Staying here now. We’ve been to Osaka several times before so have only been using it as a home base for seeing other areas via JR/Shinkansen. For that, the location is perfect, however the immediate area is not particularly lively or exciting. The convenience of being beside the station cannot be beat, and unlike other reviews I’ve read (here and elsewhere), I didn’t find it hard to locate the hotel at all. Assuming one is coming from KIX via JR, just exit the first ticket gates you see (most likely East), then follow signs for the North Exit. Eventually you will see the McDonald’s and the exit door to the walkway which leads to the hotel is just to the right of that.

Compared to many hotels in Japan, the rooms are fairly spacious - enough to accommodate a king bed and rollaway bed, which we needed as there are 3 of us. The decor is basic but functional. Housekeeping has been excellent, and we have availed ourselves of the in-room pajamas, which are replaced daily.

As a Titanium member I received complimentary daily breakfast for all 3 of us without asking (was only expecting it for 2, per policy), as well as lounge access and a room on a higher floor with a city view. The lounge offering is more than adequate for evening drinks and snacks, with a self-pour full bar, draft beer machine, various wines, plus the usual soft drinks and coffee machine. The evening snacks are what I would consider to be just that - snacks - although I saw quite a few people making dinner out of it. Drinks go until 9:30pm and then instant noodles are available from 10-11pm. This came in handy last night as we had drinks out with friends and then struggled to find a suitable restaurant for dinner as it was a public holiday and several places were closed. Instead we came back to the hotel, grabbed a few drinks right at the 9:30pm mark, then enjoyed some instant noodles at 10pm. The only caveat I’d add regarding the lounge is that - unlike many hotels in Asia - they do not have a “no children under xx age” policy. As a result, there are quite a few families with small children using the lounge while the food is out, between 5-7:30pm. As a parent (of a now older child) this didn’t bother me at all, but it’s worth mentioning as it’s not particularly quiet in the earlier evening hours.

The breakfast in the main restaurant (Lava Rock) is more than adequate, with the usual Asian breakfast buffet options, plus made-to-order eggs, waffles, etc. which you order from your waiter. We are early risers so did not have an issue getting a table, however I noticed that by 8am some days there was a small line up for seats.

I didn’t use the gym while here, but my husband used it a few times and described it as “small and basic, but sufficient”. It helped that no one was using it in the evenings he went - it may be a different story in the morning.

While we usually stay at the much “fancier” (and far more expensive) Westin Osaka, I’d stay here again for the convenience to the station and excellent value. It was refreshing to be able to book a room for 3 without an upcharge and to have benefits extended to all 3 of us. I’m a fan.