Grand Sauna Shinsaibashi — Hotel in Osaka

My last night stay in Japan @ this modest but very crowded cubic and grand spa hotel! I think there is lots of improvement here...1st we were all paled up at the floor/ground waiting to check in 2 dozen of people and @ 3 pm exactly! That was a real turn off...There some 6/8 old saufa seats for this crowds! Also most of hotels I been to, they are kindly letting us checking sometimes so early between 2-3 PM to avoid this big line up chaos ....there is definitely no reason we can not accommodate this way here as well...the worst here is that the cleaning teams will carry on the work half way through from 3 pm to 5 pm or even more, this was a real pain and unusual at hotels...when people check in everything should be ready even in common areas and places...I hear you ll have to check out/check in everyday at this place which is little bit awkward and ridiculous ...thats why there is lots of crowds at the front desk during these times...front desk seem so blocked with all kind of notice posters, barriers and stuff...you can not see if there is anybody there or ....remove, clean and clear the front desk...give air and space to clients and all...very strict place and might have challenges to get anything sorted out here although some nice and kind members.... There is lots of regulars at this place...quiet and decent also to pick private cabin for little extra...many tv common rooms/areas/launges...VIP section, restaurant, and f course the best is the spa...it is old but the steam room is so amazing and all the spa is the big bonus of this place... Location is excellent middle of Dotonbori best area in Osaka...lots of fun. I think if we can address some of the improvements, this place could turn out to be so better...but I still recommend it, and will go back there...

If you’re a foreigner, avoid this place at all costs. Checked in and was told “No tattoos in the onsen”—of which much has been written about internationally already, so won’t add to the ridiculousness of having this conversation in 2024—to which I said “I understand” and laughed with the lady, showing her both of my arms covered. I was booked for three nights. The next morning, I walked to the personal shower area and was physically stopped by an employee saying I couldn’t even shower with tattoos. I’d never encountered this before, asked a few questions and finally explained that I was here for 3 nights, and maybe I could just shower quickly a few minutes after the 10am check-out time, when no one was there. This was also refused, and so I then had to go downstairs and ask them to cancel my reservation, so that I could find another hotel that would allow a person with tattoos to shower. They refused, saying it was my choice to cancel, and I could just stay there and not shower, only adding to the shameful, greedy and immoral way of running a business—especially in a town with lots of tourists. After an hour on the phone with Expedia, they forced this hotel to cancel my reservation, and I finally was able to check out.

Long story short, in a country that goes above and beyond to welcome visitors, to treat them with respect, and to make sure their travels in Japan are enjoyable, there are still some who only see money, who refuse to join the rest of the world in 2024 with their mindset, and are only out for money.

An absolutely disgusting business. And one to stay...

Absolutely fantastic location- right in the Dotonbori restaurant and bar district. You can go bar hopping all night then sweat it out in the sauna afterwards.The lobby could use a decor upgrade as it looks like it’s still 1989. That aside, the service is excellent from the staff who speak minimal English. your ID wrist band has a bar code and that can also be used for the vending machines so there’s no fumbling with coins - you just get the drinks added to your check out bill.. which has to be cleared every day.The upstairs spa has a large onsen with a hot pool, jacuzzi, cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room and massage rooms (additional charge) There are also lounges to relax and read, play on your phone or watch those crazy Japanese game shows.There is a little restaurant where reasonably priced breakfasts and dinners are served; again you can simply bill it to your wrist band.The deluxe capsule beds are super comfortable and having that extra floor space and privacy is well worth the additional cost. There was hardly anyone on my floor - that said; purchase ear plugs in case of snoring neighbors.Overall I loved the stay and will...