Toyoko INN Umeda Nakatsu 1 — Hotel in Osaka

If you are looking for basic Western accommodations with privacy while in Japan, the chain Toyoko-Inn is your answer to clean and affordable rooms without blowing your budget. The link is - http://www.toyoko-inn.com/eng/index.html - and you can find properties in most major cities throughout Japan including a couple in Korea. ||||I found the website easy to navigate and my reservation was confirmed almost immediately. The same applies to cancellations made online. I had a very pleasant stay and here are some observations of my experience at the hotel:||||||Service||||In general Japanese are unfailingly polite and I was greeted with a smile upon check-in. The service attitude is very much ingrained in the culture and one can see this in every business transaction - whether you are buying something or asking for directions at the tourist office. This level of consistency is enviable in other parts of the world.||||||Room||||Hotels in Japan tend to be very strict when it comes to check-in and check-out times. I noticed that one can request a later check out time for an extra fee. Although my room was a bit tiny, I found it to be very clean and comfortable. Yukata (light robe) and slippers are provided and there are some "quirks" that one needs to be familiarized with if this is the first time that you stay in a Japanese hotel. In my case the key is attached to a stick that needed to be inserted in a socket by the entrance of the room in order to turn on the electricity. The floor of the bathroom was raised a bit higher compared to the rest of the room so if you are half sleepy you need to watch your steps. I don't know the exact reason for that but perhaps it is for floor heating during the winter months. I had no problem drinking the tap water and as a matter of fact there was a sign by the sink advising you that it is potable water. Toilets have built in bidet that are controlled from a panel with adjusting pressure and temperature. I read somewhere that about 60-70% of Japanese households prefer this "built in" feature vs. the traditional toilets.||||||Extras||||I paid 6,489 yen total for a single room which was a great value. The lobby had a free cold water station and pay vending machines. In addition there were 2 laptops and a printer that I could use for free. Breakfast was include in the rate and it was a small buffet affair. However, due to the small size of the lobby and seating area, I couldn't really partake comfortably because it was crowded most of the time. This is the only minor negative point that I could fault the hotel, otherwise it was a great stay and I highly recommend the Tokoyo-Inn properties for their...

If you are looking for basic Western accommodations with privacy while in Japan, the chain Toyoko-Inn is your answer to clean and affordable rooms without blowing your budget. The link is - http://www.toyoko-inn.com/eng/index.html - and you can find properties in most major cities throughout Japan including a couple in Korea. ||||I found the website easy to navigate and my reservation was confirmed almost immediately. The same applies to cancellations made online. I had a very pleasant stay and here are some observations of my experience at the hotel:||||||Service||||In general Japanese are unfailingly polite and I was greeted with a smile upon check-in. The service attitude is very much ingrained in the culture and one can see this in every business transaction - whether you are buying something or asking for directions at the tourist office. This level of consistency is enviable in other parts of the world.||||||Room||||Hotels in Japan tend to be very strict when it comes to check-in and check-out times. I noticed that one can request a later check out time for an extra fee. Although my room was a bit tiny, I found it to be very clean and comfortable. Yukata (light robe) and slippers are provided and there are some "quirks" that one needs to be familiarized with if this is the first time that you stay in a Japanese hotel. In my case the key is attached to a stick that needed to be inserted in a socket by the entrance of the room in order to turn on the electricity. The floor of the bathroom was raised a bit higher compared to the rest of the room so if you are half sleepy you need to watch your steps. I don't know the exact reason for that but perhaps it is for floor heating during the winter months. I had no problem drinking the tap water and as a matter of fact there was a sign by the sink advising you that it is potable water. Toilets have built in bidet that are controlled from a panel with adjusting pressure and temperature. I read somewhere that about 60-70% of Japanese households prefer this "built in" feature vs. the traditional toilets.||||||Extras||||I paid 6,489 yen total for a single room which was a great value. The lobby had a free cold water station and pay vending machines. In addition there were 2 laptops and a printer that I could use for free. Breakfast was include in the rate and it was a small buffet affair. However, due to the small size of the lobby and seating area, I couldn't really partake comfortably because it was crowded most of the time. This is the only minor negative point that I could fault the hotel, otherwise it was a great stay and I highly recommend the Tokoyo-Inn properties for their...

During my recent trip to Osaka, I had the pleasure of staying at Toyoko INN Umeda Nakatsu 1. This hotel provided a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the city, and I was particularly impressed by several aspects of my stay.

Toyoko INN Umeda Nakatsu 1 is centrally located, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to explore Osaka. The hotel's proximity to public transportation and major attractions made it easy to get around the city. Initially, I had booked a room at the Toyoko INN branch near the airport, but thanks to the helpful staff, I was able to switch my reservation to this more central location. This change significantly enhanced my trip, allowing me to maximize my time in the city.

The standout aspect of my stay was the exceptional service provided by the front desk staff. The lady at the front desk was not only accommodating in changing my booking but also incredibly kind and understanding. She went above and beyond to ensure my comfort, even allowing me to sleep an extra hour, which was much appreciated after a long journey.

The rooms at Toyoko INN Umeda Nakatsu 1 are compact, but they are thoughtfully designed to include all the necessary amenities. Despite the room's size, I found it to be comfortable and well-equipped, with everything I needed for a pleasant stay. The shower was particularly noteworthy, offering excellent water pressure and temperature control, which made for a refreshing start to each day.

The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast from 6 to 9 am, which was a delightful way to begin my mornings. The breakfast selection was varied and satisfying, featuring both Japanese and Western options. It was a great opportunity to try some local flavors while also enjoying familiar favorites. The dining area was clean and well-organized, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

Checkout time at Toyoko INN Umeda Nakatsu 1 is at 10 am, which is quite standard for hotels in Japan. The process was smooth and efficient, allowing me to quickly get on with my day without any hassle. The staff was courteous and ensured that everything was in order before I left.

In summary, Toyoko INN Umeda Nakatsu 1 offers a reliable and comfortable stay for travelers visiting Osaka. The combination of its central location, excellent service, and thoughtful amenities makes it a great choice for both business and leisure travelers. The staff's willingness to accommodate my needs and enhance my stay truly set this hotel apart. If you're planning a trip to Osaka and seeking a convenient, budget-friendly option, I highly recommend considering Toyoko INN...