The New Otani Osaka might be located just next to Osaka Castle, but it is pretty far from everywhere else. Getting to this hotel from Kansai Airport, or even the Osaka JR Station can be quite troublesome, as it involves a change of trains plus a ten-minute walk to the hotel. This can be especially tiring if you are carrying a lot of luggage. But if you are willing to splurge a little and take a taxi from a nearby train station, the New Otani is a familiar name and most taxi drivers will know the place.
This hotel is also located in the business district of the city, so do not expect to see any malls nearby. The neighboring buildings are mostly offices, with a couple of convenience stores, a pharmacy and some run-of-the-mill restaurants nearby. The New Otani is not located in a fancy district, and the area can get pretty lonely at night after dark. Getting to town from this hotel also involves a walk though part of the Osaka Castle park, which can get really dark at night.
While the New Otani might market itself as a luxury hotel, it probably feels just slightly fancier than a regular guest hotel. The staff were always polite, and those at the front desk were mostly proficient in English. However, they do not seem to like smiling very much. When it comes to service, the staff have been consistently prompt in attending to requests.
The Superior Twin room that I stayed in was nothing fancy, although the furniture seemed fairly new. However, the decor was plain, and even came across as a little tacky. The beds were comfortable, and but the room was a little small. For its price, I would have expected a slightly roomier accommodations. This hotel also charges for Internet use, and it can be quite expensive if you travel of business or need to go online on a daily basis.
In all, the New Otani Osaka is a pretty average hotel that offers a comfortable stay, but none of the frills and perks you will find from a luxury establishment.
Room Tip: Ask for rooms with a view of the nearby Osaka Castle.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC