We stayed in the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel in Osaka for two nights, starting new years day. The room was extremely comfortable, with a very nice bathroom. The hotel services were also very good, especially the shuttle from the train. It's really not that far from the central train station, but after a day of walking and exploring, it was a welcome perk. The staff were all very polite and helpful. There were no problems communicating.

The ana crown plaza in osaka is in a very central positon for the atmosphere of real night life in Osaka. Little lanes full of cheap eateries, supermarket, liquor barn within easy minutes walking of the hotel. Hotel restaurants range from reasonable to higher prices offering choices. Minimal English is spoken in Japan ( taxi drivers, shopkeepers, restaurants very rarely speak English) so be very very prepared for that. Very scary! Hotel staff try very hard to speak English and are very helpful ensuring one can at least find their way. Concierge staff were excellent, patient and professional . I was given a card they wrote in Japanese for the taxi driver to take me where I needed to go and to return me to the hotel. Food and bev manager was awesome and ensured he spoke to me ( in English) when he was in the club lounge to ensure I was happy and being looked after. Rooms are basic and windows do not open. Enjoy the heated toilet seat and bidets! Bed was fantastic and comfortable. Breakfast was small basic buffet but great if you are asian ( more choices). Courtesy bus was great - every half hour to main Osaka station and shopping centres. Tip: 1) check out the wotif type sites for great deals. My deal included breakfast and club lounge and drinks.2) TV in Japanese Find CNN for at least some English speaking - I found it by accident after 4 days f utting up wiht Japanese channels. Lack of day tour buses leaving from the hotel . No brochures except 1 company- limited choices. Difficult for me to work out where to find a tour bus in the area - gave up and made my own way around within the hotel vicinity. I would stay again at this hotel but still getting over being in a country where English is rarely used and signs are mainly in Japanese- very disconcerting for a mature single female travelling alone.

Stayed for 1 night arriving very late at Namba Station. 10 minutes by taxi from Namba station. Check-in was very quick as front office virtually handed me the key card once I arrived. Room was clean and modern and while not luxurious, is adequate.
My only complaint is the limited room service menu.
Will definitely stay again.

LOCATION: Rapi:t fast train from Kansai Airport to Namba Station in central Osaka took around 30 minutes and cost JPY 1390. A taxi from Namba Station to ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka took 15 minutes and cost JYP 1500. (Go to the Namba Station Information Office and ask the staff there to help you if you feel uncertain telling the taxi driver where to go. They are very helpful.) From the hotel to Shin-Osaka train station, a taxi ride cost JPY 1500 and took 15 minutes. Good location if you are a businessman looking for evening drinks and female company in nearby area.
HOTEL: Late evening check-in was marred by older male front desk staff with a poor command of English. The guest relation officer on the other hand was very helpful and her English was very good. The room was clean and bland. OK bed. OK shower. Very quiet room on a higher floor.
CONCLUSION: If you arrive by air via Kansai Airport, I would recommend staying at the Swissotel Nankai Osaka above the Namba Station. This is an older hotel, but the service and the location is much better than the ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka.