Bakery Hotel Chateau D’or is a cozy little hotel in Nara’s downtown area. Close to lots of key attractions (yes, including the deer) and conveniently located near Kintetsu Nara Station, this a great place to base yourself when staying in Nara.
What’s Bakery Hotel Chateau D’or like?
Bakery Hotel Chateau D’or is very cozy and friendly. They keep things simple, but there are nice little touches to keep it from feeling bland or business-hotel-like. For example, our room had a cookie waiting for us when we arrived, supplied by the bakery downstairs.
What facilities does the hotel have?
The main draw of the hotel is the bakery downstairs, where you can get breakfast, plus light meals and snacks throughout the day. The hotel also offers luggage storage, bicycle rental, and a shared lounge.
Is there anywhere to hang out in the hotel?
There’s a small shared lounge, and space in the lobby where you can wait with your friends or family.
What are the rooms like?
Bakery Hotel Chateau D’or has both mixed dormitories and private rooms. The dormities have bunk beds, with curtains for privacy. There is a shared bathroom, fridge, kettle, and lockers.
Meanwhile, the private rooms come in a variety of configurations, from single to family rooms that can fit up to four people. Some of the room types also have “premium” options that offer a bit more space. All private rooms have fridges, kettles, and bathrooms.
How big are the rooms?
The rooms at Bakery Hotel Chateau D’or are a reasonable size. Like all Japanese hotels, things are a little small, but at this hotel they don’t feel cramped. There’s enough room to open your suitcase without taking up all the floor space.
Are the rooms comfortable?
While the rooms are basic, they are comfortable. We had no issues with noise, and appreciated that the bed wasn’t rock hard.
What’s the view like?
Unfortunately, there were no noteworthy views from the room that we stayed in. However, our window was quite small — apparently the larger rooms have bigger windows and potentially nicer views.
What’s the location like?
Bakery Hotel Chateau D’or is in a very convenient location. It’s just a 2-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station, and about a 5-minute walk from Kōfukuji Temple. There are convenience stores and restaurants nearby, and even a supermarket.
How do I get there from the airports?
There’s no direct route from the nearest airport — Kansai International Airport — to this hotel. Instead, your best bet is to go from the airport to Osaka Station via either Limousine Bus or train. Then, take the Osaka Loop Line to Tsuruhashi Station and transfer to the Kintetsu-Nara Line for Kintetsu-Nara Station. The whole journey will take 2 to 2.5 hours and cost about ¥3,000.
How is the access to trains?
The closest train station to the hotel is Kintetsu-Nara Station. It gives you access to the Kintetsu-Nara Line, which can get you directly to Osaka-Namba Station in central Osaka. You can also get to Kyoto Station, if you transfer at Yamato-Saidaiji Station.
Or you can walk 20 minutes to JR Nara Station. Trains from here can get you to Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama.
What’s the surrounding neighborhood like?
The hotel is in a fairly quiet part of downtown Nara. It’s a little removed from the more touristy shopping and entertainment areas, but still has good access to all the main attractions.
Are there many good places to eat nearby?
There are lots of good places to eat within a 10- or 15-minute walk of the hotel. In fact, the hotel has a handy map with suggested places to try, available in the lobby.
What points of interest are within walking distance of the hotel?
You’re in luck — all the places that make for a perfect Nara trip are within walking distance of the hotel.
Should I order the breakfast?
Yes, of course. A lovely breakfast is included when you stay, and why wouldn’t you get it? The bread is baked on-site, and you can choose from butter, red-bean paste, or jam as a topping. The breakfast set also comes with salad and a drink of choice.
Who should stay here?
Bakery Hotel Chateau D’or is a great option for all different types of travelers. Solo and budget travelers can take advantage of the dormitory, while groups and families can get larger rooms. The breakfast inclusion makes it a particularly convenient option for families with young children.