Hotel Review: W Osaka
While I consider myself a fan of Marriott's W brand, my experience has been rather inconsistent. I am still drawn to its vibrant brand identity, but I have noticed a decline in the quality of rooms at W Hotels. On my recent trip to Japan, I learned that there is a brand-new W Hotel in Osaka. W Osaka, Japan's inaugural W hotel, represents Marriott's impeccable choice for the launch of its first W-branded hotel. Not only is Osaka the third biggest city in Japan, but also is well known for its amazing street food and gaudy neon lights, especially in Dotonbori—a perfect match for the clubby, neon-infested W brand. My experience at W Osaka demonstrated that W Hotel is still capable of providing discerning travelers with a remarkable and unparalleled luxury stay. Here is my review of W Osaka:
W Osaka is located at 4 Chome-1-3 Minamisenba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0081, 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 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first six months from account opening. On top of that, you can earn additional 50,000 bonus points by staying six eligible paid nights at Marriott Bonvoy hotels through January 31, 2024—totaling 125,000 bonus points. I personally value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, making the 125,000 points offer worth $1,000. 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 on Midosuji Boulevard, W Osaka is surrounded by luxury designer shops and multi-level malls that sell both affordable and boutique items. The hotel is sandwiched between Shinsaibashi Station and Monmachi Station, making it a convenient location for tourists and visitors. With these subway stations nearby, popular attractions like Osaka Castle, Namba Parks, Dotonbori, and even Tsutenkaku are a skip and a hop away.
Lobby & Check-In Review
The exterior of W Osaka was black, which doesn’t sound special in the U.S., but considering that most Japanese buildings are in neutral oyster or gray color, you could easily spot the hotel from afar.
The exterior of W Osaka stood out distinctly amidst the buildings with neutral colors.
The black exterior of the hotel further emphasized the white W sign by the main entrance, while its towering grand entrance created anticipation before even stepping inside. Once I entered the building, I was in a beautifully illuminated tunnel-like walkway.
The lighting in the entrance tunnel exuded the signature style of the W brand.
It had circular cutouts with Asanoha patterns creating interesting patterns as they interacted with the surrounding lighting. Furthermore, the hue of the tunnel changed throughout the day, fostering a diverse ambiance that evolved with the passing hours of the day.
I was captivated by the hotel's ability to dynamically shift its colors throughout the day, effectively capturing and conveying various moods and vibes.
If you are arriving at the hotel by car or taxi, you will probably get dropped off by the rear entrance. Although one might not venture through the mesmerizing tunnel by the front entrance, the hotel's exterior was adorned with neon lights, with the reflective ceiling amplifying their striking glow.
Although more subtle, the back entrance still reflected the vibrant essence of the W brand.
To indicate your arrival at Osaka's latest luxury hotel, an elegant black Aston Martin courtesy vehicle awaited beside the hotel's distinctive W sign, ready to whisk guests away.
Unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to utilize the service car, but it's truly an amazing amenity for any guest to enjoy, especially if you appreciate luxury cars.
Whether you enter the hotel from the front or the back, you will arrive at the welcome lounge, where you can drop off your luggage and check in with a receptionist to see if your room is ready. The welcome lounge exuded the distinctive W brand ambiance with clubby music that set the mood. It boasted minimalistic decor, highlighted by an abstract Christmas tree, creating an elegant and contemporary atmosphere.
Since I visited in early January, the Christmas decorations were still on display.
The ceiling featured unique geometric patterns, while the staircase leading to the upper floors of the hotel showcased exquisite craftsmanship with natural wooden materials. Each step was elegantly illuminated, enhancing the ambiance throughout the ascent.
The welcome lounge displayed impeccable craftsmanship, utilizing beautiful natural wooden materials.
Luckily, my room was ready on time, and I took an elevator up to the third floor to proceed to the front desk. The third floor, or the W floor, was a stunning floor, teeming with activity and allure.
The W floor served as the quintessential hub for guests to come together and forge connections.
The seating arrangements were primarily situated towards the back of the lobby, beautifully bathed in an array of neon lights.
The chrome accents and neon lights represented an ambiance that resonated with the distinctive style evocative of W hotels.
Nestled in one exquisite corner stood a DJ booth, where skilled DJs would entertain the night with their dynamic club beats.
There was even a rotating schedule if you were interested in seeing a particular DJ.
A bar was centrally located, and it was home to the hotel’s gift shop, also known as W The Store. The gift shop was quite extravagant with various animal fixures and sold carefully curated yet random collections of clothes, jewelry, and decorative objects.
Although the gift shop wasn't tailored specifically for Osaka, it still sold an assortment of intriguing items.
I didn’t purchase anything from the store during my stay, but it felt more like a lifestyle store than a standard food and beverage stand. The front desk was situated immediately to the left of the elevator, and it was an artfully decorated space with neon lights and numerous chrome pendants hanging from the top.
My Suite Night Award came in handy, and I got upgraded to a corner suite.
The front desk representative was very kind and knowledgeable in explaining the hours and locations of the hotel’s facilities. Upon checking in, I was thrilled to learn that my Suite Night Award was accepted, and my room was upgraded to a Marvelous suite. After receiving my card keys, I went up to the 26th floor, where my suite was located.
Living Room Review
The living room was effortlessly eclectic, utilizing various natural elements to embody the W brand using Japanese standards. Upon entering the suite, a sleek corridor with a simple wooden shelf was positioned along the wall. With various decorative objects and pop-art pieces, the energetic W brand was slowly being introduced to the living room.
The living room was gradually infused with an energetic ambiance as it welcomed an eclectic mix of decorative objects and pop-art pieces.
The expansive shelf extended all the way to the room's end, seamlessly connecting to the living space. Within the living room, a smart TV and a contemporary, cognac-colored couch commanded attention.
The contemporary living room was spacious, offering a variety of seating options to comfortably accommodate me and any guests.
Subtle, modern lighting accentuated the ambiance, casting a soft glow behind the couch and on the ceiling, imparting a touch of elegance to the area. In my opinion, the coffee table seemed a bit too tall for the couch, but surprisingly, it turned out to be the perfect height for the lounge chair.
The living room employed gentle ambient lighting, strategically placed on the ceiling and behind the furniture.
The highlight was the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the dense metropolitan jungle of Osaka.
Since my room was on the 26th floor, I was able to enjoy unobstructed, panoramic views of Osaka.
By the windows, a high-top table with barstools was available so you could take in mesmerizing vistas of Osaka throughout the day and night.
The high top table was a great set-up to enjoy coffee or cocktails at any hour of the day.
On the table was a collection of generous welcome amenities by W Osaka—a petite bottle of champagne, freshly squeezed orange juice, and dessert pastries in the shape of takoyaki.
Thank you, W Osaka for showering us with thoughtful and delicious treats!
The presentation of the takoyaki-inspired cream puffs was on point, and it was relevant since Osaka is the birthplace of takoyaki. A welcoming card from the hotel staff was much appreciated, and it was indicative of the high level of hospitality you’d expect in the Japanese hospitality industry. To match the party-centric essence of the W brand, the living room had an extensive minibar; various Japanese liquors and other spirits were at hand, and there was even barware like a shaker and a strainer to whip up a simple cocktail.
As expected from a W hotel, the minibar featured various types of liquors, including Japanese whiskey.
A convenient mini fridge was stocked with soda and refreshing juice to quench your thirst, alongside a selection of delicious Japanese snacks to perfectly complement any beverage of your choice. Across from the minibar was a Nespresso machine, ensuring you stayed fueled throughout your entire stay. [It was impressive to see a selection of available glassware for your choice of beverage].
The complimentary champagne was a delightful way to wrap up our night.
The living room was a spacious upscale area with modern amenities. The floor-to-ceiling windows gave the living room an airy atmosphere, and the high-top table was perfect for savoring a glass of cocktail at night while enjoying the night views in Osaka. The hotel artfully channeled the energetic vibe of W through chrome pendant lighting, pop art, and a well-stocked minibar. Despite its luxurious brand, the space managed to maintain a cozy and classy ambiance.
Bedroom Review
The bedroom seamlessly flowed into the living room, initially disguising the presence of a door that could be closed to separate the two spaces. The bedroom itself featured ample space, boosted by the fact that it was a corner unit. The bedroom was enveloped by floor-to-ceiling windows that bestowed a breathtaking panoramic view of Osaka.
The bedroom was as spacious as the living room, and I could continue to relish breathtaking views of Osaka through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.
The bedroom showcased an exquisite floating king bed, accompanied by nightstands on either side. These nightstands were thoughtfully designed with an abundance of USB ports, ensuring your electronic devices are conveniently charged while you rest.
The nightstand offered various smart light control features that would effortlessly transform the bedroom’s ambiance.
Furthermore, the master switches ingeniously provided effortless control over the lights, curtains, and even a do not disturb sign, elevating your overall comfort and convenience.
Because of the windows on all sides of the bedroom, the views were absolutely exceptional.
One feature I particularly enjoyed was the ability to choose preset light settings based on my mood. For instance, whenever I pressed the Escape button, a bewitching cool blue neon light would illuminate the mirror, instantly transforming the entire environment.
The vibrant blue neon lighting instantly transformed the environment, infusing it with an electric and invigorating atmosphere.
The bedroom was furnished with a stylish gray lounge chaise, accentuated by inviting throw pillows and tasteful decorative objects. A playful balloon dog sculpture inspired by the artistry of Jeff Koons brought a vibrant splash of color and energy to the space.
The lounge chaise did not prioritize comfort as its primary focus.
Positioned opposite the bed, another smart TV was thoughtfully mounted on a wooden stand without obstructing the breathtaking city views. A unique straw chair was surprisingly comfortable, and its circular shape matched the coffee table as well as the rug.
The TV in the bedroom was also a smart TV, extending flexible entertainment options, especially for international guests.
Instead of a traditional bedroom closet, a walk-in closet was available right by the bedroom entrance, illustrated with captivating Osaka-inspired wallpapers that highlighted its roots. With plenty of drawers and hangers, the walk-in closet was ready to store clothes and souvenirs during my stay in Osaka.
The wallpapers illustrated fun cultural and local attractions, adding a meaningful touch to the walk-in closet.
The bedroom was similarly designed to the living room. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrapped around the bedroom, and I woke up to fantastic panoramic views of Osaka every morning. Master switches controlled the curtains and lights with ease, and unique preset light settings allowed the cozy bedroom to turn into a vibrant and dynamic space with a simple push of a button.
The view of Osaka from the bedroom was totally surreal, and I couldn’t get enough of it.
Bathroom Review
My suite had two bathrooms—a half bathroom at the entrance and a master bathroom connected to the bedroom. The half bath resembled the one I had experienced at the St. Regis Osaka—a compact area housing a contemporary toilet and a small sink, perfectly suited for swift bathroom visits.
The half bathroom featured an elegantly designed space, complete with a modern toilet and a petite sink, ideal for quick visits.
I liked its modern, dark gray interiors, but it didn’t feel extraordinary as the rest of the suite did. On the other hand, the master bathroom was a totally different story. The bathroom boasted a spacious double-sink vanity with ample countertop space.
With heated bathroom mirrors, I didn’t need to wipe them post-shower or bath.
The mirrors not only provided additional lighting but were also equipped with built-in heating to prevent any foggy reflection post a steamy shower. Speaking of a shower, the master bathroom had a walk-in shower finished in gorgeous grey marble and was equipped with a true rainfall shower head and a convenient handheld option.
The ambient lighting from the ceiling further enhanced the gorgeous textures on the shower wall.
The hotel even thoughtfully installed ambient lighting on the ceiling, providing an extra touch of illumination with its own unique charm. The toiletries were by Momo—a staple among W Hotels.
Davines' Momo toiletries were generously sized and offered colorful expressions of the W’s brand identity.
The highlight of the master bathroom was the standalone tub positioned next to floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city of Osaka. The tub was big enough to accommodate two young adults at once and came with a hinoki wood bathing shelf that allowed me to put my phone and a tablet nearby.
The bathrobe was unlike any other, as it was essentially a fleece hoodie with the softest fabric imaginable.
Aside from these amazing amenities, the hotel provided additional toiletries that enhanced my stay. For example, they offered invigorating lavender and eucalyptus bath salts for a relaxing bath, along with a soft shower mitten instead of the usual shower towel.
The bathroom amenities at W Osaka included everything from mouthwash to bath salts, ensuring a comprehensive and luxurious experience for guests.
The bathrobe was my favorite; it was practically a long fleece hoodie, and it was the softest bathrobe I had ever tried on. One the unique amenities was the presence of a curling iron in the bathroom. While it was an uncommon sight in the U.S., it was a rather common feature in luxury hotels in South Korea and Japan.
It was genuinely a magical experience to bathe, whether you bathed during the day or night.
Having two bathrooms in the suite provided enhanced convenience for me and my fiancé during our stay. The master bathroom was truly extraordinary, offering an awe-inspiring panorama of towering skyscrapers in Osaka. Its contemporary amenities redefined the concept of luxury, providing an unmatched experience.
Bar Review—The Living Room
W Osaka’s bar, also known as The Living Room, was located on the W floor, alongside the front desks. The center bar was gorgeously designed with layers of white lanterns and a bartop wrapping the entire bar.
The light installations at The Living Room were beautifully designed with traditional Japanese lanterns in mind.
By the windows were more comfortable seating options, and neon lights hanging from the ceiling encapsulated the nightlife in Dotonbori. When I visited W Osaka, the hotel was running a promotional afternoon tea by Christian Louboutin Beauty, and many guests indulged in an assortment of savory and sweet treats while sipping on fragrant tea.
Have you noticed the stacked W signs adorning the outdoor balcony wall? It's often the little details like these that truly make a difference.
A red velvet spiral seat, accompanied by Christian Louboutin's iconic red boxes and bags, perfectly complemented the festive ambiance of the Christmas season. We grabbed a table behind the bar, and a waitress promptly handed us an iPad for a digital menu. I ordered W Zombie, a tequila-based cocktail with elderflower and pineapple notes, and it was beautifully garnished with a piece of dehydrated pineapple, mint spring, and an edible flower.
This tequila-based tropical drink was incredibly refreshing, with a smooth and velvety finish.
The drink was refreshing, and the aquafaba masterfully replaced egg white, adding a velvety smoothness to the cocktail. The waitress presented a complimentary snack tower consisting of curry senbei, fried tofu, and cashew nuts.
These complimentary bar snacks perfectly complemented the delicious libations on offer.
Impressed with my first cocktail, I eagerly delved into the bar’s ethical cocktails. It was a duo of miniature concoctions—Hip Whip and Nitro Berry Sherbet—served in a wafer cup; hence, there was no waste.
The bar implemented tablet menus to reduce unnecessary paper waste.
The chocolate coat shielded the wafer cups, preventing them from getting soggy and preserving their crunchiness. Additionally, a generous 10% of the proceeds will be dedicated to supporting the Osaka Green Trust Association's noble efforts in conserving the natural environment and promoting biodiversity in Osaka Prefecture.
The ethical cocktails were sweet concoctions crafted with noble intentions to satisfy both the palate and the conscious mind.
The mini cocktails were closer to big shot glasses, and while they were on the sweeter side, I still enjoyed their flavor profiles. Not only were the cocktails delicious, but the coasters themselves were truly one-of-a-kind.
I was deeply in love with these colorful coasters individually depicting the W Osaka Hotel, Dotonbori, and the iconic Osaka Castle.
Crafted from paper, each coaster showcased Osaka's finest attractions, from the iconic Osaka Castle and bustling Dotonbori to the elegant W Hotel and vibrant ginkgo trees lining Midosuji Boulevard. The Living Room was a great venue for enjoying creative cocktails, and I recommend stopping by at night if you want to pair drinks with a DJ set.
Pool Review—WET & WET BAR
Located on the fourth floor of the hotel, you'll find the exquisite WET pool. Adjacent to it was the renowned AWAY SPA, offering rejuvenating facial and body treatments with top-notch products from Comfort Zone and Davines.
If there were specific products at the spa that caught your interest, you have the option to make a purchase and bring them home with you.
When I visited the spa early in the morning, it wasn’t open yet, but I couldn’t help but notice how beautifully it was decorated with modern lighting.
Grab a cup of warm tea prior to a spa experience and unwind your body and mind.
Adjacent to the spa, there was an outdoor courtyard graced with lush greenery and embellished with cozy seating arrangements and stylish patio umbrellas. With plants dotted on the walls and floor, glass sliding doors blocked access to the courtyard in winter, but the hotel would unveil the area once the weather warms up, creating a seamless open space for guests to hang out.
The courtyard would be such a pleasant place to sip refreshing cocktails when the weather is nice.
The pool operated daily from 7 AM to 10 PM daily, and there were a few requirements to fulfill in order to access it. First, guests must be 16 years or older to use the pool, meaning the pool wouldn’t be crowded with children. Second, it costs about 45 USD per person per visit. However, this is waived if you have qualifying elite status with Marriott. To avoid the crowd, we arrived at the pool early in the morning. I then proceeded to change into my swimsuit in the male locker room.
Use complimentary lockers to store your belongings before going into the pool.
The indoor pool radiated its W brand through a display of neon lights on the ceiling. Not only that, but the hotel had also taken care to enhance the ambiance further by adding underwater illumination.
The indoor swimming pool at W Osaka was full of neon lights, embracing its dynamic brand identity.
The water is delicately heated, providing a soothing experience, albeit on the cooler side. Instead of ordinary poolside lounge chairs, W Osaka furnished the pool area with sofas that were as big as small beds. Decorated with throw pillows and side tables, there weren’t that many lounge beds, but if you were lucky to secure one, it would make your time at the pool extra comfortable.
No need to reserve these gigantic poolside beds, but there were only a few of them available.
After a leisurely time of lounging and swimming, I ventured back to the locker room to change. The locker room seemingly transformed into its own petite oasis, exuding a soothing spa-like ambiance.
The locker room featured high-end Dyson hairdryers and Dyson air purifiers.
There were two shower booths with a rainfall showerhead, each featuring the same Momo toiletries by Davines.
In Japan, it is mandatory to shower before swimming; so make sure you cleanse your body thoroughly before entering the pool.
Before showering, I hopped into a dry sauna; it was different from a Finnish sauna in that there was no sauna stove, but it maintained the temperature very well.
The dry sauna functioned well without the hot rocks, efficiently retaining heat even when guests frequently moved in and out of the sauna.
Afterward, I indulged in a blissful soak in a soothing Japanese bath, allowing the sauna and warm water to melt away any tension in my muscles.
While the temperature might be a tad warm for certain individuals, it was perfect for me to relax and loosen up my body.
The experience left me feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and truly invigorated, and thanks to the Dyson hairdryers in the locker room, I dried my hair very fast. If you plan on using the pool for a short swimming session, the entrance fee might not seem worthwhile. However, considering the added amenities of the sauna, bath, and WET BAR, it may be more justifiable to pay out of pocket for these perks, especially during pleasant weather when you can also enjoy the courtyard.
Gym Review—FIT
Situated on the fourth floor, the state-of-the-art gym, FIT, remained open round the clock, and it featured an array of cutting-edge gadgets and equipment. All the cardio workout machines like treadmills and stationary bikes were by TechnoGym.
The hotel implemented COVID-19 restrictions and enforced comprehensive safety measures at the gym.
During my stay, Japan still enforced COVID-19 restrictions, separating each piece of equipment by transparent barriers. Despite the absence of a squat rack or Smith machine, the gym offered an all-in-one machine equipped with a punching bag and various attachments for engaging in bodyweight exercises.
The free weight workout area was nicely padded, giving guests more traction and enhanced protection for the floor.
Dumbbells went up to 50 lbs, and while there was only one adjustable bench for strength training, a few additional strength machines were scattered on the floor.
Again, the hotel didn’t forget to utilize neon lights to stimulate the environment.
The gym offered a dedicated hardwood area for yoga and full-body workouts and provided sanitized yoga mats, foam blocks, and rollers. For those seeking to challenge themselves, there's an option to take a class through Lululemon's Studio Mirror.
The gym featured a dedicated studio space where guests could take self-paced fitness classes.
Another Studio Mirror was available next to a set of kettlebells and medicine balls, so you don’t have to wait for the other one to become available.
There was another Studio Mirror so that you wouldn’t have to wait for the other one to become available.
In the gym, I stumbled upon a fascinating piece of equipment—a body composition machine. It accurately gauges body fat and muscle levels, allowing guests to gain valuable insights into their physical makeup.
I'm uncertain about the accuracy of the body fat reading from this machine.
Since I don’t speak Japanese, I didn’t know how to operate it properly, but it could be a nice opportunity to learn more about your body composition level so that you could design an appropriate exercise regime. Although the fitness center presented up-to-date equipment, its floor plan was rather limited in size. What I did appreciate was the design touch at every section of the gym.
I was truly enamored by the vibrant and dynamic design elements present in the gym.
To manifest the W’s dynamic character, the hotel incorporated neon lighting everywhere—from ceiling lights to wall accents. Neon light rings motivated by gymnastic rings hung from the ceiling, and one of the walls had simple human body layouts in bright white neon lighting evoking inner strength. Coupled with mirrored walls and energetic music, the gym at W Osaka created an ideal setting to embark on a fitness journey.
Breakfast Review—Oh.Lala…
W Osaka is home to various dining options ranging from teppanyaki at Teppanyaki Mydo to sushi at Sushi Ukiyo, but for breakfast, the only option was Oh.Lala…, which is a French brasserie created by Yusuke Takada.
Oh.lala... was the only place open for breakfast at W Osaka, but its plentiful and diverse offerings were sure to please even the most discerning guests.
He holds two Michelin stars at La Cime in Osaka, so my expectation was quite high. Located on the W floor, Oh.Lala… offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and breakfast is served from 7 AM to 10:30 AM daily.
The open kitchen design ensured a steady flow of fresh dishes, and buffet stations stayed full at all times.
The restaurant was furnished with modern furniture and elegant circular chandeliers, while the subtle white veil decor from The Living Room gracefully extended onto the ceiling.
The elegant white veil that adorned The Living Room flowed seamlessly into the restaurant, enhancing the overall design and ambiance.
As a Titanium Elite member, my fiancé and I enjoyed complimentary breakfast. However, if you wish to indulge in the complete breakfast buffet experience, it is priced at 35 USD per person, and I assure you, it is worth every penny.
Your breakfast is complimentary if you have Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status or higher.
Once arrived, a waitress seated us promptly, and I began my morning with a cup of cappuccino. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you could enjoy individually packaged freshly squeezed juice and healthy smoothies.
You could conveniently order coffee right from your table or help yourself to a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed juice at the buffet.
Out of all the smoothies, my personal favorite has to be the mango smoothie, as its lovely tropical flavors truly stood out.
Take a bottle of nutritious smoothie to go if you are in a hurry!
The kitchen staff continuously replenished a tasty selection of high-quality cold cuts of meat and cheese, ensuring that they were always fresh and abundant.
Oh.lala… presented high-quality European fares —a rare find among Japanese hotels.
I paired the creamy camembert cheese with an array of fresh, perfectly pre-cut fruits. Among them, the melon was exceptionally sweet, making it my ultimate choice when combined with prosciutto. Moreoever, an entire wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano was available, and I put some on my salad, adding a salty and nutty layer to the greens.
Although the cheese selection was somewhat limited, I commend the hotel for its effort to cater to international guests.
Speaking of vegetables, the salad station only featured fresh ingredients, and what delighted me the most was their sesame dressing, a personal favorite of mine. I appreciated the kitchen's provision of steamed vegetables, catering to individuals seeking to create unconventional salad bowls.
You could spice up a bland bowl of salad with zesty Japanese salad dressings.
Classic breakfast items such as bacon, sausage, potatoes, and scrambled eggs were seamlessly kept warm on the trays until they reached our plates.
The buffet featured classic Western breakfast favorites, but I suggest leaving some room for authentic Japanese breakfast offerings.
Although the scrambled eggs might be described as "a tad runny" by American standards, they possessed a sublime silkiness that instantly melted in my mouth.
The scrambled eggs may appear undercooked, but trust me, it was cooked to perfection.
If you opted for the full breakfast experience, you could also order an omelet, and it was one of the best omelets I had in a while.
Japanese omelets are known for their unrivaled fluffiness and irresistibly silky smooth texture.
As with traditional Japanese breakfast, the buffet showcased premium side dishes like salted cod roes, pickled veggies, and inari sushi—my childhood favorite.
Although some of the Japanese side dishes may be unfamiliar to some, they serve as a wonderful introduction to the traditional Japanese cuisine that locals love.
The restaurant featured tamagoyaki and grilled mackerel as protein options, which were kept warm in a steamer.
Tamagoyaki is both slightly sweet and savory and is beloved by children and adults.
I paired these enticing dishes with a bowl of rice and miso soup. To enhance the flavor of the miso soup, you could also add littleneck clams along with the seaweed.
The littleneck clams were fully cooked, and there was no fishy taste to them.
To highlight the most famous regional dish, Takoyaki, Oh.Lala… served takoyaki with various condiments like dried bonito.
Regrettably, the takoyaki was somewhat dry, although the sauce did assist in moistening it.
Unfortunately, the takoyaki lacked the moistness I was hoping for. It would have been fantastic if the hotel offered a live-cooking station where they prepared fresh takoyaki made to order.
My breakfast plate was full of healthy and delectable Japanese breakfast items.
Due to Chef Yusuke’s culinary background in French cuisine, Oh.Lala… had a heavy emphasis on the dessert. Being a connoisseur of pastries and bread, I reveled in the heavenly delight of indulging in a mouthwatering assortment of baked goods.
Every piece of pastry was baked to perfection, and the croissants and matcha donuts were my favorites.
From the enticing pistachio croissant to the sumptuous pain au chocolat, each delectable treat epitomized perfection in baking craftsmanship. Certainly, the in-house bakery also produces flavorful savory offerings such as sourdough and baguette, ensuring exceptional quality to satisfy your palate.
These savory and sweet pastries alone made the buffet worth every penny.
As I was about to bite into a French Bulldog-shaped donut, a kitchen manager approached us and offered champagne. On my hotel reservation, I noted that we were celebrating a special occasion, and I was pleasantly amazed by the hotel’s remembrance of this minor detail. He even offered to take a Polaroid photo of us, which became a memorable souvenir from our trip.
The unparalleled hospitality at Oh.lala... provided a marvelous beginning to our day.
The quality of food and hospitality from Oh.Lala… far exceeded my expectation. It is a must-stop for those who savor buttery pastries, and whether you want traditional Japanese cuisine or a light salad for breakfast, you won’t leave disappointed.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The interior of my suite was absolutely stunning. With floor-to-ceiling windows that offered breathtaking views of Osaka, it presented a spacious floor plan decked with state-of-the-art gadgets. The strategically placed ambient lighting created a truly memorable atmosphere, and the view from the bathtub was absolutely mesmerizing.
Though my breakfast at Oh.Lala… was part of my Titanium Elite status benefit, I believe it was well worth its price tag. The pastries were remarkable, and every ingredient in both Western and Japanese dishes was very fresh. Don’t forget to check out The Living Room for creative cocktails and live DJ music.
The gym and pool were more than just ordinary facilities. The fitness center exuded a vibrant and invigorating atmosphere, providing guests with the perfect setting for achieving their goals. The pool, illuminated with captivating neon lights, offered an equally captivating experience. Completing the package, the sauna and bath provided a comprehensive and rejuvenating experience for all.
Negatives
If you do not have Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, you will need to pay to enjoy pool and breakfast privileges. However, I believe the fees to access those amenities were fair, and every guest should try them at least once during their stay.
Summary
W Osaka set a great foundation for upcoming W Hotels in Japan. It embodied the lively nature of Osaka through the use of design, lighting, and sound, and I adored subtle design elements that highlighted Osaka’s local attractions and character. I had the privilege of staying in one of the exquisite corner suites, that offered breathtaking panoramic views of the vibrant cityscape of Osaka. Accompanied by a warm welcome from the staff, the suite was full of tech features to make my stay as seamless and convenient as possible. Bathing in the standalone tub was bliss, and breakfast at Oh.Lala… was heaven for pastry lovers. Both the pool and gym successfully represented the energetic persona of the W brand, but without Elite Marriott Bonvoy status, you will need to pay to access these amenities. If you are looking for a refined yet vibrant W Hotel in Osaka, look no further and stay at W Osaka.
