Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai

For a budget stay, this hotel has the basics, but the rooms are compact and the bathroom is small. With two adults and our two-year-old, we struggled for space. Once our luggage was open there was barely room to walk, and there were no closets or drawers for clothes or suitcases. There are only two baby cribs, so book early. The breakfast was just okay, and better options are available nearby. Scheduling housekeeping was tricky too. Our infant napped for about an hour around noon, and on some days the service had already finished, so I had to ask them to come earlier the next day before nap time.

Our flight was cancelled, so we spent a night here. I really appreciated how the hotel arranged connecting rooms for my family and our two young kids. They had an amenity bar ready in the lobby for our arrival, and sent up children's pajamas when we asked. They made our short stay comfortable.

I stayed in a suite at the newly opened Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai, which opened this March. The separate living and sleeping areas made the room feel spacious and cozy, and I liked being able to open the windows for the sea breeze. The bathroom was a nice place to unwind after a full day out. Sakai is a bit farther from central Osaka, but the hotel is near the station, with easy access to Namba, central Osaka, and Kansai Airport. With Expo 2025 nearing its final stage, I wanted to share this recent stay. There's even a pier outside with direct boats to Yumeshima. The bay view was lovely, quiet in the morning and peaceful at night. The lobby also has the welcome drink corner that's a signature of Agora Group hotels.

While I waited to check in, a family was eating supermarket takeaway in the lobby. The food smelled strong, and the mother was loudly dealing with the children, making the lobby feel like their dining room. Staff noticed and could smell it, but nobody stepped in. For everyone's comfort, the hotel should politely guide guests to designated dining areas.