JA Hotel Namba

The room was compact but had what we needed. It was very clean, the shower was powerful, and the beds were really comfortable, so we slept well. The hotel is about a five-minute walk from the nearest train station. A man at the desk greeted us, and check-in on the iPad was straightforward. The woman at the desk was so kind and friendly that she gave us an umbrella when it was raining as we left. Downstairs there’s a self-serve area with clean towels and toiletries, plus a microwave and a large rubbish bin. Great value for a budget stay that suited us perfectly. We’d stay again!

The rooms are tiny, with beds taking up about 90 percent of the space. You can hear conversations from rooms next door and above or below, so light sleepers should know that. During the last week or so of my month-long stay, the Wi-Fi stopped working. Staff said they’d fix it, and it came back briefly, then went out again. When I told them it was down on all floors, they just replied, “Yes.” Check-in was tricky because the instructions weren’t very detailed, and staff weren’t usually at the front desk during the day to ask. They’ll add you on Line or WhatsApp and usually respond to help with problems, though.

Good value overall. Check-in and checkout were easy, and luggage storage was available. It’s a little small, though, so I’d be careful during peak season.

The room was spotless and just right for one or two people. I’d happily stay here again when I’m back in the area.