Introduction

From the moment you step into W Osaka, it's clear this isn't your typical Japanese hotel experience. The entrance sets the tone – a mesmerizing tunnel where light and color dance across surfaces, creating what has become the hotel's most photographed spot. The elevators continue this sensory journey, with LED strips that illuminate floor by floor in a soft pink glow, building anticipation for what awaits above.For those seeking a conventional luxury hotel experience, the W's high-energy atmosphere might be overwhelming. But for travelers who view their hotel as more than just a place to sleep – those who want to be part of Osaka's dynamic pulse – W Osaka offers something unique: a luxury hotel that doesn't take itself too seriously, while taking guest experience very seriously indeed.

The W's location in Shinsaibashi puts you in the heart of Osaka's action. The iconic Dotonbori district is a 10-minute walk away, while luxury shoppers will appreciate being directly connected to Hankyu Department Store. The closest subway station (Shinsaibashi) is just steps away, making exploration of Osaka's vast subway network convenient.

Hotel Lobby

The hotel's exterior, designed by legendary architect Tadao Ando, presents itself as a minimalist black monolith on Midosuji Avenue, Osaka's main thoroughfare. This austere façade makes the interior reveal all the more dramatic. Stepping through the ground floor entrance, you're guided to the 3rd-floor lobby – or "Living Room" in W parlance. Here, the design scheme explodes into a technicolor celebration of contemporary art and lighting installations.

The Living Room (W's take on a hotel lobby) pulses with energy throughout the day. Here, Osaka's creative class mingles over craft cocktails and innovative afternoon teas, while evenings transform the space into a sophisticated playground. The bar staff crafts zero-waste cocktails that are as environmentally conscious as they are Instagram-worthy, while DJs spin an eclectic mix that perfectly matches the mood – energetic enough to feel festive, yet balanced enough to maintain conversations.

The signature W scent wafting through the space deserves special mention – a custom blend of yuzu, hinoki, and subtle floral notes that feels distinctly Japanese while maintaining W's modern edge. This fragrance becomes a constant companion throughout the property, strong enough to notice but never overwhelming. I almost wanted to buy a bottle to bring back home, haha.

Wonderful Room | Bathroom

My Wonderful Room (39 square meters) encapsulates W's DNA of bold design meets urban luxury. The moment you tap your key card, you're greeted by W's signature "Welcome" doormat – a small touch that sets the playful tone. Inside, the room reveals W Hotels' characteristic elements: the white bed serves as a pristine canvas against dramatic orange and purple accents, while geometric patterns play across the carpet and walls.

The single vanity, while efficiently designed, offers adequate counter space for personal items. What catches the eye immediately is the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, secured in a branded holder – a premium touch that shows W's understanding of their design-conscious guests' needs.

W Osaka partners with Momo's Tree for their bath amenities, a Japanese luxury brand that creates products specifically for high-end hotels. The full-sized bottles include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion, all featuring a subtle hinoki cypress scent that feels distinctly Japanese while maintaining an international appeal. The hand soap and hand cream by the vanity are similarly sized generously, eliminating the need to call housekeeping for replacements during shorter stays.

The rainfall shower is a standout feature, offering excellent water pressure – a detail that matters after long days exploring Osaka. While standard rooms don't include a bathtub, the shower space is generous enough to move around comfortably. The glass partition keeps water contained effectively, and the bench seating adds both convenience and a spa-like touch.

Additional amenities are thoughtfully curated: dental kits, shower caps, cotton pads, and cotton buds are packaged in eco-friendly materials. The hotel also provides yukata robes rather than standard bathrobes – a nice nod to Japanese culture while maintaining W's contemporary edge.

Wonderful Room | Bedroom

The W bed – a consistent highlight across the brand – delivers on comfort with its plush pillow-top mattress and 300-thread-count sheets. The pillows, offering a mix of firm and soft options, deserve special mention. However, what makes sleeping here unique is the LED panel behind the bed that can be adjusted to various colors, letting you set the mood from energetic to relaxed.

W's "Whatever/Whenever" service button on the phone maintains the brand's cheeky personality – though in Japan, it feels almost redundant given the staff's natural inclination toward exceptional service. The room's tech integration is thoroughly modern, with USB ports abundantly placed and a smart TV system that easily connects to your devices.

Storage space breaks from traditional Japanese hotel design, favoring style over practicality. The open-concept closet with its LED lighting looks stunning but might prove challenging for longer stays or those who prefer to fully unpack. The desk area, while visually striking with its geometric orange chair, provides barely enough space for remote work, though business travelers might miss having a proper office chair.

One minor (or major) problem

Here's where we hit a snag: those floor-to-ceiling windows. While they should be a highlight, offering sweeping views across Osaka's urban landscape, their poor insulation is impossible to ignore. Street noise seeps in more than it should, and loud motorcycles echo throughout the night – a surprising oversight in a hotel of this caliber, particularly in Japan where construction standards typically excel. Despite the amazing Christmas decorations outside and the city views, the noise coming from the outside of the hotel is almost inexcusable in my opinion.

Fitness Center & Pool

The fitness center and pool of the W Osaka resides on its 4th floor. Here, the WET pool and fitness center create an Instagram-worthy setting that captures the essence of the W brand. The 25-meter indoor pool, while not offering the soaring views you might expect from other luxury properties, makes up for it with striking design. Overhead, a constellation of geometric lights reflects off the water's surface, creating patterns that shift throughout the day. The pool area includes heated loungers and a hot tub – perfect for post-sightseeing relaxation.

While many luxury hotels in Japan offer compact fitness spaces, the W Osaka breaks this trend with its expansive FIT center on the 4th floor. During my stay, this facility proved to be one of the property's standout features, rivaling dedicated fitness clubs in both size and equipment variety.

The cardio section features an impressive lineup of the latest TechnoGym equipment. You'll find multiple treadmills with built-in entertainment systems, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, rowing machines, and StairMasters, all arranged to maximize space and user comfort. The strength training area is particularly noteworthy for a hotel gym, offering everything from a comprehensive free weights section with dumbbells up to 30kg to a Smith machine and cable crossover station. The inclusion of multiple weight benches, a full rack of kettlebells, and TRX suspension training equipment ensures that even serious fitness enthusiasts won't feel limited in their workout options.

Perhaps most impressive is the dedicated stretching and functional training zone. This space includes everything needed for a complete workout, from yoga mats and foam rollers to medicine balls, balance balls, and resistance bands. There's ample space for bodyweight exercises, making it perfect for those who prefer functional fitness or need to stretch after a long flight.

The gym's layout prevents overcrowding even during peak hours (typically 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM). Throughout my stay, we never had to wait for equipment, though the energy during morning hours can be quite vibrant with business travelers getting in their workouts. Thoughtful amenities include complimentary water, fresh towels, and wireless earbuds available upon request.

For a hotel gym, the W Osaka's FIT center exceeds expectations in both size and offering. It's clear that significant thought went into creating a space that caters to all fitness levels, from casual users to dedicated workout enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The W Osaka represents a bold experiment in Japanese hospitality, one that largely succeeds despite a few notable shortcomings. During our stay, the property demonstrated how W's signature playfulness can complement, rather than clash with, Japanese attention to detail.

The striking entrance, custom-blended signature scent, and expansive FIT center stand out as clear highlights. The 39-square-meter Wonderful Room, while expertly designed with touches like the Dyson hair dryer and Momo's Tree amenities, is somewhat let down by its poor window insulation – a surprising oversight in an otherwise meticulously crafted hotel. The 4th-floor WET pool area, though not offering the sky-high views some might expect, compensates with dramatic design and serene ambiance.

At rates starting from $400 per night, the W Osaka positions itself firmly in the luxury segment, offering a distinctive alternative to traditional Japanese hotels. For travelers seeking a design-forward property in the heart of Osaka's shopping district, with one of the best hotel gyms in the city, the W Osaka delivers – just request a higher floor room to minimize street noise, and you'll be set for a memorable stay that blends W's international flair with Japanese sophistication.