Hotel Hankyu GRAN RESPIRE OSAKA

The beds were rock hard and the pillows flat, which didn’t work for me, though others might prefer them. I also couldn’t switch the TV to English or connect to Chromecast, which was a letdown when we stayed in at night. The vending machines had little selection, I didn’t see the food benefit machines found in some other hotels, and there was no laundry on the guest room floors. The toilet paper was one-ply. I did like the tablet by the bed for adjusting the temperature and lights, and the floor-to-ceiling window, though it looked out on the train station. The decor was modern and the hotel is new, but the rooms were the smallest I’ve stayed in. The bath was even worse, with no way for an adult or older child to stretch their legs out. Check-in was at self-service kiosks with staff nearby to help, but it didn’t feel welcoming. That setup may work for return guests, but as someone new to the area I would’ve appreciated a warmer greeting and tips on what to see. It’s within walking distance of the station and department stores, but didn’t feel child-friendly. An okay stay, with potential to be much better.

During our family trip, after the eco-cleaning, the hotel left us a bottle of water that had already been opened and partly drunk. For a four-star hotel, that was an unbelievable hygiene failure. The response was worse. When I complained, I was told only that they had checked and the cause was unknown. That answer suggests they don’t even know how their own hygiene procedures work. This was serious negligence involving sanitation, not just a small mistake. Instead of properly finding the cause or offering a convincing solution, they gave verbal apologies and an irresponsible response. I would never recommend this hotel.

The rooms were perfectly pleasant and the location is excellent, but one discourteous encounter overshadowed those positives. At check-in on 28 May at around 6:00 p.m., the male staff member at Hankyu Gran Respire Osaka seemed irritated, spoke curtly, and answered questions without warmth. I was disappointed by his attitude at the counter. For a hotel of this calibre, I expected at least some of the renowned Japanese hospitality. What puzzled me was finding out later that he could speak English, after he had firmly refused to do so during check-in. It seemed that both his language ability and enthusiasm were being rationed that evening. I don’t recommend this hotel.

It was a relaxed, pleasant stay, and the location is the best part if you want quick access to JR and subway lines. Check-in is self-service. You get two bottles of water a day, but there’s a refill station on the 10th floor, and self-service laundry is available. Breakfast is a bit expensive, though there are plenty of breakfast places in the neighborhood.