Hotel Monterey Osaka

The hotel isn't far from JR; from the Sakurajima exit, walk straight past 7-11 for about 5 minutes, which is quite convenient. However, it's a bit far from Yodobashi and the Hankyu shopping area. I recommend checking out Lucua 11100, which is right in the center of JR Osaka Station. It has a Montbell store with a great selection of goods, and you can find good stuff even without tax refund (I went to the Grand Front South building the day before, which was very small and had nothing to buy even with tax refund – but I'm getting off-topic). I've visited Japan many times but never stayed at a Hotel Monterey, so I decided to try it out. This one has a distinct European style and is a bit more expensive than typical chain budget hotels. I can finally cross it off my list. The hotel is a bit old; the triple room felt small once three beds were in it. Room 1001 had very noisy air conditioning units outside at night, and passing trains were also very loud – those are the downsides. On the plus side, the bathtub is full-sized, not the small Japanese style, so it's comfortable for soaking. The windows block out light well, so you can sleep in. Even with kids, the neighboring rooms were quiet.

Hotel Monterey Osaka was truly wonderful. The hotel has a very elegant and unique ambiance, and the rooms were exceptionally clean, hygienic, and comfortable. The front desk staff were very friendly and helpful, and the hotel's location made getting around incredibly convenient.

This was my second stay at this hotel, and this time I stayed for five days and four nights. There was a slight issue with my initial room, but after speaking with the staff, they moved me to the room next door. The room was quiet and spacious enough. The hotel's breakfast was also excellent and varied daily. Most importantly, the hotel's location is superb, offering a peaceful retreat in the bustling Umeda area, as long as you're not right next to the train tracks.

Honestly, this hotel was a letdown. Subway noise started blaring around 5 AM, and the bed faced a mirror – a bit odd. The facilities felt really old and dated too. Everything was dimly lit with a yellowish hue, which just made it feel gloomy.

I booked a standard twin room but was given a compact twin room, which was very small. There were unidentified hairs on the edge of the bathtub, and the bathroom had a foul odor that improved after I blocked the drain with a towel. I reported the small room issue to Trip.com. They contacted the hotel, but the hotel refused to change my room even though they had vacancies. In the end, Trip.com compensated me a small amount, but it didn't really make up for the terrible experience. I know Japanese people can be very inflexible in their approach, so I didn't bother arguing with the front desk; I just put up with it. I'd stayed at the Hotel Monterey in Fukuoka before, and that was slightly better than this. Honestly, only staff at international chain hotels in Japan seem to behave like actual humans; employees at local brands are basically robots, just robotically apologizing. I've attached two floor plans and a photo of my actual room. I will never stay here again!

The Wi-Fi was incredibly slow, and there were very few power outlets. The clock on the wall was noisy, and there's no coin laundry. The location is good though, less than 10 minutes from Umeda. There was a faint, lingering smell of feces in the bathroom. I remember having a much better experience at the Nagasaki branch.

I stayed at this hotel in Osaka, and my overall experience would be an 8.5 out of 10. It's especially perfect for those who want convenient dining and shopping, and who prioritize good transportation! First off, the location is absolutely incredible! It's only a 5-10 minute walk from JR Osaka Station, and even closer to Nishiumeda Subway Station. Whether you're heading to Shinsaibashi for some shopping or to Umeda Sky Building for night views, it's easily manageable with a walk plus a short subway ride. Downstairs, there are convenience stores, plenty of izakayas, and restaurants, so after a long day of exploring, you don't have to go far to find food – a lazy person's dream! The hotel's style is quite unique, with an European retro vibe. The lobby is on the 8th floor (the ground floor is a parking lot, so don't get lost on your first visit!). The chandeliers and wooden decor look very tasteful, giving you the illusion of staying in an old European castle – great for photos. While the rooms aren't huge, that's pretty standard for city hotels in Japan. The major plus is how incredibly clean they are; the bed was neatly made every day when I returned. Toiletries and free Wi-Fi are all provided, and the bedding is super soft – so comfortable to lie on after a tiring day. The service was also impeccable. The front desk staff were incredibly polite and patient, answering all my questions about routes and nearby restaurants. Even if their English wasn't perfect, we could communicate slowly. Check-in and check-out were quick, no long waits. However, I do need to be honest about the downsides: some rooms are close to the train tracks, so you can hear the train at night. If you're sensitive to noise, I recommend requesting a higher floor or a room away from the tracks in advance, and bringing earplugs just in case. Also, the decor is a bit dated, so some facilities look a little old. And there's no self-service laundry room; if you're staying for several days and need to do laundry, you'll have to ask the front desk for recommendations for nearby laundromats. Overall, the value for money is definitely there. It's conveniently located, clean, and comfortable. The minor drawbacks don't really detract from the overall experience. I would choose this hotel again next time I'm in Osaka!