Dotombori Crystal Hotel — Hotel in Osaka

I stayed here in 2019 and recently stayed here again. This place never disappoints. First, I must highlight its strategic location. It's within walking distance to Dotonbori and subway stations. There are several konbinis and laundromats just minutes away from the hotel. It's located on a quiet street that rarely gets traffic.

The rooms are small but clean. The common area has tables and chairs and is equipped with a microwave oven, so you may enjoy your konbini meals here instead of in your room. The quality of service was impeccable. The front desk staff was professional, helpful and attentive. We called the front desk from our room to inquire about and request for supplies. When we walked past the front desk, they already had the supplies ready and somehow knew it was us who had requested said supplies. Ayu-san was especially friendly and attentive - she even thanked us in our mother tongue once she saw our passports. The level of service at Dotombori Crystal Hotel easily rivals that of 5-star hotels I've patronized.

That said, our stay here was not without hiccups. I booked the rooms 5 months in advance and requested for quiet rooms on the top floor in my reservation (which was also acknowledged by the staff via email). However, during check-in I was surprised to learn that we were assigned rooms on the 3rd floor right in front of the elevator. Being a light sleeper, I requested another set of rooms but was told that every room has been occupied. I'm not sure how this could happen when I booked so far in advance and even explicitly requested quiet rooms. What's more perplexing is that they happily accommodated the very same request when I stayed here in 2019. The staff was apologetic and tried to rectify the situation by offering to move us to the 6th floor on the second day. Luckily, the rooms were fairly soundproof so I decided to just stick to the initially-assigned rooms. I'm guessing management mishandled our reservations, which is disappointing. Nevertheless I'm thankful to the staff for trying to rectify the blunder.

The other minor issue is that while the rooms had great soundproofing in their walls and windows, the same can't be said about their doors. We wanted to sleep in after some late nights out, but were awakened by the cleaning staff around 10am. The noise seemed to enter through gaps around the door. I don't fault the cleaning staff for doing their jobs, I'm merely mentioning this in hopes management would better soundproof the doors.

Note that there are several Dotombori Crystal Hotels (and a Dotonbori Crystal Exe Hotel), all within close proximity of each other. To add to the confusion, Dotombori Crystal Hotel is sometimes written as Dotonbori/Doutonbori Crystal Hotel. Be careful when you try to enter the hotel name in reservation/navigation.

Overall, I'm super pleased with Dotombori Crystal Hotel and would stay here again if I visit Osaka...

For now, it’s brand new and everything is clean, comfortable, and quiet. I consider this a boutique sized hotel, not a four star as some hotel booking sites note but more upscale than a three. I imagine they are not yet at 100% finished operational capacity because there are few things I’m missing. One is a desk in the room and perhaps a room safe. It’s certainly spacious enough, large by Japanese standards, for a bit more furniture. There’s no closet but there are hooks and hangers. The room, however, is well designed and there’s a place for everything. There are thoughtful elements - like usb and electrical plugs on both sides of the bed and a luggage rack. The hairdryer is a very cool design but I wish there were some utensils in the room. One can borrow from downatairs though should they be needed. There is an electric kettle though and cups, plus tea. They could also do with larger and more towels - and more places to hang them. I find the configuration of the shower and bath a little unusual since the shower is not in the tub area but separate as a cubicle with shower door a step before the tub. It made me wary about water seeping onto the main lavatpry area so I shower by targetting the spray into the tub. But, that’s me. I also don’t understand the reason for such tiny rubbish bins. The bed is what can be considered a queen in our room, a superior double. Very comfy and cozy. Wish they had more or larger pillows though. The staff are accommodating, articulate, friendly, professional, and very helpful. Location is excellent. There’s an airport bus service a few buildings down and the hotel is steps away from the action of the Dptonbori-Shinshaibashi-Namba quadrant while being a little away from the madness. Aside from the little tweaks here and there, I recommend this hotel and wouldn’t mind staying here again. The cons are just minor compared to the overall pros...

For now, it’s brand new and everything is clean, comfortable, and quiet. I consider this a boutique sized hotel, not a four star as some hotel booking sites note but more upscale than a three. I imagine they are not yet at 100% finished operational capacity because there are few things I’m missing. One is a desk in the room and perhaps a room safe. It’s certainly spacious enough, large by Japanese standards, for a bit more furniture. There’s no closet but there are hooks and hangers. The room, however, is well designed and there’s a place for everything. There are thoughtful elements - like usb and electrical plugs on both sides of the bed and a luggage rack. The hairdryer is a very cool design but I wish there were some utensils in the room. One can borrow from downatairs though should they be needed. There is an electric kettle though and cups, plus tea. They could also do with larger and more towels - and more places to hang them. I find the configuration of the shower and bath a little unusual since the shower is not in the tub area but separate as a cubicle with shower door a step before the tub. It made me wary about water seeping onto the main lavatpry area so I shower by targetting the spray into the tub. But, that’s me. I also don’t understand the reason for such tiny rubbish bins. The bed is what can be considered a queen in our room, a superior double. Very comfy and cozy. Wish they had more or larger pillows though. The staff are accommodating, articulate, friendly, professional, and very helpful. Location is excellent. There’s an airport bus service a few buildings down and the hotel is steps away from the action of the Dptonbori-Shinshaibashi-Namba quadrant while being a little away from the madness. Aside from the little tweaks here and there, I recommend this hotel and wouldn’t mind staying here again. The cons are just minor compared to the overall pros...