HOTEL LiVEMAX Umeda Central

The walls were thin enough that I heard the person next door talking on the phone and snoring all night. The air conditioning and heater were extremely loud, and sometimes kicked on just as I was falling asleep. The check-in itself went smoothly. There were useful amenities, including toothbrushes, towels, and good shampoo and conditioner. It's an okay two-star place, but cleanliness was an issue: the bathroom had mould, and the replacement room they offered was worse. I had to ask in frustration three times before they finally got the cleaner to do a proper job. If you're having a facial procedure and coming back here, I wouldn't call it very hygienic.

The room was quiet, clean, and free of odd smells. The vinyl floor looked new, the beds were great, and the air conditioning was quiet and adjustable. I did dislike the old-looking hallway carpets, though I saw an employee cleaning them when we arrived, so I believe they were clean. The shower had strong water pressure and lovely shampoo and conditioner, and the toilet heated up and opened automatically. There were plenty of extras in the room, including a minibar, microwave oven, humidifier, television, slippers, and what looked like a hobby. Toiletries included a toothbrush and toothpaste, comb, shower cap, cotton swabs and facial cotton, razor, ofuro bath salts, hairdryer, facial foam, and skincare products. A kind employee walked us through the check-in machine, where you enter your reservation PIN and get the room cards, even though my son speaks, reads, and writes fluent Japanese. I just wish they'd change the red velvet curtains, which don't look sophisticated. I've stayed at hotels in this category around the world, and VR Osaka surprised me in a good way. Thanks, and keep it up. We had a stay well spent.

I booked only two days before arrival after my schedule unexpectedly changed, and the price was exceptionally good. The low reviews had made me hesitate, but the room and bathroom looked much better in person than they did in the photos. The front desk staff were very welcoming and friendly. Breakfast was the highlight for me: bread, rice, sausages, and fresh vegetables, and I went back for three full plates. There was a 30-minute limit, but nobody enforced it strictly, and I had more than enough time. A very positive surprise for the price and service. I'd consider staying again.

The staff really stood out, from check-in through check-out. The towels were clean, sheets were changed daily, and even the tissue was neatly folded whenever the room was cleaned. The rooms are spacious, though the bathrooms are much smaller than in other hotels. It's reasonably priced and sits among lots of places to eat, but getting to the station takes about a 17-minute walk. Air conditioning is available. I'm not sure about heating, since it was warm with spring in full bloom and we didn't need it. One of the better hotels I've stayed in, and I'd recommend it and seriously consider booking again when I'm back in Osaka.