 10:00 AM: Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The mossy lanterns are breathtaking. They are so many and are everywhere. Taking thousands of pictures.
- 12:00 PM: Back to the noodle shop. I have to go back. It's a must.
- 1:00 PM: Free time to reflect. I feel like I am getting to know myself. And I kinda like me!
- 3:00 PM: packing up for the next place. Heading to Kyoto. I am actually happy. I think I'm okay.
Okay, so that's the basic outline. Reality, as usual, will probably be a lot messier. Expect spontaneous ramen runs, existential crises triggered by deer, and a constant battle with my own inner anxieties. But hey, that's the fun of it, right?
Important Disclaimers:
- This itinerary is subject to change based on mood, weather, deer-related incidents, and the availability of good ramen.
- I am not a professional travel writer. I'm just a human.
- My sense of direction is questionable. Don't rely on me for navigation.
- I will probably cry at least once. It's Japan. It's beautiful. It's overwhelming. And I'm a softie.
So, wish me luck. And maybe send ramen. Just in case.
Grand Forks Getaway: Hampton Inn & Suites - Unbeatable Deals!
So, what ARE we even talking about here? What's the point? Help!
Okay, okay, deep breaths. The point? Honestly? There is *no* singular, brilliant point. Think of it like… a digital brain dump. I've got thoughts, you've got questions (maybe), and here we are. It started, like most things, with a slightly manic craving for... well, *something*. And that something morphed into answering questions nobody asked, about things I barely understand. A truly glorious waste of time, wouldn't you say? I'm just spewing words. So, if you're looking for concise, well-researched answers, you’re in the wrong place. If you want a peek inside a slightly chaotic human mind, welcome aboard.
Why is this FAQ so... disorganized? Is there a method to the madness?
Madness? Perhaps. Method? *Absolutely not.* Look, I tried, I really did. I started with a perfectly structured outline, all bullet points and subheadings like a proper adult. But then reality, aka my utterly scattered brain, crashed the party. The questions sort of…evolved. So you'll find me going on tangents, revisiting things, completely changing my mind mid-sentence. It's like watching a toddler build a Lego tower… it *looks* like it MIGHT go somewhere, but you're pretty sure it's all gonna crumble at any moment. That's my writing process – the crumbling part.
What are some of your... *ahem*... "interests"? Anything we should know about?
Oh boy. Where to begin? Okay, so, generally... I like things. The obvious stuff: food, books, sunshine (when it graces us with its presence). But then there's the deep, dark rabbit hole of the quirky. I'm currently obsessed with… uh… vintage Tupperware. Don't judge! It’s the colours! The *shapes*! I spent an entire afternoon last week scouring eBay for a specific shade of avocado green. I lost. Badly. And now, I *need* it. Beyond that, I'm a sucker for a good cup of coffee, a bad pun, and any animal that will tolerate my presence (which, let's be honest, is barely my cat sometimes). And I'm endlessly annoyed by slow walkers. The *absolute worst*.
Okay, let's go *deeper*. What REALLY gets you going? What makes you… *tick*?
Alright, alright, fine. I'll spill the tea. What *really* gets my gears grinding? (And by grinding, I mean my heart starts doing a happy little dance, and my brain gets all sparkly?) Connection. Truly, deeply connecting with another human being. Those moments when you feel seen, understood, even if you're just sharing a laugh over something stupid. Or a cry. Or a really terrible cup of instant coffee. Those are the golden moments. They’re the things that make *anything* worth it. Conversely? When I feel misunderstood? Misjudged? Like... like someone is actively trying to be a jerk? That's when the inner fire-breathing dragon comes out. (And I’m not even usually a fire-breathing dragon kind of person, you know?)
What's the worst thing that's ever happened? (Or at least, the most embarrassing.)
Oh, this one’s easy. It involves a public speaking event, a faulty microphone, and a total and utter brain fart. I was supposed to be giving a *serious* presentation on… I think it was something about the history of local pottery. I got on the stage, felt the usual pre-speech jitters (sweaty palms, racing heart, the whole shebang). I started, everything was fine. Then the mic *screeched*. A horrible, ear-splitting screech. I froze. The audience froze. And my brain? My brain decided to... well, it took a vacation. I stood there, mouth agape, for what felt like an eternity. Then, someone in the front row, bless their heart, yelled, "Is everything alright?" And without missing a beat – because my brain was *still* on holiday – I deadpanned into the microphone, "Nope." Silence. Then laughter. It was mortifying. I wanted the earth to swallow me whole. I still cringe when I think about it. And that? That’s definitely the worst thing to happen to me.
What are you *most* proud of?
This is hard. I’m notoriously bad at tooting my own horn. But... I don't know exactly. I think… getting up every day, even when it’s hard, and keeping going. You know? When the world feels like it’s actively trying to crush you, and you scrape yourself off the floor and keep going. That, maybe. And the friendships I’ve managed to cultivate over the years. Those people are the best part of my life. They make it pretty alright.
What's one thing you wish people understood about you?
That I'm trying. Truly, madly, deeply trying. Trying to be a better person, trying to make sense of the world, trying not to judge everyone (including myself). Sometimes I mess up. A lot! I get things wrong, I say the wrong things, I stumble. But underneath all the imperfections, there's a genuine desire to be kind, to be open, to be… good. And if you can see *that*, then I’m happy. Maybe. Probably!
What's your favourite type of weather?
Oh, hands down, a cozy, rainy day. The kind where the sky is grey, the world is muted, and you can curl up with a good book and a hot drink. Bonus points if there's a crackling fireplace and a purring cat involved (although, let's be honest, I'd settle for *a* cat. Mine only tolerates me). It makes all other things just... *better*.
Okay, last one. What are you doing right now? Literally, at this moment?
Right now? Typing this. Drinking lukewarm coffee I made an hour ago. Wondering if I should get up and make freshBackpacker Hotel Find
