Oriental Hotel Universal City

We were traveling with very young children and asked for early check-in for just one of our rooms so the babies could eat and rest after a long travel day. We were only two hours early. Staff said the rooms were ready, but still wanted 2,000 yen per hour for early check-in, and wouldn’t budge even when we asked to pay for just one extra hour. That felt absurd. Traveling with babies is already exhausting, and I’ve found that most hotels are understanding about this. I didn’t like the staff’s attitude or the hospitality we received. I’d suggest avoiding this hotel and looking at the many others in the area.

The location was perfect for us, right along the route to USJ Osaka. There are at least three convenience stores nearby, including a huge Lawson's and a 711, plus USJ Merchandise shops, restaurants, fast food, and cafés such as Starbucks and St Marcs right outside. There’s an arcade near the station too. I personally recommend Saizeraya for cheap, good food during non-peak hours. Breakfast is available for a fee in the lobby, though with so much nearby, it isn’t cheaper. I had a spectacular view of Osakake Ferris Wheel, with the bridge and river behind it lit up at night, though I can’t say every room has that view. The room and corridor were very quiet, great for watching something on the TV, which was easy to use and had cable as well as Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu. Everything in the room worked perfectly and was immaculate: the lights, toilet with heated seat and bidet, mini-fridge, and humidifier. The bathroom was very clean and had a spacious bathtub. You don’t need to put in your hotel card to turn on the electricity. Each floor also has a vending machine, microwave, and ice machine, handy for getting food ready during a movie night.

We loved being able to open and close the park, since it’s so quick to get back to our hotel. Universal Studios Japan is a 10-minute walk away, and the train station is about five minutes on foot. The room was really nice, clean, and super comfortable. A great hotel near the park.

Just steps from the front gate of universal studios Japan, with the amenities you’d want and a 24-hour Lawson convenience store close by. Highly recommend if you’re going to the park.