This hotel uses an automated check-in process, so be prepared by providing the pre-check-in information to the hotel before arriving. Also, unless you are willing to pay to check-in early, you have to wait til 3 PM. By that time, there were 4-5 other couples/families waiting to check-in. Once in the room, we found the floor had not been properly cleaned (debris, food residue on the carpet). The hotel responded quickly to have the floor cleaned. Otherwise, the room was comfortable and quiet, nice view of Nara from the top floor. Staff were helpful, friendly and courteous, and despite no front desk staff, someone was available when needed. Breakfast was tasty with selections from Japanese and western cuisine, just not as extensive as other hotels we stayed in throughout Japan. The hotel is literally a few minutes from Nara Station making it a very convenient location to Nara Park, temples, gardens, restaurants and shopping, either on foot or by bus or train.