Conrad Osaka

This was our first time in Osaka, and we chose to stay at Conrad Osaka for two nights. While the hotel boasts an impressive lobby and a 5-star location, the overall experience left much to be desired, especially given the premium price. Location: The location is undeniably excellent. It’s close to Osaka Station and sits right above Osaka Metro. The Keihan subway is just steps away, and bus 62 across the street conveniently takes you to Osaka Castle. On a rainy day, we discovered you could even reach Namba Walk without stepping onto the surface streets. The area is full of restaurants, and we enjoyed exploring nearby options, including a fantastic okonomiyaki restaurant. There are also several dining options in the building across the street, making it easy to find a meal. Check-In Experience: This was one of the most frustrating aspects of our stay. While the hotel tried to create a “tailored” customer experience, it ended up being inconsistent and inefficient. Upon entering the building, I was asked for my name. On the 40th floor, I was asked again. At the front desk, I was asked a third time before being told to wait on a couch while they “confirmed” something. After about five minutes, a staff member escorted me back to the desk, and yet again, I was asked for my name. I had emailed the hotel months in advance, mentioning that we were celebrating our anniversary and requesting an upgrade as a Diamond member. While I understand the hotel was fully booked, I was disappointed that no effort was made to acknowledge our celebration meaningfully. I was offered complimentary breakfast and lounge access as Diamond member, but it felt like a token gesture rather than genuine hospitality. The Lobby and Room Access: The lobby was uncomfortably warm during check-in, possibly due to the large windows letting in direct sunlight. It was unpleasant to walk in from the low 40s (Fahrenheit) outside into a space that felt like it was in the 80s. Accessing the rooms requires a bit of a process. You need to take one elevator to the 40th floor, cross the lobby, and then take another elevator to your room. While not a dealbreaker, it added unnecessary steps to getting in and out of the hotel. The Room: The room was fine but unremarkable for a luxury hotel. The view was nice, but the amenities were average compared to other 5-star properties. The oversized oval bathtub was a unique touch, but otherwise, it felt standard for a city hotel in this price range. Lounge Access: The evening cocktail hour was disappointing. You’re required to choose a 50-minute time slot, which felt restrictive. We found it odd that staff actively reminded guests of their time limit, even when the lounge was half empty. After being told that food and beverages had been replenished, a staff member informed us that our time was up, despite us simply relaxing by the window and enjoying the skyline. This approach felt unnecessarily rigid and detracted from the experience. Overall Experience: The most disappointing part was the lack of effort to make our anniversary special. Despite notifying the hotel via email and phone, the only acknowledgment was a small chocolate cake. I was hoping for a thoughtful surprise that would make the trip memorable for my wife, but it never happened. While the hardware of the hotel is fine, the service falls short of expectations. After the first night, I wished we had chosen the Ritz-Carlton or even the W. For the price, the experience was below average, and I wouldn’t stay here again.

The room was spacious and clean, but the staff seemed quite absent-minded. What shocked me the most was the security issue. That day, I took the elevator to my room, and a white American guy got in as well. He kept smiling weirdly at me and mumbling like some kind of creep. While the elevator was moving, he suddenly punched the elevator door really hard and laughed. It was just me and him in the elevator at the time. I was so terrified and traumatized

Let me first start the review saying that this was my 16th Conrad hotel, obviously big fan of the brand. But this stay of three nights (THR-SUN) was a bit disappointing, although there were also positive aspects. We arrived at the hotel at 12.30, and hoped that our upgraded premium king room would be available. No luck, so we settled for entry level deluxe room, as we had business meeting and needed to change, did not have time to wait in the lounge for the room that wasn't yet cleaned. No big deal. Deluxe room was still rather large, nicely appointed, with very comfy bed and luxurious bath. We had problems sleeping though, as air in the room was very dry and windows obviously couldn't be opened, and there was no humidifier or similar device that would help with the issue. We did end up visiting executive lounge on 39th floor every day for evening spread and once also for afternoon tea. Afternoon tea was pleasant and calm, but evening cocktails were just pure zoo. Cannot remember if I ever saw assembly style lines for the buffet at any Conrad, a bunch of super hungry people were attacking the food as if they had not eaten for a month. On Saturday evening we just gave up and left, as all the food disappeared in less than 5 minutes and although staff were tying to replenish it, hungry mob could not be beaten. Almost the same picture repeated itself with breakfast - had to wait in line on Saturday (10min) and Sunday (7min) around 9:30am to get the table. Wasn't overly impressed with the breakfast - although food was of great quality, choices were rather limited for us as western persons. Also service flow was rather slow - we waited for mint tea more than 15 minutes. Upon check out we were informed that breakfast was also served in the executive lounge on Sunday - too bad that this was not written anywhere. Overall, they have great hardware, great views, but crowds destroy lots of (what should be luxurious) experience.

Truly a 5-star experience! Exceptional rooms, outstanding customer service, an amazing restaurant in the hotel, and the location cannot be beat. Our room was spacious, had a very high ceiling, had a panoramic view of Osaka, and was impeccably clean. Thanks much to Valentino (the hotel manager) and his team for a wonderful stay. We cannot wait to return.

Two very different stays. First was during the week, second was on a Saturday night. First was wonderful, second felt chaotic and disappointing. Both stays provided wonderful accommodation, with everything you could need being provided (comfort, facilities, amenities in rooms), with wonderful views over the city. Both stays also provide outstanding food and drinks in the executive lounge (again with wonderful views). Where the stays differed were: Check-in experiences: the first very direct and personal, the second (busier time) chaotic. It was not made clear what was happening (where I was checking in; lobby/executive lounge, or if my room was ready), with multiple people running off with baggage checks, passport and credit card. Executive lounge experience: the first was wonderful! Peaceful and relaxing. The second (busier time): pretty terrible. Despite booking a time slot (OK, I understand this is needed when busy) there were long queues for the food and drinks, with toddlers running around, and multiple distressed (screaming).