Osaka's Hidden Gem: Oriental Express Hotel – Shinsaibashi Luxury!
Osaka's Hidden Gem: Oriental Express Hotel – Shinsaibashi Luxury!
Osaka's Hidden Gem: Oriental Express Hotel – Shinsaibashi Luxury! – My Unfiltered Take (and Why You NEED to Book Now!)
Okay, folks, let's be real. Finding a decent hotel in Osaka can feel like navigating a crowded train during rush hour. You're wading through a sea of options, each promising the moon, and ending up with something…meh. But listen up, because I've stumbled upon a legit gem: Oriental Express Hotel – Shinsaibashi Luxury! And trust me, after spending a week there, I'm practically shouting from the rooftops "BOOK IT!" (Just… maybe don't shout in the hotel, that's frowned upon.)
First things first: Location, Location, Location!
This place is bang in Shinsaibashi, the heart of Osaka. Think flashing neon lights, boutiques, incredible street food, and that vibrant, energetic buzz that only Osaka can deliver. Getting around is a breeze – the subway is practically at your doorstep. Accessibility? Yep, they've got elevators, so no lugging your suitcase up endless flights of stairs. They definitely understand the basics of Facilities for disabled guests, though I didn't need them, so I can't personally vouch for everything. But the impression I got was that they try hard.
Rooms – Where the Magic Happens (Mostly):
Alright, the rooms. This is where the "Luxury" part kinda delivers. I stayed in a room with, thank the heavens, Air conditioning, because Osaka summers? BRUTAL. It was also Non-smoking, because, let's face it, nobody wants to smell stale cigarettes. The bed was comfy, the Linens were crisp, and they had a decent Shower. I also appreciated the Blackout curtains – because, hello, jet lag. The Desk was functional (I needed to do some work, sadly). And bonus points for the Free bottled water (saved me a fortune!).
Minor imperfection alert: My particular room maybe, just maybe, needed a little more personality. It wasn't exactly bursting with flair. But hey, the Seating area was comfy, and the Sofa was perfect for collapsing on after a long day of eating takoyaki. And the Wi-Fi [free] worked like a dream - crucial for, you know, Instagram.
Let's Talk Food (Because, Osaka!)
Okay, this is where Oriental Express really shines. They have Restaurants on site offering a delicious array of options. You can kick things off with an Asian breakfast at the Breakfast [buffet]. I'm a bit of a Western breakfast purist, so I could also get Western breakfast instead, and the omelet station was heavenly. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was actually decent - I've had worse!
Here's where I got a little carried away. One evening, I decided to sample the A la carte in restaurant, and the recommendations fell a little flat. But the Happy hour at the Bar was a total win. The cocktails were beautifully made (and strong!), and I ended up chatting with a handful of fellow travellers. They also had a Snack bar with a good variety of (mostly) Western-style snacks. They're not afraid to cater to the international palate - I felt right at home. I didn't try the Soup in restaurant or Desserts in restaurant but everything else seemed to be pretty tempting.
The Spa & Relaxation Zone (AKA My Happy Place):
Okay, if you're anything like me, you'll want to spend half your life in the Spa. I nearly did. They have it all: a Pool with view (amazing at sunset, seriously!), a Sauna (perfect for sweating out all that delicious ramen), and a Jacuzzi. They even have Body wrap and Body scrub services (I indulged, and it was pure bliss). They have Massage services (highly recommended, especially after all that walking). Though I was running short on time to sample everything. The Gym/fitness was decent, nothing spectacular, but enough to keep you from feeling too guilty about all the food. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was a bit cold, but otherwise fantastic.
Cleanliness & Safety – They Take it Seriously (Thank Goodness!):
In these crazy times, Cleanliness and safety are paramount, and the Oriental Express really delivers. They use Anti-viral cleaning products, and the whole place felt spotless. Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff were all Staff trained in safety protocol. Hand sanitiser was readily available, and they had First aid kit. I did notice CCTV in common areas which, while a little unnerving, did add a layer of security. Individual-wrapped food options make me feel like everything is extra sanitary. The Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were reassuring. It was so hard to even imagine being sick.
Services & Convenience (Because Life is Easier That Way):
They have pretty much everything you could need: Concierge service (helpful for booking restaurants), Laundry service, Daily housekeeping, and Luggage storage. They've got a Convenience store for those late-night snack attacks. The Front desk [24-hour] is super handy. I used the Cash withdrawal machine.
Little Extras That Made Me Smile:
- The Bottle of water they gave me when I arrived. Small gesture, big impact, after a long flight.
- The Doorman who always greeted me with a smile (even when I was looking a bit disheveled).
- The fact that (generally) the staff spoke excellent English.
- They had Cashless payment service for easy transactions.
My Honest-to-Goodness Verdict:
Look, the Oriental Express Hotel – Shinsaibashi Luxury! isn't perfect. It's not the Ritz. But it's a fantastic, well-located, comfortable, and surprisingly well-equipped hotel. I had a genuinely lovely stay. The staff were friendly and helpful, the spa was a dream, and the location was unbeatable. It's the kind of place where you can relax, recharge, and then head back out into the chaos of Osaka, ready to explore.
The (Messy) Pitch: Book Now! (Seriously, Do It!)
Here’s the thing: I’m already planning my return to Osaka. When I go back, I'm booking the Oriental Express again. I know there's plenty of Non-smoking rooms. So, if you're looking for a hotel in Osaka that's:
- Centrally located
- Comfortable and clean
- Offers great amenities (spa, restaurants, etc.)
- And won't break the bank
Then look no further. Oriental Express Hotel – Shinsaibashi Luxury! is your answer. The Check-in/out [express] service is a huge blessing!
Here's my personal offer to you: Book it. Seriously. Don’t overthink it. Embrace the chaos, soak up the culture, and then come back and yell at me if you don't love it. I'm convinced you probably will! You can find their details on their website or any travel site. Be smart and compare prices!
Cebu's Hottest New Hotel: Attic Capsule - You HAVE to See This!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is a real trip, warts and all, centered around (drumroll please) the Hotel Oriental Express Osaka Shinsaibashi in Osaka, Japan!
The "I'm Going to Japan (Maybe I'll Actually Enjoy It)" Itinerary
(Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic in the Land of the Rising Sun… and Rising Anxiety)
- 8:00 AM (Osaka Time, which I'm pretty sure is already a conspiracy against jet lag): Land. Narita Airport is a beast. Pretty sure my bag got lost somewhere between my home and this point, so I will buy some new clothes. The customs line? Forget it. It was a slow crawl. But hey, I made it! My Japanese consists of "hello," "thank you," and the desperate prayer I'm not deported.
- 9:30 AM: Okay, deep breaths. Found my way (somewhat) to the train. The language on the signs might as well be hieroglyphics. I'm pretty sure I boarded the wrong one at one point. It smelled like freshly brewed coffee and faint desperation.
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at Shin-Osaka Station. The sheer number of people nearly gave me a panic attack. Found a helpful (and incredibly polite) Japanese person who pointed me towards the Midosuji line to Shinsaibashi. Bless them.
- 2:00 PM: FINALLY, Hotel Oriental Express Osaka Shinsaibashi! The lobby is sleek and clean, which is a stark contrast to my current state. Check-in was surprisingly smooth, except for my initial fumbling with the room key card. I swear I swiped it at least six times before it worked.
- 2:30 PM: Room! Small, but perfectly functional, and the air conditioning is a godsend. Unpacked (mostly) and stared out the window at the Osaka skyline. It's…a lot. Like, a lot to take in. Already feel like I need a nap.
- 4:00 PM: Forced myself out of the hotel. Must. Explore. Walked what I thought was towards Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street. Ended up getting lost in a labyrinth of tiny streets. Found a vending machine that dispenses warm, canned coffee – the weirdest thing I’ve ever tasted, but I needed the caffeine.
- 6:00 PM: Finally found the Shinsaibashi-suji street! The lights, the people, the sheer energy! Overwhelmed, but in a good way. Wandered around, gawking at the shops.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner! Found a ramen place that looked authentic. Ordered something that the waitress recommended. Turned out to be spicy. Very spicy. Tears may or may not have been involved. But it was also the best damn ramen I've ever had.
- 8:30 PM: Back at the hotel. Exhausted, wired, and still slightly overwhelmed. Fell asleep watching Japanese television even though I have no idea what anyone is saying.
(Day 2: Cultivating (More) Chaos)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Standard continental fare, plus some intriguing Japanese options. Tried the natto. Regret. (Okay, maybe I am not quite ready to eat fermented soybeans for breakfast)
- 9:00 AM: Decided to take it Easy, so I went to Osaka Castle. The thing is massive. And beautiful. Climbed to the top for the views. It gives you a sense of the size of the city.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in the castle grounds: tried the Okonomiyaki. Absolutely delicious, even if I managed to spill some on myself.
- 1:00 PM: Explored Dotonbori. Holy. Moly. The Glico Running Man sign is indeed a must-see. It's even more vibrant and insane in person.
- 2:00 PM: Wandered into a Pachinko parlor. Didn't understand anything, but the flashing lights and the cacophony of noises were strangely hypnotic. Lost five bucks immediately. Left.
- 3:00 PM: Got a (much needed) rest at a café. The Matcha Latte and the Japanese desserts, so good and so different.
- 4:00 PM: Shinsaibashi shopping. Almost went bankrupt in UNIQLO. Managed to find a quirky souvenir: a Hello Kitty chopstick rest shaped like a tiny sushi roll.
- 6:00 PM: Stumbled upon a tiny, dimly lit izakaya. Absolutely charming. The food was incredible and surprisingly cheap! Drank a little too much sake.
- 8:00 PM: Attempted to navigate the train back to the hotel. Slightly tipsy. Managed to get on the correct train. Barely.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Collapse into bed. Feeling incredibly happy and exhausted.
(Day 3: The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: Where Dreams (and Fish) Swim)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Natto-free day. Rejoice!
- 10:00 AM: Headed to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. This was the one thing I was truly hyped for, and oh boy, it did not disappoint. It's not just an aquarium; it's an experience.
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Immersed myself in the underwater world. Walked through the different tanks. The whale sharks! Majestic, enormous, and absolutely breathtaking. Spent ages watching them glide through the water. Just mesmerized. The jellyfish display was also mind-blowing, with their ethereal beauty. Even my cynicism melted away.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch near the aquarium. More okonomiyaki (because I needed it).
- 3:00 PM: More aquarium. Actually just stayed in the tank and watched.
- 5:00 PM: Strolled through Tempozan Harbor Village. Got some gifts.
- 6:00 PM: Had a moment of contemplation. Sat on a bench, watching the sunset paint the sky. Feeling so grateful for this experience. This trip is proving to be more than I ever imagined.
- 7:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Feel like I've been through a war, but a good one.
- 8:00 PM: Ordered room service. So. Tired.
(Day 4: Farewell, Osaka (Or, The Day I Almost Missed My Flight)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast, the Usual.
- 9:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Panic-bought too many snacks that I don't need.
- 10:00 AM: Check-out. Smooth.
- 10:30 AM: Train to the airport. All of a sudden, the language on the train signs became even more confusing.
- 11:00 AM: The train was delayed.
- 11:30 AM: Panic. Almost miss my flight.
- 12:00 PM: Made it to the airport. Barely.
- 1:00 PM: Safe and home.
Post-Trip Ramblings (and Emotional Fallout):
Okay, so that (mostly) covers it. Japan was…well, it was everything and nothing I expected. It was chaotic, overwhelming, and at times, utterly baffling. But it was also beautiful, kind, and incredibly enriching. I'm already missing the ramen, the neon lights, and the sheer vibe of Osaka.
And even though I spent a significant portion of the trip lost, confused, and maybe slightly sleep-deprived, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. I learned so much about myself, and now my goal is to return.
Hotel Oriental Express Osaka Shinsaibashi, you were a good home base. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to start planning my next adventure. Arigato, Osaka. Until next time!
Unbelievable Ming Stone Home in Keelung: Room Reveal!
Okay, so, what *even* is the point of all this? Like, seriously, what ARE we supposed to be doing?
Ugh, don't even GET me STARTED. I ask myself this, like, at least twice a day. The answer, I think, is… nobody *really* knows. Which is TERRIFYING and also kind of liberating, right? Like, you get to invent your own purpose! But then the anxiety kicks in, and you're like, "Wait, what if I'm inventing the WRONG purpose?! What if I'm building a house of cards made of existential dread?!"
I once spent a whole afternoon on the couch, eating an entire bag of chips (the extra-cheddar kind, obviously) just *contemplating* the meaning of life. My cat, Mittens, just stared at me, clearly judging my life choices. She probably thinks she's got it figured out – eat, sleep, occasionally bat at a dust bunny. Maybe she's onto something.
Honestly? My point of trying to figure it out. It's always a journey. So, yeah, that's my answer: The point? *The Journey!* (gag me with a spoon) I can only say that I hope you enjoy it along the way!
How do I deal with... well, *everything* being overwhelming all the time?
Oh, honey, I feel you. It feels like the world's just one giant, unending to-do list, doesn't it? I swear, just thinking about replying to emails gives me hives. So, here's my super-professional, completely-unqualified solution: **Embrace the chaos.**
Okay, maybe that's not the *best* advice, but seriously, try to find the humor in it. Yesterday, I was juggling a work deadline, a screaming toddler, and a leaky faucet. I ended up crying in the pantry with a box of cookies. And you know what? I ate the cookies. And it was, for a brief, glorious moment, kind of okay.
Seriously, though, I try to compartmentalize. Like, right now I'm focused on this FAQ, right? Later, I can worry about the mountain of laundry. And tomorrow… well, tomorrow we’ll figure it out, right? Also, therapy helps. And wine. Sometimes both simultaneously! (Just kidding... kinda)
What's the best way to handle failure? Because, let's face it, I'm failing... a lot.
Oh, FAILURE. My old friend! I'm practically on a first-name basis with it! Seriously, failing is INEVITABLE. And it SUCKS when it happens. That time I tried making sourdough bread? Ended up with something that resembled a hockey puck. My friends didn't even eat it to be polite. Ouch .
So, here's the thing: You gotta give yourself permission to wallow... but only for a little while. Cuddle up with a pint of ice cream, watch a depressing movie, and have a good cry. Get it all out. THEN, and this is important: dust yourself off, analyze what went wrong *without* being overly harsh on yourself, and try again. Learn from it! This is SO important, I can't say it enough. Failure isn't the end. If you’re still able to breath, you’re still alive. It’s a data point!
Oh, and here's a pro tip: surround yourself with people who love you and who will build you up. They will make you feel like you can conquer the world, even if you’ve recently failed to bake bread.
How do I know if I'm "doing it right"?
HA! "Doing it right." What does that even MEAN? Who's in charge of the "right" and "wrong" anyway? Is there a handbook? A divine checklist? Because if there is, someone forgot to give me a copy. (And I'm pretty irritated about it.)
Honestly. I spend a LOT of time questioning my choices. "Am I a good friend? Am I a good partner? Am I a good… well, *me*?" And the answer, sometimes, is a resounding "I have NO CLUE!"
I think the closest thing to a "right" way to do things is this: are you striving to be a decent human being? Are you trying to be kind, compassionate, and true to yourself? Are you, for the most part, *not* being a jerk? Then, you're probably doing alright. And if you're not? Then try again tomorrow. It's all we can do.
What do you do when you feel completely lost and like nothing matters?
Oof, that's a heavy one. I've been there. We *all* get there. That feeling that you're just… adrift in a sea of meaningless existence. It's brutal. Honestly, sometimes I just want to hide under the covers and never emerge. (Don't judge me!)
The first thing I do is allow myself to feel it. It's not easy, but I just have to tell myself that this won't last forever. Next, I try and move. No I don't go anywhere in particular. I can just take a walk, without thinking about anything. Even if there's no end goal, at least I got out of bed for a few hours. Small steps.
Finding purpose is the toughest part. Because you're just looking in the wrong place. I've found that, sometimes, going out the door is the only thing that you've got to do. And sometimes from there, things will start falling into place. Start with something small. Make a sandwich for someone. Pet a cat. Whatever. Little, tiny steps. They add up. And eventually, the feeling... well, it'll shift. I can't promise it'll disappear completely, but give it time. Everything always shifts. And you eventually get better at handling the shifting feeling. I think... I hope. (Deep breath)
How do you deal with people you don't like? Because seriously, some people are the absolute WORST.
Oh. My. God. Don't even get me started! People! There's the loud talkers on the phone on the train. There's that guy who cuts in line at the cafe. There's the ones who think their opinions are the only ones. You get the picture, right? Seriously though, I'm a people person, but even I have my limits. Sometimes, you just want to screamLuxury Stay Blog
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