The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan

The Park Front Hotel is nestled beside bright, colorful shop in a pristine pedestrian precinct. It's a modern tower hotel that embraces the showmanship of its neighbor, Universal Studios Japan. Art Deco inspired golden artwork adorns the stone pillared front, and guests enter under swirled arches that twinkle with lights by night. Inside, it's sort of like a theme park unto itself, with each floor dedicated to an era or place in United States history. The elegant lobby gleams with more 1920s Art Deco style, and a futuristic row of silver elevators sit ready to whisk guests up through time. Many of the rooms and the restaurant have great views over Universal Studios. It's a fun hotel, aimed at those visiting the park, but has a smart style that will appeal to other travelers too. Most guests are young families. 

The Park Front Hotel has a convenient location for visitors of all kinds, wedged between Universal Studios, the Citiwalk shopping mall, and the Universal City JR station. The entrance to the theme park is just a couple of minutes on foot across the pedestrian bridge. Osaka Aquarium and Tempozan Park -- with its Ferris wheel -- are a 10-minute drive over the river. Hop on the train to Sakurajima station -- just one stop away -- and there's a free ferry. Trains connect easily into Dotonbori and downtown Osaka in about 30 minutes. It's about the same time to top shopping in Umeda, or about a 20-minute drive to either. Osaka Castle is also a 20-minute drive but a longer trip by train, taking about 50 minutes. It's a 30-minute drive to Osaka International Airport, or about 45 minutes by limousine bus -- with a bus stop 10 minutes from the hotel on foot. 

Family-friendly Park Front Hotel has some great features aimed specifically at children. There are kids' pajamas, children's toiletries and slippers, and a range of equipment -- like toddler toilet-seats, step-stools, bed-guards, and cots -- available on request. Many of the rooms overlook Universal Studios itself, while others have great city views. Decor is bright and modern, and configurations include doubles, triples, quads and bunk rooms. All rooms have large 40-inch flat-screen TVs with a range of free Universal movies. Other standard amenities include air-conditioning, safes, electric kettles with packet soups as well as the usual tea and coffee, and mini-fridges. There are a collection of extra items available on request, such as irons, DVD players, hair straighteners, and trouser presses. Luxury Rooms on the top floor have added amenities like Nespresso machines, and bathrobes and slippers. Many also feature window-side bathtubs or whirlpools with views of the park. Bathrooms throughout are sleek and modern, with an impressive selection of toiletries, including a collection of facial and beauty products. They have shower/tub combos with rainfall shower-heads, and separate toilet cubicles, plus double sinks.

Features aren't too numerous here and the lack of a pool is surprising for a hotel that banks on families with kids. However, most travelers here are out at Universal Studios during the day, using the hotel to unwind at night. There's a large buffet restaurant with fantastic views over Universal. It serves all meals, including breakfast, with a range of Japanese and Western dishes. The two-color chocolate fountain and the pancake station at breakfast are particular highlights among previous guests. There are vending and ice machines on each floor -- some floors also have microwaves for guest use -- and a 24-hour mini-mart. A large dining venue can be booked for groups or corporate events. Monitors in the lobby show current wait times for rides at Universal, and tickets can be bought from the hotel itself. Other useful features include a large locker area, smoking room, free Wi-Fi, a coin-operated laundry room, and a kids' concierge.