Hotel Story@Namba — Hotel in Osaka

I stayed in this hotel for 9D8N in Summer 2024 during the hottest month of the year. The air-conditioning was SHIOK (Singlish for blissful) cos I'm alone and can set whatever temp suits me during the stay.

The nearby eateries were quaint, exclusive and heartwarming, which was a surprise to me cos I thought Jap urbanites are about commercial malls and branded places.

Amenities are new, clean and functional all throughout the room. I played with the toilet bidet most of the time. The washer is also efficient and comes with laundry powder. The clothes are dried easily in the verandah with brackets for hanging.

I love the spacious fridge-freezer cos I bought many Jap desserts from the nearby Life supermart. I reused the jelly cups as moulds for making ice which fit my tumbler for day use in the hot weather. And the two bins for trash are covered so there's no unpleasant smells from the wastes.

I had a good time watching the dramas at night cos the screen is huge and there's network channels. It was a restful retreat for me: hiding in cool room after lunch to dodge the midday heat, going out for dinner in the late afternoon.

The proximity to Namba Station means I can travel to Kobe, Kyoto, Nara using the train network easily. I was lucky to obtain guidance from a lady tourist guide who advised me to get the IC card for local train travel which gave me a lot of convenience.

The hotel had a reception person during my stay so I had someone to talk to. Junichi helped me to get carton boxes, tape and marker for me to pack all my extra shopping when my luggage maxed out.

This hotel stay was so pleasant I didn't want to go home. It's a home away from home, especially for those who travel alone and appreciate quiet places and less crowd. I've seen couples and young families staying here so I think it's certainly a good choice to return to in...

My 2nd time here and I stayed for 5 nights this time. As usual, fantastic apartment with everything you need. Cosy, quiet and so comfortable. The price is very affordable too.

Happened to know this newly opened apartment through friend and booked a week stay last year. Love the convenience of staying near Ebisucho station (about 3mins walk) and to Namba station (about 10mins walk). Going to USJ, Osaka Castle and Tennoji Zoo is easily accessible via Ebisucho station. The famous Shinsabashi, Dontobori are about 10mins walk away from Hotel Story @Namba.

Life supermarket about 3mins walk away. It’s a big local store selling fresh local produce and household items. You can cook your own food if you prefer. Love seafood and fruits? Kuromon market is within 10mins walk too. There are 2 stores selling Hokkaido famous snacks if you are interested. However, do take note that Kuromon market open till noon only. You will walk past Den Den Town on your way to Kuromon Market too. Tsutenkaku Tower is within reach if you want to capture the captivating view of Osaka.

Check-in procedure is easy. The wifi is strong too. Username and password can be found in the room. The apartment is fully equipped with cooking facilities, utensils, microwave oven and kettle. Besides a work desk, there is a dining table too! This is useful for those who like to dine in. There is washing machine and a 2-door fridge also. The bathroom is spacious and come with the bathroom dryer. It helps a lot in drying up your clothes after washing. You can practically wear it the next day. Hence, you can pack light especially during cold season!

Although it's only a 26sqm room, you don’t feel it crampy at all. Having stayed in Japan a few times, I must say this apartment is considered spacious and well-furnished. Felt like home. Will definitely recommend to friends...

I live very close to these hotels, and it is unfortunate that they are ruining the very culture they are trying to sell you.

Each and every day, as people are trying to go to work, and children trying to walk to school, they block the sidewalk with their “shuttle vans”. This isn’t technically illegal in Japan, so long as someone is sitting in the car, but they don’t follow this rule and stay there for hours. This is a very busy street, and it is inappropriate to bend the rules this way. Please respect Japanese culture.

Also, they do not educate their customers that trash can not just be thrown out on the sidewalk. As an island, we recycle everything here in Japan, and specific trash needs to be packaged and put on specific days. You certainly do not just drop bags of trash in front of someone else’s house. In fact, there is a ¥1000000 fine (~US$7000.00) for doing so. It is very serious, but also simply makes Japan dirty. If you like coming to Japan, and think it is clean, then please keep it that way.

We don’t mind tourism, but by not following the rules, you are destroying the very thing you are coming to see and experience. Please watch a couple videos on Japanese manners before your trip.

And to the hotel staff, a concerted effort to educate your customers AND tour drivers is also needed.

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