Hotel Hankyu International

I booked a corner double at Hotel Hankyu International, and the floor-to-ceiling windows gave us sweeping views of the Osaka skyline. The room was spacious, spotless, and beautifully designed, with a very comfortable bed and a luxurious bathroom with a deep soaking tub. The in-room touches, including a yukata and Nespresso machine, made it even nicer. The spa and sauna were relaxing and well maintained, and the free high-speed WiFi was appreciated. Breakfast was a high-quality Japanese and Western buffet. The upper-floor teppanyaki restaurant was also worth every yen, with incredible food and a view. Staff were warm and attentive without hovering, spoke excellent English, and handled every request with a genuine smile. They even helped me get a last-minute dinner reservation at a fully booked restaurant. The hotel is conveniently placed in Umeda, a short walk from Osaka Station and several subway lines, yet it feels peaceful and exclusive despite being so central. Everything from check-in to check-out went smoothly. One of the best hotel stays I’ve had, and I can’t wait to return for the luxury, comfort, and Japanese hospitality.

The service was wonderful from the moment we arrived, right through to having our suitcases placed in the taxi. Our suite was lovely and had everything we needed, from water to toiletries. It’s also very conveniently located near Umeda station. What a stunning hotel, highly recommended.

The room on the 32nd floor gave us a great city view, and the deluxe triple had a luxurious bathroom with both a shower and tub. Toiletries were Guerlain, and there were plenty of charging outlets, though none with the three prongs needed for North American laptops, so bring a universal adapter. The hotel also has restaurants, a gym, a pool, and a spa, but we were out every day and didn’t try them. Getting there was easy: the airport limousine bus goes to Hotel Hankyu Respire, about a 10-minute walk away, and several train lines are right beside the hotel. We arrived at 2:45, just before the 3 pm check-in, and staff politely asked us to wait 15 minutes. We left our bags at the desk and went to the nearby Family Mart. When we got back, a staff member took us up to our room, where our luggage was already waiting. Everyone greeted us promptly. One winter tip: it’s very dry, so bring or buy anti-static spray at a drugstore.

We picked this hotel because it’s close to the Nippon Rental Car depot, and the location worked out really well. It’s near Umeda train station, with lots of restaurants, shops, bars, and attractions nearby. The room was great and the service was outstanding.