Viale Osaka

The room itself is reasonably decent by Japanese standards, and it’s quiet. Sadly, that’s about where the good parts stop. I’m on my second night of a seven-night stay, and this has been my most unpleasant hotel experience in Japan after ten years of visiting. I’ve stayed at Travelodge in other parts of Japan, including Hokkaido, and this hasn’t matched what I expect from the brand. My Sapporo stay was outstanding by comparison, especially for service and hospitality. At check-in, we had to choose a housekeeping day right after an exhausting eight-hour journey through Japanese airports. For stays of four nights or longer, housekeeping is provided, but my seven-night booking gets only one room clean during the entire stay. That doesn’t feel in line with Travelodge or Japanese accommodation standards. If we need fresh towels or rubbish taken away, we have to leave them outside the door. There’s no room refresh service, including no replenishment of tea or coffee. Given the rates, this feels like a very cheap approach. The foyer has plenty of seating near reception, but guests aren’t allowed to eat takeaway food there, which seems unreasonable. Free tea and coffee are available only until 10:30 pm, while other hotels I use keep refreshments until midnight or even all night. Apart from basics like toothbrushes, razors, and brushes, there aren’t other complimentary services. Reception and check-in were adequate, but the arrival didn’t feel welcoming. I also felt the hotel may be relying mainly on foreign staff as a cost-saving measure, and that the warm Japanese hospitality I’ve valued in the past seemed lacking. There’s only one elevator, and the waits can get unacceptably long. Getting here from the airport means changing trains, then walking a significant distance from the nearby stations, which is hard with multiple suitcases. The directions are confusing. Once you reach Honmachi station, take exit 3, not exit 1! I still have six nights left, and I’m looking forward to checking out. Afterward, I plan to contact Travelodge formally with my disappointment. For travelers looking for Japanese hospitality, proper housekeeping, complimentary treats such as desserts, and a wider tea and coffee offering at a similar price, I’d suggest looking at APA hotel franchises.

Dotonbori, the heart of Osaka, was only about a 15-minute walk away, and the location worked really well for us. The hotel was spotless and well maintained, with spacious rooms and a large bathroom. After a long day sightseeing, the bathroom was a nice place to relax. The staff were polite, friendly, and helpful throughout our stay. We also liked that the coffee machine in the lobby was free for guests. We had a wonderful time and would gladly consider staying here again when we’re back in Osaka.

There were lots of food options close by, and the location was ideal. The room was big enough for a traveling couple, with a bathtub that was nice for unwinding after all the walking. The hotel was clean and well looked after, the staff were friendly, and I thought it was very good value for the money. I had a wonderful stay.

The staff were wonderful, and the location was very good for exploring Osaka. The room was clean and comfortable, with a decent amount of space by Japanese standards. My main complaints were the bed and the noise. The queen bed felt rock solid, almost like sleeping on granite, though I know some people prefer a firm mattress. The walls were paper thin, so you could hear everything from other rooms. There’s also just one very small lift, which can be a nightmare when it’s busy.