Apartment Hotel 11 Dotonbori II — Local services in Osaka

DON'T STAY HERE - Heed the warnings from those who said, “Don’t stay here.” I learned this the hard way. If you’re over 30, care about comfort and quality, or are travelling with children, consider this REVIEW.

While proximity to Dotonbori might seem like an advantage, the reality is far less charming. The area feels seedy and chaotic — a place worth visiting, not residing in. The street and entrance are unpleasant, and the persistent smell of garbage from the rubbish storage directly out front sets the tone from the moment you arrive.

The check-in system assigns your room after 1 p.m., and entry to the lobby is by code. But don’t expect a true lobby — there’s no seating, no couch as shown in photos, and nowhere to wait comfortably. Luggage storage is unsecured; bags are simply left in the open with the hope they’ll still be there when you return.

The room itself is shockingly small — even by Japanese standards (look at the photos). To call it “good value” would be to ignore what better accommodation looks like. Everything is rationed to the bare minimum: three plates, three mugs, three forks for three guests. I requested an iron and was told they’re shared between apartments, meaning you wait until another guest returns one. For a paid hotel, that’s inexcusable.

The toilet cubicle is claustrophobic. I’m not tall and have a small frame, yet I struggled to move comfortably — I can’t imagine how someone larger would manage. Staff communication is poor and impersonal; issues go unresolved, and replies feel copy-pasted. I have every message saved, should they wish to dispute that.

Our 12th-floor room included a connecting metal door to another guest’s room — right beside the TV. It looked more like a fire exit than part of a hotel room. Every sound from next door echoed through it, waking us repeatedly. Privacy was nonexistent.

There are countless small details that scream “budget” throughout the room. When I asked to transfer to another property, they offered to refund the remaining nights — but the only reason I stayed was that their other listings were overpriced, just like this one.

There are far better options in Osaka. This property delivers only...

Great apartment. Stayed for 8 nights and enjoyed this as a base. We are happy to walk, and it was so quiet, but super safe. Washing machine and the drying room in the bathroom was neat. Has a timer and heat setting. Heated toilet seat. Proper sized fridge and freezer. Balcony. Extra door locks. Good heating system. An abundance of tissues. Well stocked in general. Gas cook top and a handful of utensils and mugs (not designed for large cooking conquests). Everything you could need. If you have luggage to store (we didn’t), it is not staffed, so you would leave it in the foyer, but it seemed safe and organised. If you are staying for longer periods you may want to pay for a cleaning service part way through, so you can get new towels and bins changed etc. You need to upload your passport details etc beforehand, so then they send you the log in code etc. You will want to do this before you arrive. We very much enjoyed the size of this place (bigger than others in Japan) and the amenities, but remember, it’s not the same as home. Shower pressure...

I had a really good stay here. Room is super quiet and just a short walk to Dotonbori where the shops are. I wish they secure your luggage in a locked area tho. It was left in the open in the reception area. They offer free to borrow umbrellas for rainy days which...