Review: Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel, Japan

Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel is located within the tallest skyscraper in Japan, the 300m tall Abeno Harukas, which means "to brighten, to clear up". Occupying floors 19 to 20, 38 to 55, and 57, the hotel offers outstanding views of Osaka, as well as easy access to shopping and dining. The nearest rail station is Tennoji, can be reached on the metro, JR and Kintetsu lines. The fastest way to Kansai International Airport is via the Kansai Airport Express Haruka train that runs regularly.

Incredible views from the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel

While nearby attractions include the popular Shitennoji Temple, Tennoji Park and Shinsekai, it is reasonable to say that the hotel is an attraction in itself.

The Abeno Harukas is seen in the background here from Shitennoji Temple

Exterior of the Abeno Harukas

To enter the hotel, guests may take the designated elevators to level 19, which will take them to the hotel lobby.

The designated elevators to the hotel lobby are on the right

Once there, guests will pass by a dining area to reach the check-in counters. Very polite service was delivered in typical Japanese style, if not a little slow near the check-in time of 3pm. Guests will then need to take a different set of elevators to access their guestrooms; these elevators, unfortunately unlike the previous ones, do not offer any views.

Lounge and bar in the lobby floor

The set of elevators linking the lobby and the guestrooms

I stayed in a superior room on a relatively high floor, even though guests may be assured that all rooms offer views of the Osaka skyline. The room was updated and comfortable, and I was slightly taken aback by the beautiful views as the city was just lighting up.

An outstanding spot to soak in the views

Superior room

A working/dining area in the room

It was quite an experience to fall asleep looking at the night view, although you may wish to draw your curtains to prevent being interrupted by the morning sun.

Evening view from the room

While the bathroom included a bathtub, the wooden stool in the shower area was an instant reminder that I was in Japan. Thann-branded shower amenities were provided in single-use plastic containers. The water pressure was great despite being so many floors up.

The bathroom

A very noticeable wooden stool

The executive lounge is located on the 38th floor, and offers breakfast, afternoon tea and cocktail hours. It had a large capacity and also a nice touch of greenery. A comprehensive self-service bar was available, with all the wine and spirits that you would typically expect, plus Japanese beer and sake (local fermented rice liquor) which were great add. A selection of hot food were also available from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, while alcoholic beverages continued on for two more hours.

The executive lounge

Selection of complimentary wine, spirits and beer during the cocktail hours

  

Hot food during the cocktail hour

Breakfast at the lounge was great, with Japanese rice being an interesting addition that is sure to fill you up.

Breakfast at the executive lounge

Guests are also provided with complimentary tickets to the Harukas 300 observation deck, which was an awesome gesture as it afforded views from a spot higher than any guest room. Of course, I took advantage of this opportunity to indulge in a 360 degree view of Osaka skyline, which would have otherwise costed 1,500 yen per person. In fact, I also noticed that guests had the option to sign up for jogging sessions on the observation deck during the early mornings, which would have been a memorable experience.

View from the Harukas 300 observation deck

This stay proves that the hotel is as much an attraction in itself, and being in Osaka which is consistently regarded as an outstanding city for foodies, I did not find the opportunity to try the hotel restaurants. As a Marriott Category 6 property, this is one of the more expensive hotels, but it was all for the experience which turned out to be pretty memorable. It is also worth noting that this hotel does not have a swimming pool or spa available, but perhaps a trip to a Japanese onsen would be a more local experience.

A welcome card and separate keys for the room and executive lounge

Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel is located at 1-1-43 Abeno-suji, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-0052 Japan.