Accessibility is always my utmost priority when looking for suitable accommodation at a foreign place. Of course, that was also the case for my recent visit to Osaka in Japan, where public transportation can be pretty costly. Namba is Osaka’s most exciting entertainment, shopping and dining district, so naturally, my hotel of choice was ideally located in the heart of Namba.
Sitting directly above Nankai Railway’s Namba station is the luxurious Swissôtel Nankai, a 36-storey deluxe hotel consisting of 548 guestrooms which are exquisitely furnished and functional. Although the hotel has been around for a long time, certain parts of the hotel were recently renovated in November 2014. This includes the Japanese-inspired Waon suite which I was kindly offered.
Featuring a King bed, the spacious 46 square-metre suite provided me with a unique experience of tranquility offered by traditional Japanese Ryokans, yet still giving me access to cutting edge technology, modern amenities and renowned Swiss hospitality. With a separate bedroom and massive living area, the comfortable space also had a roomy bathroom with a hand shower, rain shower and bathtub.
I had never experienced a traditional Japanese Ryokan and the Waon suite certainly changed that. The suite had many floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that separated the different rooms and the living area had a large tatami mat for us to lounge around on. Seeing that there were three of us and only one bed, Swissôtel Nankai also very kindly placed an extra futon with a duvet on the tatami mat for the third guest.
Of course, the Waon suite had all the common amenities I needed and more. We thoroughly enjoyed the huge LCD television, the fluffy bathrobes, the Nespresso machine and the fully-stocked minibar. The suite also came with a little gift, a scented traditional Kinchaku drawstring bag. The Waon suite can most definitely accommodate a family of five, if need be.
Besides the Executive Club Lounge, Pürovel Spa & Sports was the ultimate highlight. There is a fully-equipped gym with resident instructors, an indoor heated swimming pool and poolside jacuzzi that is protected with UV cut glass, and an extensive spa area with showers and a sauna. We were beyond surprised with how elaborate the facility is with the toiletries provided. Besides toothbrushes, combs and hair dryers, there are also face cleansers, moisturisers, lotions, hair mousses, fragrance mists and hairspray.
Aside from that, Pürovel Spa & Sports offers facials and body massages. Beginning October 2014, the facility also started offering its Hakushika sake-infused facial which is the only one of its kind in the whole of Japan. For outsiders, you may also enjoy Pürovel Spa & Sports with an entry fee or a membership fee.
For gastronomic pleasures, guests can choose from seven restaurants and bars. All guests of the hotel are entitled to enjoy buffet breakfasts every morning at the hotel’s signature Tavola36 Italian Restaurant, which provides a breathtaking view of the Minami area. Another restaurant worth mentioning is SH’UN Wine and Dine, which offers a fine selection of Kushiage, Osaka’s traditional deep fried skewers.
Additionally, Swissôtel Nankai features conference and business facilities with one grand ballroom, 18 multi-function rooms and three wedding chapels.
To celebrate the 1200th anniversary of Koyasan or Mount Koya, a very popular UNESCO World Heritage site and a holy Buddhism pilgrimage destination, Swissôtel Nankai is offering guests an exclusive promotion which includes a stay in its Japanese-inspired Waraku or Waon suites, complimentary The World Heritage KOYASAN 1200th anniversary tickets, and a 1-day free pass for Nankai Railway and the whole Nankai Rinkan Bus line. For more details on the promotion, kindly access this link.
Swissôtel Nankai is conveniently accessible via Nankai Railway’s Namba station. This train provides direct access to Kansai International Airport and all major tourist attractions such as Kyoto, Nara and Kobe. The hotel is also merely a walking distance from Namba’s hotspots including Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. There are tons of shops and restaurants surrounding the hotel itself, so don’t worry about going hungry!
My short stay at Swissôtel Nankai has surely enriched my experience and visit to Osaka, Japan. Its top-notch hospitality has won me over and if you’ve got a slightly higher budget for your trip to Osaka, I would absolutely recommend Swissôtel Nankai for accommodation.
5-1-60 Namba Chuo-ku
Osaka 542-0076, Japan.
Tel: +81 6 6646 1111
Fax: +81 6 6648 0331
