Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi

There isn't really much of a scene at this hotel, as it's mostly used as a reliably clean and relatively up-to-date place to rest between time exploring or doing business in Osaka. Style is pleasant and functional. The lobby is dim and dressed in mostly black and gray, with red accents behind the reception counter, on sofa pillows, and on the walls surrounding elevator doors. Racks of tourist brochures are handy, as are umbrellas for rainy days. With its convenient location and reasonable rates, this hotel appeals to all types of travelers, including couples, groups, families, individuals, and businesspeople. 

This hotel is situated on a quiet back street in the Shinsaibashi area of Osaka. It is next to a notorious eating and drinking entertainment area that spreads from Shinsaibashi to Dotonbori, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance. There are also convenience stores for picking up essentials. The hotel also is a short walk from the Nagahoribashi Subway station and the Shinsaibashi station on the Midosuji Line. Osaka Castle, the symbol of the city, can be reached in about 12 minutes by car, or 30 minutes by subway. It's a 30-minute subway ride to Universal Studios Japan as well. Kansai International Airport is about a 45-minute drive southwest of the hotel, or an hour by subway. 

Rooms are basic and compact, with two color schemes: forest natural or urban black, which mostly refers to the furniture, which is clean-lined and modern. Artwork consists of black-and-white photo collages, and some accent walls are wallpapered with spots or squares. Entry-level rooms, called Moderate, are especially small, with only a bit of space between the beds (and little elsewhere), but even these have a small desk. Upgraded rooms add more room to walk around, though they're still snug. Some rooms lack closets -- instead, hangers hang on wall racks. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and kettles for tea and coffee. Tiny bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers, Japanese-style toilets, shower/tub combos, and toiletries in large eco-friendly bottles. More spacious bathrooms are available to accommodate guests with special needs. Robes and slippers are provided. Views of neighboring buildings aren't particularly desirable, and street noise can be an issue in some rooms.

Features are limited here, though on par with other city-center budget hotels. Ristorante Fino serves an American-style buffet breakfast (for a fee) in a modern space with wooden tables, multicolored chairs, and large light fixtures hanging overhead. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto the street, and a flat-screen TV keeps guests up-to-date on the latest sports, news, and weather. A self-service laundry room has two coin-operated washers and dryers, and vending machines dispense beer, soft drinks, and water. A computer is set up in the lobby for guests to use. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.