This is part of a Japanese luxury hotel chain which was totally unknown to us, but wierdly Osaka seemed not to cater to international tourists. The New Otani was easy to find requiring a local train ride from the Shin Osaka station and a short walk through the lovely park. The hotel was huge and the lobby itself overwhelmed us with staff appearing everywhere to carry bags, open doors, take us to the lift, push the lift buttons etc. We felt a little uncomfortable with the opulence although all the staff were simply delightful. Our room was a superior double and was enormous although its view was its crowning glory. A huge panoramic window, the width of the room, framed Osaka Castle and its grounds perfectly. It was like a massive painting in our room. The room was faultless in every way – huge comfortable bed, massive bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel also had bike hire which was great for exploring the park. Breakfast was a massive buffet but the vastness of the hotel made it noisy and a little impersonal.
PROS: Huge rooms with spectacular views. Beautiful position looking over the park. Spotlessly clean. Easy access to public transport. Bike hire available. Very comprehensive breakfast buffet.
CONS: Huge hotel. Breakfast was very busy. Struggled to feel comfortable with over attentiveness – there was even somebody on each floor to call the lift.
Hotel Website: www.hotelnewotaniosaka.jp
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