I only stayed one night, and enjoyed my experienced. The staff spoke good english, were very friendly and helpful. The reception area was very inviting. There were often individuals or families eating at the large table after cooking in the small kitchen area. There were computers with internet to use. There were always baskets of free snacks.
Location is excellent, just a couple of mins from a JR line, so easy to explore the city. I did not have an problems with street people and felt totally safe in the neighbourhood.
We paid 5470yen for a western style twin room. It was very spacious with air con, tv, video player, towels, toothbrushes and bathrobes and slippers. I would recommend getting a twin rather than 2 singles as the twin is two single rooms knocked into one and feels very spacious. We had requested a non-smoking room and there was no smell of cigarette smoke.
There are shared toilets on each of the 8 floors. The showers were on the ground floor. I never saw these occupied, I never used them, because the hotel has a traditional Japanese communal bath (free to use). Most of the travellers I saw were Japanese, so they of course opted for the bath, leaving the showers free.
If you want to try the bathing experience while in Japan but are a bit unsure/nervous about how to go about it - stay at this hotel and you have a chance to do it on your own terms. There are separate times for male and female. I went downstairs in my bathrobe, others got changed from their clothes in the locker room that is just inside the main door. You get changed here then walk into the bathroom naked. There is one stand up shower cubicle and 6 stools in front of mirrors with shower heads. You should wash and rinse yourself thoroughly before getting into the bath. The bath is the size of a small swimming pool (do not swim, it is unacceptable). People brush their teeth, wash their hair and all of the body while sat on the stools, I saw several people spend more time doing this than actual time spent in the bath. Some came with friends and spent time chatting and laughing while washing. It is easy to see why the showers were rarely used; this was a warm, friendly environment. Very enjoyable. Don't be nervous, just go for it.
- Business Hotel Osaka
