W Osaka, the first W Hotel in Japan, is an architectural masterpiece crafted by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, renowned for his minimalist yet striking designs. This iconic hotel, which opened in March 2021, is prominently located along the famous Midosuji Boulevard in Osaka - a bustling avenue known for its luxury boutiques and department stores. The sleek, black façade of the W Osaka stands out amidst the city’s skyline, creating a bold contrast with the vibrant interiors that perfectly embody W’s signature style.

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If you’re seeking luxury accommodations, W Osaka offers competitive room rates that are notably more affordable than those in Tokyo’s Ginza district. While it may not be the least expensive option, the value you receive is exceptional, given the experience. Osaka boasts an array of luxury hotels, and after staying at the Conrad Osaka and Hilton Osaka on previous visits, I opted for W Osaka this time for its prime location and the unique, vibrant atmosphere that I was eager to experience firsthand. For this stay, I applied four Nightly Upgrade Awards (NUAs) and was thrilled when my upgrade to a Marvelous Suite was confirmed a few days before my arrival. As a quick reminder, these NUAs can be requested up to 2:00 PM hotel time the day before arrival, with availability being checked starting three days prior. It's important to note that the property itself doesn’t decide whether these awards clear, so reaching out to them won’t influence the outcome. The upgrade’s success is apparently dependent on Marriott's forecasted demand and occupancy.

**Living Room**
Marvelous Suite - W Osaka

Despite arriving at the W Osaka a couple of hours before the standard check-in time, I was pleased to find that my suite was already prepared. As a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite member, I chose the complimentary breakfast for the duration of my stay instead of the 1,000 bonus points—a straightforward decision since the breakfast offers far greater value. The Marvelous Suite, where I stayed, spans 80 sqm and includes a separate living room that can be partitioned from the bedroom. While not all Marvelous Suites share the same layout, they are generally consistent in size. It is also worth noting that the lead-in suite category at the W Osaka is the Fantastic Suite (this is usually the best upgrade you can get as a Titanium Elite or Platinum Elite member, if it is available) which is situated on lower floors and is significantly smaller, measuring less than 60 sqm.

Upon entering the Marvelous Suite, you’ll find a small powder room near the entrance and the narrow walkway opens into a spacious living area. This area is outfitted with a comfortable sofa and ample seating for up to five adults. The suite is bathed in natural light, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning views of the iconic Midosuji Boulevard and the surrounding area. If you visit during the Christmas season, the festive lights along the shopping street are a particularly enchanting sight.

The W Osaka team went above and beyond with an elaborate selection of welcome amenities in my suite, including premium water sourced from the springs of Mt. Fuji, an assortment of juices, sweet treats, and an irresistibly cute castella cake shaped like Osaka’s famous street snack, takoyaki. I genuinely appreciate these thoughtful touches, especially since I tend to arrive at hotels feeling hungry. Having light snacks readily available upon arrival is always a welcome gesture.

**Nespresso Coffee Machine**
Marvelous Suite - W Osaka

True to the W Hotel brand, the minibar in the Marvelous Suite is exceptionally well-stocked, offering a diverse selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You'll find an array of premium spirits in mini bottles, along with chilled beverages in the minibar, all available for purchase. For those who can't start the day without coffee, the suite also includes a Nespresso machine, with complimentary coffee capsules and a selection of teabags conveniently provided.

Complimentary drinking water is provided in the room in the form of sleek aluminum cans with minimalist packaging, which at first glance might be mistaken for beer cans. I appreciate the eco-friendly design, as these cans are easily recyclable and can be placed in the fridge if you prefer your water chilled. As hotels worldwide increasingly embrace sustainability initiatives, it's fascinating to see how properties like this adapt, maintaining convenience for guests while reducing their environmental impact.

**Main Toilet**
Marvelous Suite - W Osaka

The Marvelous Suite features a small powder room near the entrance and a second toilet situated between the bedroom and living room. Both are equipped with TOTO washlets, offering convenience and luxury. I appreciate that these toilets are separate from the main bathroom, making it more practical when sharing the suite with others. The suite also includes a spacious walk-in wardrobe with ample room to hang several weeks' worth of clothing, complete with a full-length mirror for added convenience.

It is not something I say often, but the bedroom of the Marvelous Suite is undoubtedly my favorite part of the entire space. The bed is exceptionally comfortable—possibly the best I’ve ever slept on. The room is filled with natural daylight streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and you can enjoy stunning 270-degree views of the city from this beautiful suite.

**King-size Bed**
Marvelous Suite - W Osaka

The Marvelous Suite offers a plush king-size bed with convenient room light controls located on the bedside table. I particularly appreciate the tasteful and playful design of the bedroom, featuring a sophisticated contrast of muted yet elegant colors. For added privacy, there’s a door that can be closed to separate the bedroom from the living room—especially useful when hosting guests, ensuring they don’t pass through your personal space.

**Bedside Table**
Marvelous Suite - W Osaka

Having stayed at numerous luxury hotels across Japan (including the Park Hyatt Kyoto, Conrad Osaka, and the Andaz Tokyo) I’ve noticed that universal power outlets aren’t commonly available, so be sure to bring a travel adapter with you (although you can likely request one from the hotel). One feature I truly appreciate is the ability to control the lights and curtains directly from the comfort of the bed—which, by the way, is so comfortable that getting out of it feels nearly impossible. I'm not usually one to hit the snooze button, but I found it particularly hard to leave the bed at W Osaka.

**View from Bedroom**
Marvelous Suite - W Osaka

W Osaka is perfectly situated along the upscale Midōsuji Avenue, a prime location known for its abundance of luxury boutiques. If your room or suite is on one of the higher floors, you'll enjoy a nice view of the city, though it’s worth noting that there aren’t any iconic landmarks visible from many of the rooms. That said, the view is still pleasant and fitting for a city stay. If you're visiting during the festive season, especially around Christmas, you'll have the added bonus of enjoying the stunning holiday lights that illuminate Midōsuji Avenue from the comfort of your room.

The bathroom of the Marvelous Suite is directly connected to the bedroom and features a floor-to-ceiling window, allowing natural daylight to stream in during the day. It’s equipped with double vanity sinks and his-and-hers amenities for added convenience. As mentioned earlier, the suite has two separate toilets—one located near the main entrance and the other adjacent to the walk-in wardrobe.

Although the bathroom doesn’t offer views of any iconic landmarks, I really appreciate the freestanding bathtub positioned right next to the window. It's probably best to lower the blinds before getting in, but it still feels like a luxury to enjoy the view while soaking after a long day of exploring. The water pressure is excellent too, so you can easily create a bubble bath if that’s your thing.

**Bath Amenities**
Marvelous Suite - W Osaka

In line with brand standards, the bath amenities at W Osaka are by Davines from the MOMO range—I particularly love the shampoo, as it’s great for dry hair. The products come in bulk-sized bottles to minimize single-use plastic waste, which I really appreciate. Plus, unlike many hotels, the bottles aren’t wall-mounted, making it convenient to move them between the separate shower and bath areas.

One thing I always enjoy during my stays at W Hotels is the Skin Regimen Cleansing Cream. It's gentle enough to use as a face wash and nearly scent-free, which I really appreciate. In the past, W Hotels offered face wash from Bliss Spa, which I also liked, though it had a more feminine fragrance. While I understand the shift to bulk-sized amenities for sustainability, I do miss the convenience of having these cleansing creams in small, travel-sized bottles—they were perfect for shorter weekend trips.

Breakfast at W Osaka is served daily at Oh.lala... from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The restaurant, despite its quirky name, is conveniently located on the third floor—the same level where check-in takes place. As a Titanium Elite member, I chose the complimentary breakfast as my welcome amenity, which offered far greater value than 1,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points.

The food quality at Oh.lala... is excellent, and since my stay coincided with Halloween (which is quite a big celebration in Japan), many of the baked goods were themed accordingly. I particularly enjoyed the made-to-order eggs from the menu. However, I noticed that the staff took quite a while to clear empty plates, which was a consistent issue throughout my visit. They only seemed to clear plates when you were completely finished, which was slightly inconvenient if you wanted to go for seconds or thirds at the buffet. Despite this, the food options were great, and the coffee was delicious, with staff taking orders promptly when you first sit down.

In addition to the typical international spread you would expect at any luxury hotel, the W Osaka offered some unique dishes that reflected the local flavors of Osaka. A standout was the takoyaki, and there was also a Japanese noodle station where you could order ramen. A small table featuring condiments and Japanese side dishes like mentaiko can also be found on the opposite side of the restaurant. However, it's worth noting that the buffet spread leans more towards a Western palate overall.

Some may argue that indulging in a full buffet breakfast at the hotel takes away from the joy of exploring local food (since you are "wasting" stomach space), but I genuinely enjoy starting my day with a hotel breakfast. It ensures you get a proper coffee and a hearty meal before venturing out, depending on your dietary preferences. While Japan is a fantastic place to explore, not many local restaurants are open for breakfast (aside from bakeries). The breakfast at the W Osaka is excellent, and I highly recommend booking a breakfast-inclusive rate. As a tip, booking a Marriott Luminous rate (accessible for free via platforms like ClassicTravel.com) gives you daily buffet breakfast and a USD 100 property credit without any extra charge.

The W Osaka features a stunning swimming pool on-site, but I didn’t get a chance to visit during this stay. Conveniently, the fitness center is located on the same floor and is accessible 24/7 with your keycard. I really appreciate the gym at the W Osaka; it’s exceptionally well-equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment and even includes a lululemon Mirror for those seeking alternative workout options. Additionally, there’s a small fitness studio within the gym where you can enjoy a full-body workout or roll out a mat for some solo yoga.

Osaka is one of my favorite cities in Japan, and I actually prefer it over Tokyo because it feels more vibrant and offers a distinct food culture. While many people think of Dotonbori as the main attraction—especially for its nightlife—Osaka and the wider Kansai region have plenty of hidden gems for those willing to explore beyond the usual spots. I've stayed at a few different hotels in Osaka, including the luxurious Conrad Osaka and Hilton Osaka, but the W Osaka has definitely become my favorite hotel in the city.

Although I'm eager to check out the voco Osaka Central after hearing many positive reviews, I’ve decided to stay at the W Osaka again for my upcoming trip, as I have fond memories of the property. Admittedly, room rates at this property are on the higher side, and with no club lounge (or equivalent), some might say the added benefits for Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite members are limited. That being said, W Osaka's prime location makes it easy to explore most of Osaka's key attractions on foot, which is a major plus.

W Osaka
4-chōme-1-3 Minamisenba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0081, Japan
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