Hotel Raizan North

The common room had a nice feel to it, with people doing their own thing and often getting into different activities. The public baths were lovely, especially the hot bath after a long day of walking. Our room was clean and had enough space for what we needed, and for the price there’s little to complain about. It ended up being one of my favorite stays in Japan’s big cities.

Really good value: you get traditional Tatami and futon rooms with a mini fridge, plus a full kitchen. There’s a free spa that welcomes tattoos, and the place is friendly to foreign guests, with lots of tourist brochures and coupons.

It may look a little dodgy from outside, but I found it a nice place to stay in Osaka. It’s in a very good location and felt safe. Best of all, all guests can use the sauna and public bath for free.

This place made me sick. During my stay I developed a serious upper respiratory infection and bacterial conjunctivitis. My doctor said the unsanitary surroundings caused it. My eye was red and sticky with yellow discharge in the morning, my nose was blocked, and my throat irritated. I spent more on medical care than on the room itself, which is unacceptable. I’ve never encountered such neglect or filth, and wouldn’t come back even if it were free. Health authorities should flag this establishment. The so-called hotel is unfit for people to stay in: the air conditioning leaked, the room was filthy and suffocating, the mattress dusty, the walls decaying, and the bathroom disgusting, as the photo shows. There was no sound insulation, so sleeping, let alone breathing, was impossible. Avoid it at all costs.