Dotonbori Hotel

Open since 2009, the 116-room Dotonbori makes a distinctive first impression with its large exterior pillars -- complete with faces -- that add a touch of whimsy and are popular with selfie-snapping guests. Once inside, this is a simple and sufficient budget property with a lively vibe. The lobby serves as something of a social hub and can get busy with people coming and going. It has free massage chairs; computer terminals; tea and coffee around the clock; and the added bonus of free ramen plus beer or wine in the evening. There’s lots of comfortable seating here -- and a large flat-screen TV -- where guests can relax after a day’s sightseeing. However, with the hotel's lack of features and basic rooms, this is a budget property through and through, though it can be a great value. The central location makes it popular with couples, but expect to see families and groups of friends passing through as well. 

The hotel is ideally located in Osaka's Namba District, one of its entertainment hubs, within easy walking distance of bars and restaurants. It's a four-minute walk south to Osaka-Namba train station, from where you can easily maneuver to other parts of the city. Even so, there's plenty to see and do nearby. The popular Tombori River Walk is only five minutes away on foot to the east. There's also a river cruise a five-minute walk to the west. Shinsaibashi Shopping Street is also five minutes away on foot, as is historic Hozenji Yokocho. The famous Glico Man sign on Ebisu Bridge can be reached on foot in just three minutes. Depending on traffic, it will take 15 to 20 minutes to reach Osaka Castle by taxi, or around 30 minutes by subway (plus a bit of walking). Osaka-Itami International Airport is a 40-minute drive away, or around an hour by train.

The Dotonbori’s rooms are simple, but pleasant enough for travelers who will likely be out and about all day. Decor is basic and includes laminate flooring plus vivid pops of color in bed throws, drapes, and walls. Rooms are compact -- which is not unusual for the area -- and some lower-category rooms have restricted space due to large pillars in the middle of the floors. Furniture is sparse, with mostly built-in pieces including small desks and bedside cabinets. Rooms come with memory foam mattresses as well as 20-inch LCD flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and mini-fridges. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Bathrooms are tiny, with an abundance of white wet-wall panels plus up-to-date fixtures and fittings. They include shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. Counter space is limited. Despite the busy location, rooms are relatively well insulated from noise according to previous guests.

The Dotonbori Hotel has a few decent features that are on par with other city-center budget hotels, though it does add a surprising number of free little perks. Unfortunately, that doesn't include breakfast, which costs extra and includes a mix of local and Western fare. The hotel's other features are mainly available in and around the comfortable seating in the lobby area. You'll score free round-the-clock coffee and tea; a free DVD library; free massage chairs; and free ramen, beer, and wine that's served nightly. Other free-to-use extras include strollers and bicycles, as well as five-minute international phone calls. Computer and laptops are also available, as is a coin-operated laundry room and vending machines. Staff at the 24-hour front desk is on hand to assist with tours and tickets, and there's space for meetings. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.