Part 2 of a Series: Osaka, High-Rise, Staycation – W Osaka in Shinsaibashi

TRAVEL｜W OSAKA

Indulge and detox. A powerful hotel that revitalizes you.

Finally, the "W" brand has arrived in Japan! The first property in the country opened in March 2021 in Osaka's Shinsaibashi. Occupying an entire newly built 27-story building, the hotel exclusively uses all floors – a rare luxury these days. Of course, this hotel is a top choice for staycations. Immerse yourself in W's uninhibitedly HIP world, and you'll feel like you've had an exhilarating escape without even leaving resort town.

Photographs by OHTAKI Kaku｜Text & Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi

As you open your room door, the curtains draw open for you.

This hotel immediately sets the mood. As you swipe your magnetic card to unlock the door and turn the knob to step inside, the shades and curtains automatically open as if timed to your arrival! The panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows reveal the Osaka cityscape in a dramatic sweep. This gesture, conveying "We've been waiting for your return" not with words but with action, is bound to evoke positive emotions in anyone.

Osaka, High-Rise, Staycation – W Osaka | TRAVEL — The MIX BAR corner, with an array of glasses on the shelves.

Beside the expansive window is a counter table with high chairs, and a sofa that doubles as a daybed. And then there's the "MIX BAR" corner! "W," born in New York, values cocktail culture, and consequently, all rooms are equipped with a far superior selection of beverages than a typical hotel "mini-bar." The key feature is that this bar setup is included in every room, not just suites.

Frankly, at "W Osaka," enjoying drinks in your room is a delight.

Just look at this extensive selection of drinks! Craft gins, single malts – all tempting brands. The shelves are complete with "wine glasses," "flute glasses," "martini glasses," and "tumblers." What's more, these glasses are remarkably thin-rimmed, offering a wonderfully smooth feel on the lips. The taste of alcohol changes with the glass, and these items are impeccable. The shiny design, reflecting neon lights, somehow makes you feel dazzlingly bright.

Music is essential for setting the mood. The Bluetooth speaker at "W Osaka" is by TIVOLI, a renowned high-fidelity audio brand. Its clear treble and natural soundstage reproduction are easy on the ears and gently envelop the entire room.

Furthermore, the refrigerator is stocked with chilled bottles ready to be enjoyed immediately. The beers and highballs are even original creations by the hotel. The level of provision, making you wonder "They really went that far?", welcomes guests.

Tonight, you could enjoy these, or perhaps order a bottle of champagne from the hotel's dining. They'll bring it with a rainbow-colored wine cooler filled with plenty of ice. Or, in these times, you might prefer to curate your own experience with Uber Eats. With public gatherings for drinks being limited, there's no better place than your own room. And the night view is the ultimate "appetizer." This is an eternal truth. Dazzled by the city lights below, intoxicated by the sense of freedom. It's undeniable.

The "W Osaka" bathrobe hanging in the closet. It has a hood. Due to its immense popularity, they've started selling it at the retail shop on the 3rd floor.

Since it's your private space, why not shed your outdoor clothes and relax? The "W Osaka" bathrobe is "fluffy black." It's incredibly soft to the touch, yet the black color gives it a sleek look. Matching this robe, the slippers are also black, and rather than discarding them after one use, you should take them home and continue using them.

Speaking of things worth taking home, let's touch on SDGs. What's truly impressive is the complimentary water. These glass bottles are provided in partnership with Nose Brewery in Toyono-gun, Osaka Prefecture, offering natural water to guests. After use, the bottles are returned to Nose Brewery to be sterilized by boiling and reused. Being within Osaka Prefecture also contributes to reducing carbon dioxide emissions during transportation.

"W Osaka" has achieved a 95% reduction in plastic for in-room bath amenities! There are no plastic water bottles. And the toothbrushes have bamboo handles! Such details hide surprises, and they are also pleasant to use. I've never been surprised by a hotel toothbrush before!

This is why "W Osaka" is a premium class hotel. Its commitment to thoroughly pursuing the essence of a modern hotel is beautiful. A hotel's strength lies in its curation. The sharpness of its edgy perspective is unparalleled by classic hotels.

Enjoying a mixology cocktail at the 3F bar & restaurant "LIVING ROOM" is also an excellent choice. Mixology refers to cocktails that use herbs and fruits to enjoy natural ingredients and aromas. The cocktails are American-sized, offering a generous serving. Drinking in your room, and then in the public space – for alcohol lovers, this hotel is paradise.

What's more, you can even enjoy shisha (water pipe)! You can savor it on the terrace seats without worrying about disturbing others. If you order one unit, they'll provide mouthpieces for everyone, so sharing is okay. Once lit, it lasts for about 1 to 1.5 hours, making it a great place to spend your time leisurely.

A DJ performs live every day at "LIVING ROOM." This is far beyond just playing a mixtape. The vibe is incredibly energetic. Immerse yourself in the music and spend a special time.

FIT AREA

After enjoying plenty of drinks, the next morning is for sweating it out and flushing out the alcohol. It's a waste to be hungover! The gym at "W Osaka" is open 24 hours for guests. It's fully equipped with both cardio and strength training machines. Furthermore, in the studio facing Midosuji Avenue, hotel-exclusive yoga instructors offer daily activities, which are also popular. Alternatively, you can book a personal trainer for a body check-up. A professional eye can offer advice on things you might not notice yourself.

WET

WET BAR

The hotel also has a spa and pool.(*).This pool features a "WET BAR" (open during summer) where you can enjoy drinks in your swimwear, just like a resort. Of course, we recommend the experience.

*WET (Pool) is accessible only to hotel guests. ¥6,325 per person (free for suite guests). Minimum age is 16.

And for breakfast, it's at "Oh.lala…". Currently, due to infection control measures, they are offering four set menus instead of a buffet. For example, the "DETOX BREKKY" (Detox Breakfast, ¥4,800) includes the following:

Orange juice / Grapefruit juice / Apple juice / Tomato juice / Smoothie / Milk
Mixed vegetables / Market vegetables / Ricotta cheese / Sherry vinegar
White bread / Multigrain bread
White omelet with steamed vegetables
Low-fat yogurt / Chia seeds
Selected seasonal fruits
Coffee / Tea

First, all the juices are delicious! The orange juice has pulp. The tomato juice is unsalted and bursting with fresh fruitiness. And the smoothie, made with spinach, komatsuna, banana, and honey, is gentle on the stomach. These juices are all-you-can-drink.

The salad dressing has an eschalot flavor. Its mellow taste enhances the vegetables' natural sweetness, without any sharp acidity. Indeed, this seasoning shows a considerate understanding of hangover discomfort. It lives up to its "detox" name. You can feel the vitamins replenishing your stomach upon waking. The white omelet, made solely with egg whites, is a protein-rich main dish. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, its soft, mild flavor is easy to eat even with a tired stomach from drinking.

In conclusion, "W Osaka" has come together as a premium hotel in Japan, perhaps even more so than its counterparts abroad. While it's certainly a favorite for "party people" and "LGBTQ friendly," its true brilliance lies in the meticulously crafted services that capture the sophisticated curiosity of its guests. It's witty, brings a smile, and genuinely boosts your positivity. That's why it "revitalizes you." I believe it's a power spot in the form of a hotel!!