Patina Osaka

The birthday surprise was a lovely touch. Staff noticed it was my birthday at check-in, and there was a dessert waiting in my room when I got back that evening. Internet was fast and smooth, and you can stream things like YouTube to the TV. I’d choose a castle view room over one facing the city. Seeing Osaka Castle lit up at night, or in the daytime, was mesmerizing. The tatami seating brought a traditional note to the otherwise modern design, and the bathroom was elegant and modern too. Some might find the location inconvenient, but I didn’t mind the roughly 10-14 minute walk to the nearest subway station. The neighborhood is peaceful and a nice retreat from staying near Dotonbori, while still not far from the main sights. I’d stay here again if I’m in Osaka.

I had a healing stay here. The room was 1109, one of 221, with floor to ceiling windows and a hypnotic view of Osaka castle. There was a tatami bed for unwinding and reading, a headboard like boulders made from washi paper, Frette bedsheets, and Bamford toiletries for bath time. Across from Osaka castle, originally built 1583, the modern building was designed by Jun Mitsui & Associates Architects, with sleek interiors by Strickland. Wander around to take in the design, artwork, and the stories behind them, including a video wall by filmmaker Takashi Makino and a spiral staircase with washi paper borders. There’s wellness and spa with daily yoga, Pilates, and more, plus poolside time watching the light change over Osaka castle. Service was great, and staff are reachable 24/7 through WhatsApp. There are 5 bars and restaurants, though I only tried breakfast at Inaki. Price was $1167. Rating, 5/5.

The food was the one thing I’d change. We tried breakfast and room service, and both could use more flavor. P72 was good, though, and we had a great meal there. We loved the hotel enough to add three more days to our stay. The Junior Suite was a perfect size for traveling with a child, and the view over Osaka Castle Park was breathtaking. We’d had one of our best resort stays at Patina Maldives, so when we heard they’d opened in Osaka, we booked right away. It didn’t disappoint. One of my best hotel stays in Japan, and I’d absolutely come back.

The indoor pool and breakfast were hits with the kids, and our family of four had two connecting rooms. The massages were wonderful, every restaurant had great food, and the customer service and attention to detail were incredible. Best hotel we stayed at in Japan, phenomenal. I’d come to Osaka just to stay here again, and I’ll look for Patinas in other cities.