Hotel Review: The St. Regis Osaka
Osaka is the third biggest city in Japan and is known for its vibrant food culture and friendly locals. It is often referred to as the "nation's kitchen" due to its reputation for delicious street food, diverse culinary options, and iconic dishes such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki. It naturally attracts local and international visitors, and I’ve always enjoyed my time in Osaka every time I visited. I had usually stayed at budget hotels since I would spend most of my time outside the hotel, exploring limitless food scenes, but on my recent trip to Osaka, I wanted to unplug, recharge, and experience world-class accommodations. With that in mind, I chose to stay at The St. Regis Osaka, as I am a big fan of the St. Regis brand. The impeccable hospitality from the hotel went miles beyond my expectations, and here is my review of The St. Regis Osaka:
The St. Regis Osaka is located at Chome-6-12 Honmachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 541-0053, Japan.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
I earn tons of Marriott Bonvoy points by using my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on dining and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on all other purchases. Paired with Marriott’s promotions and AMEX offers, it opens doors to endless points-earning opportunities.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card comes with great benefits that can substantially offset its annual fee.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card does come with a hefty $650 annual fee but offers tons of perks to significantly offset its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
$25 monthly dining credit—$300 total in a year
$100 property credit when booked directly with Marriott and staying a minimum of two nights at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
An 85,000-point Free Night Award
Access to Priority Pass lounges
25 Elite Night Credits for chasing Marriott Bonvoy status
Even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often, this card is still a must-have, in my opinion. It’s a true example of a keeper card that offers benefits that outweigh the annual fee.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
If you are looking for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card with a low annual fee, consider the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of three Free Night Awards after spending $1,000 in three months, each covering up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. I personally value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, making the 105,000 points offer worth $840. The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card earns 6X points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases every year on dining, grocery stores, and gas stations, and 2X points on all other purchases.
Be aware that 15 elite night credits from the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card can’t be combined with 15 elite night credits from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card.
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card’s annual fee is $95, and it offers useful perks to offset the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits that will help you achieve a higher Marriott Bonvoy status
Please note that you can’t combine Elite Night Credits from two Marriott Bonvoy personal credit cards, but you can stack Elite Night Credits from one personal and one Marriott Bonvoy business card. Thus, if you own both AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, you would only earn 25 elite night credits.
If you’d like to apply for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you!
The last Marriott Bonvoy credit card you could use would be the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. Considering that the annual membership costs $125, you get paid to have the card! The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 4X points on dining, U.S. shipping purchases, U.S. wireless telephone services, and at U.S. gas stations. All other purchases earn 2X points.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card is the only Marriott business card on the market.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card’s annual fee is $125, and it offers valuable benefits to justify the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits, which can be combined with 15 Elite Night Credits from other personal Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
As you can see, the card’s benefits are less substantial than the ones from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, but it is a great long-term keeper card due to its annual Free Night Award perk. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary if you want to chase a higher Marriott Bonvoy status because it is the only Marriott business card that is on the market and will grant you an additional 15 Elite Night Credits. Lastly, even though it is a business credit card, it is very likely that you could get it approved. Check out my article on how to apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
Located in the heart of Osaka, Japan, The St. Regis Osaka offers tourists an exceptional travel experience. Situated minutes away from major attractions such as the famous Dotonbori district and the majestic Osaka Castle, The St. Regis Osaka is ideally located for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel’s prime location next to the Honmachi station appeals to those looking to immerse themselves in the city's rich history and culture, and it is only a one-hour train ride from the Kansai International Airport.
Lobby & Check-In Review
The St. Regis Osaka had two separate entrances. Our preferred entrance is the side entrance due to the close proximity to a subway station exit.
I spotted Shime Kazari—a traditional Japanese New Year's decoration to ward off misfortunes and welcome the New Year god—which is often placed at the entrance.
However, the primary entrance with a porte-cochère was popular for dropping on and off from a vehicle.
A dedicated porte-cochère would protect guests from inclement weather during their arrivals and departures.
The ground floor boasted stunning decor, blending Western and Eastern design elements in perfect harmony.
As soon as I arrived, I was struck by the luxurious and elegant touches that adorned the hotel's interior.
Even though I arrived at the hotel late at night, the general manager, Andy Noh, personally welcomed me on the ground floor and escorted my fiancé and me to the 12th floor, where we could be checked in.
The ground level is designated as a pre-check area for incoming guests, while those checking out the premises relax and await their transportation.
Andy introduced us to the front desk receptionist, and they carefully explained all of the excellent amenities and benefits that the hotel had to offer. There were only two check-in desks, creating a more personalized lodging experience for incoming guests.
Having only two check-in desks ensured utmost attention and an instant connection with the hotel.
My Suite Night Award allowed for an upgrade to one of the special suites called The Satsuki Suite. The rest of the lobby was minimally decorated with upscale furniture, and the high ceilings accentuated a sense of sophistication.
The airy lobby was spacious and inviting with a range of seating options to choose from.
The lobby displayed luxury handbags available for purchase, which reminded me of Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes in France.
The hotel displayed and sold luxury handbags for those wanting to elevate their style statements.
As I was checking in, the general manager escorted us to The St. Regis Bar, located adjacent to the lobby, which provided a welcoming and special hotel experience.
At The St. Regis Bar, I was treated to an extraordinary surprise.
Bar & Rooftop Garden Review
The bar was exquisite and refined, offering an ample selection of Japanese liquor and international spirits. The cozy fireplace and elegant suede furniture provided a tranquil ambiance, complimented by the pleasant sounds of mellow jazz music.
The St. Regis Bar encapsulated the essence of luxury and style, from its exquisite selection of spirits to its stylish decor.
The St. Regis brand is synonymous with class, and this bar was a testament to that reputation. The stunning wall mural at The St. Regis Bar immediately caught my eye. As I learned from Andy, the illustration depicted Osaka and featured landmarks like Tsutenkaku and Osaka Castle, as well as The St. Regis Osaka itself.
The wall mural became more meaningful after the general manager’s thorough description.
The hotel opened its doors in 2010 and is slated for a renovation in the summer of 2023. When we were about to order cocktails to take a moment and enjoy the setting, Andy invited us to the hotel’s Karesansui garden—a dry landscape garden created using only rocks and sand—for a surprise.
The addition of a simple Christmas tree to the serene zen garden was unexpectedly fitting, showcasing a sense of holiday cheer.
The Karesansui garden was a tranquil getaway in the midst of the busy cityscape of Osaka. A simple Christmas tree was lit in the middle of the zen garden, and when I visited the garden in the morning, its serene ambiance provided me with the peaceful break I was looking for.
The rooftop zen garden was perfect for a quick stroll in the morning.
Once we were outside by the garden, Andy offered me to partake in a champagne sabering experience. While I’d never sabered a bottle of champagne before, I was guided by an expert and learned how to properly saber a bottle of champagne with a specially designed knife, making for an unforgettable experience.
Champagne sabering was an amazing welcome experience that I hadn’t encountered anywhere else.
After the extravagant experience, we returned to the bar and enjoyed champagne with a few savory bar snacks. Unable to finish it all, we took our glasses up to our luxurious Satsuki Suite on the 26th floor, with Andy kindly assisting us with our luggage.
Living Room Review
The Satsuki suite had a gorgeous separate living space. As soon as I entered the suite, an elegant entry table with a painting of Satsuki flower welcomed me.
It was fitting to see a painting of Satsuki flowers inside the Satsuki Suite.
I found ample storage space for my belongings in the spacious closet in the corner, and of course, the bedroom had a walk-in closet for additional storage.
The suite came with a massive closet, and there were more storage options in the bedroom.
The living area was designed for ultimate comfort, with plush suede loveseats and couches surrounding an oversized coffee table. On the table was another array of welcome gifts from the hotel.
The living room exemplified the perfect blend of classic elegance and luxurious comfort.
The hotel truly went above and beyond to make my stay unforgettable with a personalized welcome card from Andy, a bottle of champagne, a mouth-watering platter of strawberries, and handmade Monaka—a traditional Japanese wafer filled with sweet red bean paste and mochi.
The general manager, Andy, went miles above and beyond to make me feel welcome.
Andy wrote a very kind card personally welcoming us again, and my fiancé and I were shocked by how generous the hotel was and graciously appreciated the generosity.
The DIY monaka kit was an engaging welcome amenity that would introduce a traditional Japanese dessert to international guests.
Nestled in the corner of a room, the mini bar inside a golden closet was fully stocked with a Nespresso machine and crystal glassware for wine and spirits.
With a Nespresso morning, I was able to get a caffeine fix whenever I needed it.
A mini-fridge sat right below the bar, and it offered numerous selections of non-alcoholic beverages and petite bottles of spirits.
The fully stocked mini-fridge offered convenience as long as you are comfortable with higher price tags.
However, my favorite find was the authentic and appropriately heavy tea set, accompanied by delicious Hojicha tea packs.
Hojicha—roasted green tea—paired brilliantly with sweet cookies.
The living space featured a small dining table where we enjoyed our afternoon tea and snacks the next day.
This versatile circular table was an ideal choice for both work and late-night in-room dining needs.
A flat-screen TV was hidden behind a sliding cabinet door. Though it wasn’t a smart TV, it had a great sound system.
While the TV was not a smart TV, it was equipped with a premium sound system.
The living room was bathed in natural sunlight courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows, offering marvelous views of downtown Osaka.
Tall floor-to-ceiling windows meant I could enjoy fantastic views of Osaka whenever I desired.
While the overall interior design of the living room was conservative, it was a great example of refined luxury. Recessed lighting from the ceiling and ambient lighting was purposeful, highlighting artwork and decorative objects and evoking a sense of mystery and elegance, and comfortable seating and well-maintained furniture made for the ultimate relaxation experience.
The living room's atmosphere was further elevated through purposeful lighting.
The neutral color scheme suited the traditional St. Regis brand, making you feel at home in your cozy abode. The welcome amenity was second to none, with an over-the-top level of hospitality that included a Monaka kit introducing traditional Japanese sweets to international guests. With high expectations, I entered the bedroom.
Bedroom Review
The bedroom was connected to the living room, but sliding doors would effectively isolate the bedroom for guests' privacy. The wall separating the bedroom from the living room hid a non-smart TV equipped with a great sound system.
The bedroom featured another non-smart TV that was discreetly hidden behind sliding wooden doors.
A king-sized bed was perfectly positioned in the middle of the room, with a heavenly mattress. The headboard included reading lights as well as an intriguing art installation on the wall with a circular mirror in the middle.
After experiencing a peaceful night's sleep, we woke up refreshed and ready for the day ahead, thanks to the cozy and comfortable bed.
A bedside lamp with a translucent body was on an oversized nightstand on each side of the bed. However, the nightstands were quite cluttered with phones and remote controllers.
I was able to control the lights with ease, thanks to master light switches by the nightstand.
By the foot of the bed was a slim lounge chaise and a side table, and because the bedroom had the same floor-to-the-ceiling windows as the living room, we continued to enjoy beautiful views of Osaka right before we fell asleep.
The bedroom had the same floor-to-ceiling windows, offering spectacular views of Osaka and abundant natural light.
In one corner, a cozy lounge chair and side table beckoned me to enjoy some quiet reading or catch up on emails before retiring for the night.
To maximize guest accommodations, the hotel made use of every corner of the suite.
The bedroom was connected to a walk-in closet with multiple luggage racks and drawers, perfect for keeping your clothes organized.
Although slightly worn, the walk-in closet provides an abundance of room for your clothing and personal belongings.
Next to the closet, I found a small nook with a work desk and an oversized mirror—an ideal workspace for those in need of seclusion.
The slightly secluded work desk was right by the master bathroom, so we used it as a powder room.
Although we converted the space into a powder room, it was easily adaptable to a workspace with all the amenities that you would need to be productive.
The St. Regis Osaka offered an extensive selection of in-room dining options, including both food and beverages.
In general, the traditional St. Regis interior design was evident throughout the bedroom and exuded an air of elegance and luxury. I experienced top-notch hospitality as the hotel staff performed a turndown service at night, and the cleaning crew left me with a soothing classical tune.
The hospitality I experienced at The St. Regis Osaka was exceptional and unmatched by any other place.
The bedroom embodied the classic and authentic opulence that St. Regis is renowned for. It's guaranteed to make guests feel welcome as they sink into comfortable and unpretentious surroundings.
Bathroom Review
The Satsuki suite boasted two bathrooms, a half bath upon entering and a full bath attached to the bedroom. The half bath was a simplistic space with a bidet-equipped toilet and a small single-sink vanity ideal for quick bathroom trips and handwashing.
The half bath by the suite entrance was convenient for quick bathroom trips before heading out.
The master bathroom was more robust and refined, with a double sink vanity decked out in a black marble countertop and ambient lighting highlighting the space's elegance.
The master bathroom had all the bells and whistles of a high-end bathroom.
Le Labo and Byredo make some of my favorite products in the fragrance industry.
The hand soap exuded a pleasant cardamom fragrance from Santal 33 scent, while the Le Chemin bath products featured pampering tangerine and bergamot scents. The Le Chemin fragrance is exclusively made for Marriott’s Luxury Collection brand. While I’d like to see consistency in toiletry brands, I couldn’t complain about having two of my favorite brands.
The hotel generously supplied additional towels and toiletries for the convenience and comfort of their guests.
The master bathroom had a separate water closet for extra privacy, and of course, it was equipped with a Japanese bidet.
The master bathroom and half bath had high-end bidets to transform your time in the bathroom.
The walk-in shower, unfortunately, had a standard showerhead, but it came with four additional shower sprays integrated into the wall. With a total of five shower heads, every shower was refreshing with strong water pressure.
Four additional shower sprays significantly upgraded a standard shower to a reinvigorating experience.
In addition, a standalone bathtub was available for relaxation, with complimentary lavender-scented bath salts. Guests could watch their favorite shows on a small cable TV while soaking in the tub, complete with an excellent Bose sound system from the ceiling.
Bathing in the freestanding tub with lavender-scented bath salts was a great way to relax and recharge at the end of the night.
While I wish there were more English channels for international guests, the master bathroom was fantastic. The hotel was not shy about providing extra toiletries to make your lodging experience as restful as possible. Ultimately, the premium finishes and additional amenities, coupled with generous toiletries, made for an exceptional and memorable stay at The St. Regis Osaka.
Gym Review
The gym was on the 14th floor, and while it was open daily, 24/7, you would need to grab a gym key from the front desk. A relaxing spa was also on the same floor, and I highly recommend booking ahead to secure your spot.
The spa was on the same floor as the gym, and I recommend making a reservation prior to your visit.
While the gym was smaller in size, it overlooked downtown Osaka from its row of TechnoGym cardio equipment. However, the thick window gaps discouraged me away from the facility feeling airy and open.
Although some cardio machines were positioned towards the outside, the city view was obstructed by thick walls.
A few TechnoGym-branded strength machines were scattered throughout the gym, featuring brown seats that complemented the wooden floor and conservative aesthetic of the St. Regis brand.
The fitness center had a limited selection of strength machines for essential workouts.
Facing a whole mirrored wall, an adjustable bench and dumbbells were available for free-weight exercises, but the heaviest dumbbell was 35 lbs.
While the gym may not cater exclusively to experienced weightlifters, it supplied a broad selection of lighter dumbbells.
The gym had a mini fridge full of chill bottled water and oddly had newspapers available.
Make sure to stay hydrated and cool with complimentary bottled water at the gym.
For the size of the hotel, it was slightly disappointing to see an undersized fitness center. Though the exercise machines were well-maintained, the gym had limited equipment, and the hotel did not have a swimming pool, despite its expensive reputation. The rooftop Karesansui garden did provide a serene and zen-inspired atmosphere for guests looking to destress in the city, so level-set your expectation before visiting the gym.
Breakfast Review—La Vedura
Breakfast was served either on the first floor at French Bistro Rue D’or from 8 AM to 10 AM or at Italian Restaurant La Vedura on the 12th floor from 6:30 AM to 10 AM.
Rue D’or serves classic French bistro items as well as afternoon tea.
Because we had a full itinerary ahead of us, we decided to have breakfast at La Vedura, as it opened earlier.
If you want to have early breakfast, visit La Veduta instead of Rue D’or.
The restaurant boasted high ceilings with oversized chandeliers. Initially, the chrome finishes of the wall decor and massive chandeliers seemed out of place, but it grew on me as the hotel attempted to introduce a different design approach.
The dining area provided a distinct and refreshing departure from the conservative St. Regis style.
As a Titanium Elite member, I received complimentary breakfast for myself and my fiancé, and we could choose one between two dining options—the Japanese “Morning Glow” or the Western “Astor.” Since we generally prefer Asian dishes, we both chose the Japanese breakfast option.
I chose the Japanese option, but guests can choose a Western version too.
The meal came with an assortment of delectable dishes, including homemade tofu, grilled fish of the day, Japanese egg omelet, miso soup, simmered dish, steamed rice with seaweed and pickles, and seasonal fruit. I started my breakfast with a cup of fresh orange juice alongside a warm cappuccino.
To kick off my morning meal, I enjoyed a refreshing glass of orange juice and a cup of cozy cappuccino.
Before dining, the waiter provided a steamed towel to cleanse our hands. To start, the meal commenced with silky-smooth homemade tofu, and Chawanmushi—steamed egg custard with shrimp and vegetables—came out as appetizers. Both were silky smooth, and the Chawanmushi was especially wonderful as it soothed my body with warmth.
The Chawanmushi was full of high-quality ingredients and was a wonderful way to start my morning.
Next, we were presented with a lovely tray full of Japanese breakfast dishes that included melt-in-your-mouth salmon, a sweet and savory egg omelet with dashi notes, and traditional side dishes of seaweed and pickles that were cut and presented in a visually entertaining manner.
The traditional Japanese breakfast was a blend of healthy vegetables and protein, creating a light yet nutrition-dense meal.
The meal at La Vedura impressed me with its exquisite quality and balance. Even though it was complimentary, the food was satisfying and delicious. As we were finishing up breakfast, our waiter surprised us with a tray of sweet pastries to complete our meal.
The caramel brioche cube was packed with indulgent caramel custard cream.
We chose an apple Danish and an unassuming caramel brioche; The apple on the Danish was sweet and fresh, and the caramel brioche oozed with scrumptious caramel custard cream. They were superb ways to end our meal, and along with delicious food, the attentive service from the staff made the dining experience even more enjoyable.
No matter your Marriott Bonvoy status, make sure to dine at La Vedura when visiting The St. Regis Osaka.
Marriott Bonvoy members with Platinum Elite status or higher should definitely consider stopping by La Vedura for a complimentary breakfast, and the authentic Japanese breakfast was an excellent way to begin my morning.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The hospitality I received at St. Regis Osaka surpassed all expectations. The hotel's general manager, Andy, greeted me personally in the lobby when I checked in late at night and provided a tour of the hotel's amenities and history. Furthermore, during checkout, he went out of his way to arrange for a taxi service for us. I was genuinely impressed by the exceptional welcome I had received.
The upgraded Satsuki suite was full of opulent amenities. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the hustle and bustle of Osaka, the living room was massive and featured cozy couches and lounges chairs wrapping around a coffee table. The bedroom was quiet and private, and the master bathroom had a walk-in shower with additional shower sprays and a wall-mounted TV in the bathtub for ultimate relaxation.
The breakfast at La Vedura was essentially a three-course meal, and it was a great way to experience authentic Japanese breakfast. The warm Chawanmushi immediately melted in my mouth, and the grilled salmon was perfectly cooked. As expected, the service was top-notch, and the entire breakfast was complimentary due to my Titanium Elite status.
Negatives
The St. Regis Osaka has a traditional aesthetic that some may consider outdated. For me, it didn't detract from my overall experience, and it's important to note that the property will be undergoing a significant renovation in August 2023, bringing exciting updates and modern technologies. I look forward to returning to indulge in the luxurious upgrades fully.
Summary
All in all, my stay at St. Regis Osaka was a truly remarkable one that I’d cherish for a long time. The hospitality and quality of service were exceptional, and I was greeted with complimentary champagne and was able to partake in unique experiences like champagne sabering. My room was upgraded to The Satsuki suite boasting luxury amenities in every corner. Breakfast was phenomenal, and I savored every bite of the authentic Japanese breakfast I had at La Vedura. While one may feel some elements in the hotel may appear a bit out of date, with upcoming renovations planned for August 2023, I’m confident it will take the hotel to another level. If you are looking for an unforgettable lodging experience, look no further than The St. Regis Osaka, and I highly recommend it. Have you stayed at The St. Regis Osaka? We would love to hear about your experience!
