Osaka is a modern business city but with far fewer international influences than Tokyo. Kyoto in some sense is the historical cultural center of Japan. For a tourist, being in Kyoto is far more interesting, but if you must go to Osaka for business, obviously you would want to stay in Osaka.

I would add that to me, a lot of the advantage of a RC is reserving a club level room if your schedule permits you to make much use of the lounge. Few luxury hotels have lounges but the RC brand is an exception, even though elites generally don't get free access.

The RC Kyoto doesn't have a club anyway.

I had to make the same decision a few months ago but it was peak Sakura season which meant that all Kyoto luxury properties were going for insane rates.
Ended up staying at the StR Osaka and loved it.
You can find my review here.

I stayed at StR Osaka 8 nights straight in one trip and used Osaka as a base for that region. I have been to Kyoto before so there's no need to stay in Kyoto.
What I like most about this hotel location is the Michelin starred restaurants near by. They got us into 5 3-stars and a few 2-stars. We went to 9 restaurants, 5 3-stars and 4 2-stars. It was the food trip of my life.

StR Osaka is an A- city hotel. I wouldn't mind going back again.

Thanks for weighing in, JohnRain. I was reading your TR as you went along, and it was a large factor in my choices so far. Unfortunately I wasn't able to score Kyubey reservations while I'm in Tokyo, but I'll have to live vicariously. Thanks for the excellent photos.

Thanks to tcmb99, MSPeconomist and 5DMarkIIguy. The tip about restaurants in the area of the St. Regis is great, I'll have to see what's available during my visit. As to the aspect of being surrounded by culture in Kyoto, I'm looking forward to the experience for a day-trip. I'm glad to know the RC is a strong contender for the next time I'm in the region.

Thanks for your kind comment Beltway2A, glad that my TR was useful.
Pity about Kyubey, but there are of course many other great options in Tokyo. Enjoy your trip!

+ another vote for StR in Osaka. One of my favorite hotels in the world.

For Kyoto, I'd highly recommend trying out one of the many luxury Ryokans instead.

@Beltway2A so where did you stay and what did you think? Inquiring minds...

How about both? :D

Hi guys - wondering if any recent experiences or preferences between these two, for a Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka trip in July?

I note the StR moves to Cat 8 soon, while the RC stays Cat 7, and I'm wondering if there's a clue in that? Both cost the same amount of points or cash at the mo (RC perhaps marginally cheaper cash rate).

In fairness, it will be a quick overnight stay, having come from the RC Kyoto, and used to shorten the trip to KIX in the morning. So only a one night stay, but just can't decide which property to go for!

Cheers!
JK

StR for sure. Love the tall windows and classic elegance at the St. Regis. The old English decor at RC Osaka isn't my style and low ceilings make it even more stifling.

there was at least one fan of RC osaka club

also fans of IC osaka residences

seem to recall bhrubin said some hard product at conrad beat st regis

sounds like st regis unless something specific elsewhere
(this applies many places, many here do very specific)