Holiday Inn Osaka Namba

Built in 2008, the hotel is a modern structure spread across 12 stories -- in fact, it's one of the more distinctive structures in the area, with its gridded metal facade. Inside, things are a bit more generic, but modern and pleasant. The lobby is a large, bright space with a mix of polished tile and dark wood flooring. There are large arrangements of fresh flowers, a stand of tourist information leaflets, and an entrance to the convenience store next door. Contemporary square sofas along the wall give everyone a place to sit, though everything about this hotel seems to be made for those on the go, rather than travelers looking to kick back in the relaxation. Indeed, the bustling Namba district location means that the property has a busy, lively atmosphere. It can also be fairly noisy at night time, with street and traffic noise filtering in to the building. The hotel attracts both international and Japanese travelers who want to be in the center of the action. Guests are mainly tourists, but some business guests choose to stay here as well.

Located right in the heart of the Namba entertainment district, the hotel resides in an area packed with restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, and other hotels. It's a very popular part of the city with tourists. There's a 7-11 just downstairs, and a whole range of attractions to visit within a short walk. The Tonbori River Cruise is a two-minute walk away, the Hozen-ji Temple and the Nihonbashi Bridge are a four-minute walk, the Janus music club is a five-minute walk, and it's an eight-minute walk to the National Bunraku Theater. There's a subway station close by too -- Nippombashi station takes eight minutes to reach on foot, and the popular Amerikamura shopping area is also around an eight-minute walk from the hotel. It will take about 35 minutes to reach Osaka Castle Park, home to major historical sights and other monuments, by metro. Osaka International Airport is around a half hour drive away, or 50 minutes by public transport.

The 314 guest rooms at the Holiday Inn Osaka Namba, available in a range of sizes from Single up to Quadruple. Decor is simple and modern. Expect to see sleek, contemporary furniture with dark wood-veneer finishes, vivid striped carpets, and color schemes in shades of gray, taupe, or deep reds. Rooms are fairly spacious by Japanese standards, and Deluxe Rooms have a large sitting area done up with plush love seats and chairs in subtle oranges and browns. All rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, tea- and coffee-making facilities, mini-fridges, desks, and air-conditioning.  Bathrooms have a window onto the bedroom in some rooms, but are otherwise done in an abundance of white tiling, with black granite countertops in some rooms plus contemporary fixtures and shower/tub combos. They include decent amenity kits and hairdryers. Street noise can be an issue in some rooms at night.

Features are simple here, but one of the highlights is dining. The hotel's restaurant and bar, Barkt, is open for breakfast and dinner. It has garden views and  serves Italian cuisine with a Japanese twist for dinner. Dishes include a variety of seafood pastas and steaks. At breakfast, guests can choose from a Japanese or Western menu. A wide range of hot and cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available at the bar. The restaurant also has an outdoor terrace, as well as private dining areas which are available for rent. Other amenities at the property include a computer station in the lobby, laundry services, on-site parking (for a daily fee), and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. There's also a 7-11 on the hotel's ground floor for anyone needing overnight snacks.