Best Luxury Hotels in Osaka

The 292-room Ritz-Carlton Osaka is a five-pearl property and one of the most luxurious in the city. Elegant interiors resemble those of an 18th-century English mansion, and feature wood paneling, thick carpets, plush armchairs, and a collection of over 450 works of art and antiques. Rooms are some of the largest in town and have expansive city views, but some may find the traditionally elegant beige and blue color palette a little bland and dated. Its four excellent restaurants offer a wide range of cuisines (including Japanese, French, Chinese, and Italian) and there is a fitness center on-site complete with an indoor pool, a spa, and a serene garden with a whirlpool -- a rarity in Osaka. Guests looking for something more contemporary in the area may want to consider the Intercontinental Hotel Osaka, which can have lower rates.

First opened in 2010, the 160-room St. Regis Osaka has quickly become one of the most famous luxury hotels in the city. Rooms have sophisticated decor with delicate Japanese details, upscale bathrooms with soaking tubs, and expansive city views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Personal butlers make each stay a breeze, offering top-notch services such as packing and unpacking, free morning coffee delivery, and free clothes pressing. With wonderful on-site amenities ranging from an exclusive spa to two excellent European-inspired restaurants, and a central location near high-end shopping and attractions, it’s hard to go wrong with the St. Regis. The Ritz-Carlton tends to be a bit pricier, and many prefer The St. Regis for its more modern decor.

The 546-room Swissotel Nankai Osaka is an upscale option situated in the Nankai Namba station complex, which contains the famed Takashimaya department store as well as a number of other shops, restaurants, and bars. Rooms are mostly spacious and modern, and are equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and facilities for tea and coffee -- some have outstanding city views. Seven restaurants and bars include a great top-floor Italian restaurant, and there's also a spa with a fitness center, indoor pool, and sauna. Eighteen event spaces are suitable for both business and social gatherings of up to 1,400 people, and the business center meets a variety of needs. Travelers looking for a less expensive option could check out the Hotel Granvia Osaka, but it's not as conveniently located for tourists. 

The 303-room Westin Osaka is an upscale option located in Osaka's Umeda district, next to the iconic Umeda Sky Building. Guests can walk to JR Osaka Station in about 10 minutes or take the hotel's free shuttle there. Rooms are reasonably modern and spacious, and feature flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Executive Rooms have access to the Executive Lounge, and one floor is reserved for women only. Traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats are also available. There are three dining options and two bars. The fitness center has an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and gym, but there's a fee to use it. Travelers looking for a cheaper option might consider the Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier, which also adds traditional Japanese baths and a garden. 

The four-pearl Hotel New Otani Osaka is a massive multi-story hotel with 525 guest rooms located in a business district, a short walk from Osaka Castle (which is visible from some rooms). Rooms are spacious but a bit dull and dated, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The hotel also offers a host of on-site features, most of which incur hefty fees to use. These include indoor and outdoor pools, the "onsen" (traditional hot spring baths), whirlpools, a sauna, a fitness center, a tennis court, a business center, and on-site parking. Wi-Fi, however, is free. The property also offers 10 expensive restaurants serving Chinese, French, and Japanese fare. Travelers may want to compare rates with Swissotel Nankai Osaka, which has chicer and more modern interiors.

Located next to the Osaka International Convention Center, RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka is a huge high-rise hotel with 984 upscale guest rooms. Rooms are spacious, in a variety of looks, including Japanese-style suites, as well as rooms with a classic, romantic style. Guests on Executive Floors have free access to the pool and sauna, but fees are levied for other guests as well. Other features include a fitness center and a whirlpool (charged extra), a beauty salon, a business center, meeting rooms, and shops, plus 10 Japanese eateries, and French, Italian, and Chinese restaurants. Freebies include a shuttle bus service to Osaka station, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Travelers may also want to consider the Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier, a newer hotel with chic interiors but fewer features.