APA Hotel Osaka Umeda

The breakfast buffet was so good. I paid extra for it, not knowing what to expect before a busy day, and really enjoyed the Osaka-style mixed juice. The woman welcoming me often brought me a bottle as a gift. I'll miss her and that juice. The staff were all helpful, and one trainee gave me recommendations for Ramen Makotoya Fukushima and Kitaro Sushi Toganocho Branch or Kitaro Sushi Toganocho Branch. They also told me about Hanshin Hotel, where I could use the hot spring onsen without booking a room, for 2900 yen, though it closed by 9 pm. I was in Japan for the first time and had packed a lot into a short schedule. After a tiring flight and not much sleep, check-in was simple. The staff were pleasant, and most spoke enough English to communicate. A translator app or device could help, though they often used their phones too. I stayed 12 nights and 13 days, with two trips to APA hotels in other Tokyo districts during the trip. The room key slot by the door turned on the lights and other electricity when I came in. Taking the key with me mattered, since the electricity switched off when I left and the door locked automatically. The cleaning staff were friendly and made me feel at home. I was traveling alone, so the small room had enough space. The bed was so comfortable I almost didn't want to get up, and the view of Umeda Sky Building was beautiful. I wished I could step onto the balcony. The bathroom had a high step, so I had to watch my footing. Laundry on the second floor was convenient, with detergent included. Drying cost 100 yen, and washing was 500 yen at 100 yen each. There were instructions beside the machine about the wash code. The TV was huge, but I wished there were a way to connect my Nintendo Switch to its HDMI port for nights when I didn't want to go out. The trains were loud from 5 am until around midnight, even with the windows closed. The room got humid in spring, so near the end I opened the window while sleeping to air it out. The building has AC, but it's controlled centrally; opening the window was easy enough. Osaka Station was about a ten-minute walk, and I used it to get to Shin-Osaka Station. For places like Kayuken Aquarium and Universal Japan, Fukushima Station was a decent walk and the better option. This was the first hotel where I felt at home, and I've saved these places for next time. truly、thank you very much。