Cote House

The room was the best part of my 13-night stay at Cote House in Osaka. As a solo traveler, I had loads of space for my luggage and souvenirs, more than I usually get in Osaka or Japan. The price was budget-friendly, too. The shared bathroom was pretty small, which could take some getting used to, and there’s a shared kitchen, though I didn’t cook so can’t comment on it. Still, for the price and location, I had a really good stay.

That adorable cat in the common areas was the highlight for me. The price was good for a low-budget stay, and the location was convenient, close to the city center. Private rooms and shared spaces are fully equipped. Cleanliness could’ve been better. The sheets and towels were fine, but there was an old stained mattress and dirt on the floor under the bed. Housekeeping seemed a little absent. My stay was okay overall.

The location is really ideal, and Miao was lovely, though the poor cat could use some grooming because of all the matted fur. There’s potential here if the owners focus on maintenance and hygiene. I’ve stayed in plenty of hostels, and this one disappointed me. The issue isn’t that the place is old, since that can be charming, but that it felt unkempt and had safety concerns. Toilet smells and a muggy shower smell reached the floor kitchenette, which put me off preparing food there. The microwave on our floor didn’t work, so I was sent to heat my food on the first floor. That meant going into a mixed dorm and intruding on the privacy and security of the people staying there.

The kitchen and social room were comfortable and had everything we needed. The rooms for two were an acceptable size, and the sweet, sociable cat host, Miao, was a nice bonus. Shampoo, soap, and towels were provided, which was handy. The hostel is close to Dotonbori but on a quiet, calm street. Our room smelled of smoke, though we put up with it. The shared toilet was okay for a hotel, but could have been cleaner.