What kind of 5-star hotel is The Ritz-Carlton Osaka?
Osaka has very few attractive luxury hotels compared to Tokyo, but this hotel is one of the wonderful hotels I would stay at again when I visit Osaka. I dare to choose this hotel as much as possible when I visit Osaka on business, as it is a hotel that brings comfort beyond my expectations every time. To get straight to the point, just like Tokyo, the big city of Osaka is like a concrete jungle with many people everywhere, but once I stepped into the hotel, I found myself in a different world. It was the perfect place to soothe me after the hectic weeks of rage.
On a cold Sunday afternoon in January, I took the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station for a business trip, got off at Shin-Osaka Station, and took a cab from there to this hotel. It is a 15-minute drive from Shin-Osaka Station. The hotel is located along a large street, with the entrance rather secluded. At the main entrance was a lion, the symbol of the hotel. When I got off the cab in front of the classical and luxurious black and brown entrance, a doorman quickly came and showed me to the reception area. I was impressed by the fact that the hotel dares not to install automatic doors at the hotel entrance, but insists on manual opening and closing by the doorman. It was as if I was entering the world of the Ritz-Carlton.
Then, upon entering the lobby, one was struck by the stately interior, various furnishings, and paintings. The lobby was decorated with art and paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries, creating a higher quality space and a sense of richness. As I walked through the hotel, it was like a maze. I felt as if I had wandered into a castle. The stately, classical Georgian-style interior codes, including Mahogany and Knotty pine walls, marble floors, and beautiful crystal chandeliers, set the hotel apart from the various hotels in Osaka, including luxury hotels. Newer hotels with state-of-the-art facilities and modern, innovative designs are wonderful, but even after more than 20 years, I am always impressed by this wonderful hotel that I never get tired of staying at again and again.
The day I stayed was a weekend, so there were numerous weddings going on, and the lobby was busy with attendees and guests. Since I had booked a Club Superior Double room with lounge access, the bell staff immediately directed me to the Club Lounge on the 34th floor. The entrance to the Club Lounge was just off the elevator on the 34th floor. Upon entering through the entrance, there was a reception desk on the left, manned by a concierge. To the right was a library and display shelves, a compact bar counter like an aristocrat’s home, and a spacious area past the bar area to the back of the building. The Club Lounge was decorated with beautiful furniture, chandeliers, and furnishings, and the view from the large windows was also impressive.
After completing check-in procedures while enjoying the view of Osaka’s metropolis from the large windows, the staff prepared welcome champagne for me. In the Club Lounge, it was just time for afternoon tea. The staff also prepared a gorgeous three-tier plate with a silver lion, the emblem of the Ritz-Carlton. The 3-tier plate included two types of Pierre Hermé Paris pistachio and passion fruit macaroons, madeleines, bonbon chocolates, chocolate cheesecake, baked coconut pastries, strawberry glass sweets, raspberry scones, smoked salmon and caviar, cheese tarts, shrimp salad, and much more. There was also a food presentation area in the back of the club lounge with cookies, vegetable chips, rice crackers, danishes, scones, muffins, fruit, yogurt, and more. Drinks included Kirin beer, Asahi beer, Budweiser, Royer champagne, Ritz-Carlton original champagne, non-alcoholic champagne, cocktails, Perrier, tonic water, Oolong tea, Ginger Ale, Pepsi Cola, grapefruit juice, apple juice, orange juice, coffee, café latte, café au lait, iced coffee, Ritz-Carlton blend tea, Ronnefeldt’s herbal tea, etc. The following wines were available.
White Wine :
TAVERNELLO ORGANICO Bello Trebbiano Chardonnay from Italy
La Vigne Ronde Sauvignon Blanc from France
Domaine Peiriere Reserve Chardonnayno from France
Red Wine :
TAVERNELLO ORGANICO Bello Sangiovese from Italy
La Vigne Ronde Cabernet Sauvignon from France
Domaine Peiriere Reserve Reserve Pinot Noir from France
I was pleased to see that alcoholic beverages were available all day in this club lounge.
After this, the staff showed me to my room, which was just around the corner from the club lounge. I tend to prefer hotels with modern interiors, but I thought the conservative and elegant interiors were also excellent. The use of color and furnishings in the guestrooms and facilities is a masterful presentation of space. The rooms were furnished by Baker, an American luxury furniture brand. The bathroom was a space where marble was used and “white” was very much in evidence. The bathroom has a luxurious feel, but the design is somewhat prehistoric, so it may be a place where people have different likes and dislikes.
After this, I decided to work in my room for a while. Then I looked out the large window and saw that it was already getting dark and the lights of the buildings were beginning to twinkle. I noticed that it was time for hors d’oeuvres, so I headed back to the club lounge. The buffet counter had such a full menu that there was no need to go out for dinner. Food items included pressed sushi, octopus, smoked salmon, smoked duck, ham, salami, cheese, foie gras mousse, caprese, stir-fried tomatoes, vegetable sticks, potato salad, pickles, hot vegetables with sweet potatoes, pumpkin, young corn, shrimp puffs, sauteed beef and cabbage, potato fries, pilaf, pate en croute, vegetable soup, focaccia, Danish, tart, fruit, cream puffs, etc. Drinks were served with the same beverages as the above drinks served during afternoon tea.
After the hors d’oeuvres were served until 7:30 p.m., the doors to the food presentation area room was closed for 30 minutes until “Night Caps & Desserts,” were served at 8:00 p.m. During this time, service in the Club Lounge was still available and drinks could be ordered. At 8:00 p.m., the doors to the food presentation area opened again and the final food presentation of the day, “Night Caps & Desserts,” began. The buffet counter was lined with chocolate funtine, next to which were marshmallows, fruit, financiers, and baguettes. Also, there were macaroons, chocolate cake, cookies, green tea cake, green tea tarts, and more. It was a great time to enjoy sweets for adults while slowly gazing at the night view of Osaka.
When I returned to my room, chocolates and mineral water were available for the turndown service. With the lights off and the curtains open, I could see the lights of bustling Osaka in the distance, even in the middle of the night. For a while, I sat on the dark blue sofa by the window and enjoyed the quiet time, staring at the night view of Osaka. Although the night view of Osaka can be seen from other hotels, I couldn’t help but think that seeing this view in the world of the Ritz-Carlton was an indescribable pleasure for me.
Then I woke up before 6:00 a.m. the next morning and decided to go to the swimming pool on the 6th floor. Guests can use the swimming pool, indoor Jacuzzi, outdoor Jacuzzi, and gym for free. The spa area with hot baths, water baths, dry saunas, steam saunas, and locker rooms, etc. are available for a fee.
Then I had a buffet breakfast at the restaurant on the lobby floor. The breakfast was buffet style, Japanese, Western, and Chinese, and there was a wide variety. There was also an egg station where they cooked eggs on a griddle. The truffle omelette was especially delicious, with a rich truffle aroma and a soft egg flavor. The staff was also very friendly and helpful. After breakfast, I checked out before 8:00 a.m. and took a cab to my destination. A great hotel or ryokan leaves a certain aftertaste when checking out, and this is certainly one of them.
In recent years, new hotels have opened one after another, offering experiences and values that overturn the conventional concept of luxury hotels, but the unique presence of this hotel has never faded, and even now, with the opening of new hotels, I felt that the Ritz-Carlton is still the Ritz-Carlton.
Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on Agoda
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About the club lounge
| Check-in / Check-out | The Club Lounge on 34F |
|---|---|
| Open Time |
Opening Hours 7:00-22:00 Breakfast 7:00-10:00 Light Meal 11:00-13:00 Afternoon Tea 14:00-16:30 Hors d’oeuvre 17:00-19:30 Night Caps & Desserts 20:00-21:00 |
| Club Lounge Access | Club Floors and Suite guests |
| Features | High quality alcohol and food, many varieties. |
*From 19:30 onwards, the club lounge above is for use by those aged 12 and over.
Is the location easy to access?
The hotel is connected by an underground passageway: exit the JR Osaka Station Sakurabashi Exit ticket gate and take the escalator leading to the basement, which is located nearby. After exiting the escalator, turn left. Then, go toward the direction marked Subway Nishi-Umeda Station, pass in front of Subway Nishi-Umeda Station North Gate, and go straight down Garden Avenue (underground passage). Turn at Exit 25 and the hotel entrance is directly in front of you on your left. The journey takes about 10 minutes on foot.
Alternatively, 15 minutes by cab from Shin-Osaka Station. The fare is about JPY2,000.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, bathrobes, pajamas, chocolates, English tea bags, green tea bags, bottled water, and a coffee machine, etc. There were Asprey bath amenities. Dr. Ci:Labo skin care products were available upon request. Room service is available for 24H. There are some convenience stores nearby. The free Wifi reception was good.
Is this child-friendly?
The hotel is child-friendly. Upon prior request, staff will provide children’s pajamas, bathrobes, toothbrushes, slippers, and cribs.
Children up to elementary school age may sleep with their parents free of charge.
The Club Lounge has an additional charge (JPY4,968 per night) for children 6 to 12 years old.
Babysitting services are also available for an additional fee.
How about In-house Facilities?
There is a gym, indoor swimming pool, jacuzzis, hot baths, cold baths, saunas, and locker rooms, etc. Hotel Guests can use the swimming pool, Jacuzzis, and gym for free. Others are subject to an additional fee of JPY1,100.
The swimming pool is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for those with children under 16.
The gym is open 24 hours. 16 years old and older are allowed.
Sportswear, running shoes, and swimsuits are available for rent.
Then there is a spa treatment shop. If you have a spa treatment service, you need to make an appointment by e-mail at rc.osarz.fitness.center@ritzcarlton.com
Then, this is a perfect universal design hotel. There are some universal rooms and wheelchairs are available for borrowing. If you bring someone with weak legs, you may want to inform the staff in advance as they arrange a room near the lifts.
Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the hotel from the below space. Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on Agoda
Info about The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
| Style | Luxury City Hotel |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/11:00 |
| Estimated Price | 65,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact E-mail Address |
rc.osarz.general.info@ritzcarlton.com |
| Internet Connection | Free Wifi in the hotel |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The parking lot is available at 2,100JPY per day |
| Location | The Ritz-Carlton Osaka’s MAP |
| Access | Refer to the above |
| Address and TEL | Tel +81 6 6343 7000 |
| Official Homepage | The Ritz-Carlton Osaka’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.
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