7 High End Hotels For a Variety of Budgets

I absolutely loved my recent solo trip to Osaka. The city has a real buzz to it, with a vibrant nightlife, vast shopping options and an amazing culinary scene. Osaka is Japan's third largest city, so it can be slightly intimidating if it is your first trip to the country, but as with all of Japan, it is very well organised and the transport links make it very easy to explore.

When it comes to picking a hotel and which area to stay, it all of course depends on what you are looking for on your trip. Each ward offers something different, from the business hub of Kita Ward to the vibrant nightlife area of Dotonbori. I stayed in Chuo Ward on my visit, at The Lively Hotel (listed below) , and really enjoyed my stay. This area is in the centre of Osaka and the hotel is located about a 2 minute walk from Sakaisuji Hommachi Station, giving easy access to the rest of the city.

Below is a list of 7 quality hotels that I would recommend considering for your stay;

Centara Grand Hotel

2 Chome-11-50 Nanbanaka, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0011

Overview

• Rating: 5 Star

• Location: Centrally located in the Namba area, a short walk from Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi.

• Design: Contemporary, with a mix of Japanese and Thai-inspired aesthetics.

• Rooms: Spacious rooms with city views and premium amenities.

• Dining: Variety of dining options, including a rooftop restaurant and bar.

• Facilities: Rooftop pool, fitness centre and meeting rooms.

• Ambiance: Elegant and welcoming, ideal for families, couples, and business travellers.

• Nearby Attractions: Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, Osaka Castle and Umeda Sky Building.

Centara Grand is an upscale 5 star hotel in the centre of Namba, which is the city's most lively entertainment district. The hotel is in a prime position for exploring the city's attractions, and is well rounded being suited for both business and leisure travellers.

Price Range

Approx $200-$350 per night (deluxe room). Rates will vary depending on time of year and room type (Suites can exceed this range).

Fraser Residence Nankai

1-17-11 Nambanaka, Naniwa-Ku, Osaka, 556-0011

Overview

• Rating: 4 Star

• Location: Centrally located in Namba, close to Nankai Namba Station, Dotonbori, and Shinsaibashi.

• Rooms: Serviced apartments with studio, one bedroom and two bedroom options. Apartments offer fully equipped kitchens, including a stove, microwave and refrigerator.

• Dining: Daily buffet breakfast, but no full service restaurant on site.

• Facilities: Fully equipped kitchens, fitness centre, laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi. No pool.

• Ambiance: Modern and homely.

• Nearby Attractions: Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, Osaka Castle and Umeda Sky Building.

Fraser Residence offers spacious apartments, with each unit having fully equipped kitchens, a living area and a work desk. The property is again located in the lively Namba district, so is in a ideal position for the transportation links, shopping districts and entertainment. The residence is well suited for all traveller types, but does not feature a swimming pool, so if this was something that is essential for your stay, you may want to explore other options.

Price Range:

Approx $150-$250 per night (studio room). Rates will vary depending on time of year and room type (Suites can exceed this range).

Swissotel Nankai

5 Chome-1-60 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076

Overview:

• Rating: 5 Star

• Location: Directly above Namba Station, giving easy access to Kansai Airport and Dotonbori.

• Rooms: Spacious and comfortable rooms, with modern design and city views.

• Dining: Several restaurants in the hotel, including Japanese, Chinese and international food options, with great breakfast buffet.

• Facilities: Indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness centre and executive lounge.

• Ambiance: Excellent Swiss-style hospitality.

• Nearby Attractions: Shinsekai Ichiba (old fashioned entertainment district) and Namba Parks

Swissôtel Nankai is a luxury 5 star hotel, which offers direct access to Namba Station. The hotel provides upscale spacious rooms, with excellent facilities including a spa and good size indoor pool. The hotel has an unbeatable location in Namba, and is ideal for business travellers, couples and families who are looking for a luxury stay in Osaka. Additional charges for some facilities however do apply, such as the fitness centre and pool

Price Range

Approx $200-$400 per night (swiss select queen). Rates will vary depending on time of year and room type (Suites can exceed this range).

The Ritz-Carlton

2 Chome-5-25 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0001

Overview

• Rating: 5 Star

• Location: Prime spot in Umeda (business district), within a 5 minute stroll to Osaka Station.

• Design: European style design with classical art and high end furnisher.

• Rooms: Luxury spacious rooms with spectacular bathrooms and city views.

• Dining: 2 Michelin starred restaurants and a variety of other options on site.

• Facilities: Spa, indoor pool, fitness centre and extensive meeting rooms.

• Ambiance: Highly sophisticated, ideal for luxury travellers and business professionals.

• Nearby Attractions: Umeda Sky Building, Grand Front Osaka Mall and Osaka Castle.

The Ritz-Carlton really is a world class luxury experience, with its grand elegant design, generous sized rooms, excellent customer service and Michelin star restaurants, making it one of Osaka’s finest hotels. It is located in the business district, only a 5 minute walk from Osaka Station, being the city's busiest transportation hub. While the price of the hotel reflects its premium positioning, the experience it offers is well worth the splurge if you can afford it. However, it does lack an authentic Japanese feel with its European inspired design.

Price Range

Approx $500-$850 per night (superior room). Rates will vary depending on time of year and room type (Suites can exceed this range).

Conrad

3 Chome-2-4 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0005

Overview

• Rating: 5 Star

• Location: Prime spot in Nakanoshima, near Osaka’s business hub and cultural districts.

• Design: Sleek and modern, featuring floor to ceiling windows and contemporary art.

• Rooms: Spacious, elegantly designed rooms with premium amenities.

• Dining: Michelin star restaurant with a focus on exquisite Japanese and international cuisine.

• Facilities: Indoor pool, luxury spa, fitness centre and Michelin star dining.

• Ambiance: Sophisticated but welcoming, catering to luxury travellers.

• Nearby Attractions: Osaka Science Museum, National Museum of Art and Umeda Sky Building.

The Conrad is a real luxury experience, with its impeccable service, stunning views and upscale rooms. While it comes with a premium price tag, the exceptional quality and world class facilities justify the cost. The hotel is perfect for romantic getaways, business trips and guests that like to indulge in luxury. The location is however slightly removed from central shopping areas like Namba or Shinsaibashi, but transport links are close by.

Price Range

Approx $550-$950 per night (deluxe room). Rates will vary depending on time of year and room type (Suites can exceed this range).

Marriott Miyako Hotel

1 Chome-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka, 545-0052

Overview

• Rating: 5 Star

• Location: Abeno Ward. Located on top of Abeno Harukas (tallest building in Japan), with direct access to Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station.

• Design: Sleek, modern interiors with floor to ceiling windows that have views over the city.

• Rooms: Spacious and modern rooms with high end amenities and really elegant furnishings. Rooms have lovely views of Osaka and beyond. On clear days you can even see Mount Ikoma and Awaji Island.

• Facilities: 24 hour fitness centre, multiple restaurant options including Restaurant ZK (fine Western and Japanese dining) & Live Kitchen Cooka (Buffet). Direct access to Abeno Harukas Observation Deck.

• Ambiance: Upscale hotel, which is ideal for leisure and business travellers.

• Nearby Attractions: Tennoji Park, Osaka Zoo, Abeno Harukas Art Museum and Shitennoji Temple.

The Marriott Miyako Hotel is located in one of Osaka's most iconic buildings. The rooms in this hotel probably have some of the best views in Osaka, and if that isn't enough there is direct access to the Abeno Harukas observation deck on the 60th floor. The hotel is in the Abeno Ward, which is to the south of the city, so is slightly removed from the vibrant nightlife and shopping areas of Namba and Shinsaibashi, but there is plenty to do there. Nearby attractions include Osaka Zoo, Shitennoji Temple and Qs Shopping Mall.

Price Range

Approx $300-$500 per night (superior room). Rates will vary depending on time of year and room type (Suites can exceed this range).

The Lively

1 Chome-5-11 Minamihonmachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 541-0054

Overview

• Rating: 3 Star

• Location: Centrally located in the trendy Chuo Ward, near Umeda and Nakanoshima.

• Design: Hip and modern design with vibrant colours.

• Rooms: Rooms are on the smaller side compared to other hotels mentioned in this list, but are cosy, modern and very comfortable. Theatre rooms are a nice unique touch, with giant projectors and adjustable electronic beds.

• Dining: Japanese/French restaurant on first floor and rooftop bar.

• Facilities: Rooftop bar, communal lounge with pool table and co-working spaces.

• Ambiance: Energetic and social.

• Nearby Attractions: Osaka Science Museum, Nakanoshima Park and Umeda district.

The Lively is a modern boutique hotel in the heart of the city. I stayed here in September 2024 and really enjoyed the experience. I would say the hotel is more suited to younger guests, solo travellers, and couples who are looking for stylish yet affordable stay. While it may not cater to those looking for high end luxury, like the hotels mentioned above, the hotels vibrant atmosphere, modern design, location and value, make it a great option. Room sizes are limited though, so is probably not ideal for families and it does lack some high end amenities like a pool or spa. Location is very convenient, with only a 2 minute stroll to Sakaisuji Hommachi station giving easy access to the rest of the city.

Price Range

Approx $100-$300 per night (standard double room). Rates will vary depending on time of year and room type.