Hi

I am planning to visit Osaka in October and was looking for hotels near JR Osaka Station. I found this hotel, HEARTON HOTEL (http://www.heartonhotel.com/hearton_hotel_nishi_umeda.htm), which looks decent and nice. Was wondering if anyone has stayed at this hotel before? In addition, the online reservation is through a travel agent (http://www.japanhotel.net/data/contact_info.asp), is it safe once I received confirmation that hotel is booked?

Also, any review about Hotel Kinki (http://www.japanhotel.net/data/hotel_information.asp?HotelID=181&area=OSAKA)?

Many thanks again for all your help!

I didn’t want to stay around Osaka station when I was there, so the only budget option I’m aware of and can recommend is the Chisun Hotel in the lively Shinsaibashi area.

I got a semi-double room there for two of us for about 7,000yen (all inclusive – through Expedia and a massive discount on the hotel’s standard rack rates) – and this represented spectacularly good value. Nice light décor with tasteful and comfortable bedding – there was even an electronic bidet in the toilet (private bathroom). Room had an empty fridge and a huge and very reasonably priced drinks and grocery store outside. Hotel was almost ideally situated to take advantage of Osaka’s night life.

I’ve posted a full review in the Flyertalk Review section with maps and links.

I’d probably stay here all the time if this hotel had an equally well priced and located Tokyo equivalent. It’s certainly the best budget hotel I’ve ever stayed at – as long as it is at the price I’ve mentioned.

I have not stayed at the Hearton-Osaka, but have stayed several times at the Hearton-Kyoto and can recommend it. I think the various other properties are similar. I found the Hearton to be at the upper end of business hotels, with good service, nice but small rooms and helpful staff.

JR

I've stayed at the Hearton Osaka several times, most recently in Nov '05. For the money, it is a very good value. The rooms are small, of course, by western standards, but I am 6'2'' and I was ok ( need to duck when entering/ exiting bathroom, though...lol ). The location is very convenient. The hotel is clean and well-maintained. The breakfast buffet is decent.