During our month-long trip to Japan, we planned to stay in Osaka for four nights. One of our most important requirements, when it came to accommodation was finding a hotel that is close to Dotonbori and near all the great attractions in Osaka. Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi met our needs and fit within our budget, so it was an easy decision for us to book this hotel.
If you are looking for a hotel that is within walking distance to Dotonbori and the metro, this hotel is a good one to consider for your trip. This hotel is also great for those who plan to do a few day trips from Osaka to other neighbouring cities.
The ambiance at the Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi
This hotel is a no frills hotel where you are paying for the location and the basic necessities that come with a private room. Like most Best Western Hotels that we stayed at in Japan, the building is tall and narrow. The hotel’s main entrance is on a side street, but clean and accessible. Since there was a 7-Eleven across the street, we often stopped by to grab snacks.
The hotel room at the Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi
We booked a deluxe room with one double bed, which came with basic features such as coffee maker, fridge, bathroom amenities, and wifi. There’s also a TV and desk in the room. Don’t expect to find a closet drawer or a safe, so it’s best to lock your stuff in your suitcase. The room was bright and more spacious compared to Best Western Tokyo Nishikasai. I was quite happy to be able to lay out my big bag on the ground and still be able to walk around. With that being said, the room is definitely larger than the average Best Western hotels we stayed in Japan.
That bathroom was well lit and quite large compared to the other Best Western hotels we stayed in Japan. I know, I know, it looks small, but trust me, it’s not compared to the other places we visited while in Japan.
The room also came with slippers and bathrobes for guests to use.
We slept well throughout the night and didn’t hear any hallway noise during our stay. Because the hotel is in a small alley, there was no street noise from the busy nightlife in the area.
Of course, the room was super clean and well maintained.
Our room came with breakfast coupons, although the restaurant was not open for breakfast on Mondays.
The service at the Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi
What surprised us the most during our stay was the ok service. The lady who checked us in lacked the usual politeness that we experienced in Japan. She definitely did not exhibit the typical Japanese hospitality and pretty much checked us in, and that was that. Reception did speak basic English, which came in handy for when we had questions.
We were offered a welcome gift of either fancy soap, water or welcome points, which is a first for me at a Best Western hotel.
The hotel had a laundry facility for guests to use.
The Food at the Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi
Can’t comment much on the breakfast because we chose to skip breakfast in favour of the tasty street food. We did try it once or twice, and it was not bad, but the selection is on the smaller side. G ate every day because you know, free food and his bottomless stomach go hand in hand.
The location of the Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi
The best part about this hotel is that it is near to all the different attractions in Osaka and the MRTs. The Nagahoribashi station is just around the corner while the Shinsaibashi was a ten-minute walk. Dotonbori is just a short walk away. It is also incredibly easy to find a ton of cheap eats in the area.
I will say though it is not easy to find the hotel the first time around and we got lost looking for this hotel. The best directions I can give to you is to take exit 5B from Shinsaibashi subway station and use Google Maps! Make sure to take a card from the hotel if you plan on taking the taxi because even the locals have trouble finding this hotel!
Conclusion
If you are looking for a clean and comfortable place to stay that is in a great location, the Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi is an excellent choice.