RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka

RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka occupies a high-rise building in a riverside location, and scenic views of the river and city skyline can be spotted from the building's upper floors. Upon entering, the vast lobby area communicates the hotel's massive size with a high atrium supported by several squared pillars. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural sunlight and reveal the lush greenery of the hotel's garden, while a serpentine water feature flows through the lounge area. But on the whole, public spaces have a dated look with old-fashioned fabrics, brightly patterned carpeting, and out-of-date furniture. Most guests staying here are business travelers visiting the Osaka International Convention Center next door.

RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka is located in a business area, one block away from the riverfront. It's connected to the Osaka International Convention Center via a corridor. It also has direct access to Nakonoshima train station next door. The hotel offers a free shuttle bus service to and from Osaka railway station as well.

• One-minute walk to Nakanoshima train station
• 13 minutes to Osaka station by public transit (seven-minute drive by shuttle)
• 20 minutes to Shinsaibashi shopping street by public transit
• 24 minutes to Tsutenkaku Tower by public transit
• 26 minutes to Kuromon market by public transit
• 28 minutes to Universal Studios by train
• 29 minutes to Osaka Castle by public transit
• 30 minutes to Abeno Harukas skyscraper by public transit
• 31 minutes to Shitteno-ji Temple by public transit
• 47 minutes to Kobe by train
• 49 minutes to Kyoto by train
• 68 minutes to Kansai International Airport by train

Guests at the RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka can have vastly different experiences due to the hotel's wide variety of categories and room styles. Still they do share a baseline of standard amenities -- air-conditioning, minibars, electric kettles, and flat-screen TVs. All are spacious, and some rooms have scenic views of the river and city skyline.

Suites, located on the Deluxe Floors, are simple and rather dour with dark patterned carpets, dated furniture, and a somber gray, blue, and beige color palette. These rooms are due for an update, and show some signs of wear and tear. Bathrooms are rather functional, fitted with shower/tub combos, though marble accents add a little lift. In contrast, the Japanese Suites on the Natural Comfort Floors are exuberantly done up in pastel colors and floral-patterned wallpaper, and feature low sofas and floor cushions. All come with kitchenettes. Bathrooms are modern and fitted with rectangular vessel sinks and separate showers and bathtubs. Free toiletries, hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, and magnifying mirrors are included. 

The Deluxe Suites in the Presidential Towers are far more romantic and classic in style. Soft, creamy textiles and dark, traditional furniture give a serious elegance, though it may feel old fashioned to some. Bathrooms are large and luxe, with separate shower stalls and bathtubs, separate toilets, Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries, magnifying mirrors, bathrobes, and slippers.

Rooms located on the Executive Floors (23 to 27 in the Tower Wing) benefit from several notable extras, include an exclusive front desk, a personal concierge, free breakfast, tea, and drinks in the lounge, and free access to the pool and sauna. While rooms generally get positive feedback, several guests have complained of a lingering smell of cigarette smoke in the non-smoking rooms.

Guests staying here are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining. There are 20 different on-site restaurants and eateries to choose from, including 10 Japanese restaurants, as well as French, Italian, and Chinese options. A bakery sells Japanese desserts, and there are also three bars and a tea room. Breakfast is served at three different restaurants, but it's not included in most room rates. All Day Dining Remone offers buffet and a la carte options, while Nadaman serves Japanese breakfast dishes. The lobby lounge also has a breakfast service. In terms of snacks and souvenirs, several shops on the hotel premises sell gourmet foods, gifts, chocolate, and wine, as well as clothing and jewelry, and a convenience store stocks handy items including snacks, drinks, and medications.

Other amenities include a fitness center, an indoor pool, a whirlpool, and a sauna, but they cost extra to use. Massage services can be booked, and the beauty salon offers up various beauty treatments. The hotel also has several meeting and banquet rooms, including ballrooms that can accommodate up to 2,000 people. There's also a chapel for wedding and religious services. The business center has two PCs available for guests, but is subject to an extra fee. The Wi-Fi connection is free and available in all areas of the hotel. Parking is available on-site for an charge.