The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Osaka, Japan is one of my favorite hotels. If you are looking for a diamond in the rough hotel downtown Osaka, go no further. All Ritz's hotels worldwide are certainly well noted for their elegant serenity and unparalleled personal service, but the Ritz in Osaka, towers above all the others I've had the pleasure of staying at. This hotel is centrally located downtown and is in the heart of the prestigious Nishi-Umeda district of Osaka, within walking distance to Osaka Station, 25 minutes from Osaka Airport and 1 hour from Kansai International Airport.

The Ritz is absolutely beautiful and the service was impeccable. I traveled there last January and made a reservation for a king size bed on the Ritz-Carlton Club level, hoping for an oasis of familiarity. The hotel is well noted for having the largest guestrooms in Osaka and is in Umeda's tallest building offering a panoramic view of the city. The room was well appointed with amenities. A large work desk with fax machine and data port, sumptuous marble baths, goosedown and non-allergenic pillows, international television shows, Oshibori and fresh orange juice presented on arrival, and plush terry bathrobes and slippers.

The focal point of the Ritz-Carlton Club is a fully staffed private lounge on the 34th floor, which is the first of its kind in Japan to feature five complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day. Their food and beverage presentation catered to both Western and Japanese cultures and it was a surprised treat. I sampled just about everything offered including some items I've never seen or tasted before. There were a wide variety of food and beverages including my favorite champagne and wine. The breakfast offering in the morning continued the tradition of the prior evening with a wonderful breakfast and created a lasting memory.

The morning of departure I went downstairs about 6:00 AM to enjoy my morning walk outside. As I came out of the elevator, I saw six hotel bell captains stationed strategically through out the lobby greeting me to a good morning bow and standing ready to cater to my every need. It was very impressive. While I was out for my morning walk I visited the lobby of the local Hilton Hotel that was only one block away. I must say the apparent differences in the two hotels are night and day. I highly recommend the Ritz. This Ritz is always running promotions so don't forget to inquire about them. If you can stay on the Club level do so, it will make your stay even more unforgettable.

The Ritz in Osaka has the only complete complimentary fitness center including steam and sauna, indoor pool, outdoor and indoor whirlpool, massage and Japanese baths. This would be a premium and costly add on in other Japanese hotels but it is included with your stay at this hotel. The health club is open from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM everyday of the year.

This Ritz is well appointed with a variety of interesting and good restaurants. Hanagatami Restaurant serves traditional Japanese cuisine. La Baie Restaurant for elegant dining which serves seafood. Xiang Tao Restaurant is a Cantonese restaurant. Splendido Restaurant which was my favorite and is a Mediterranean restaurant with Spanish and Italian Foods. Afternoon tea is served with light hors d'oeuvres in the lobby lounge. The Bar as it is called in the lobby is true to the Ritz elegant style and has a sedate mood in the evening with live music.

This shopping district of Osaka has with exclusive boutiques and stores adjacent to the hotel including Gucci, Lanvin and YVES SAINT- RIVE GAUCHE and many more. If this is your first visit to Japan, remember there is no tipping at restaurants, taxis and hotels. Remember to be on your best behavior. The Japanese are very gracious, polite and caring people. No I'm not Japanese. I'm from the Chicago-land area now and originally from the wonderful and proud state of Georgia.

Osaka is a major commercial center and I found it to a beautiful city with a lot of interesting things to do and see. If you can, visit Osaka Castle just 20 minutes away. This is the most famous castle in Japan. It's also one of the most photographed sites in Japan and home to Expo 70 Time Capsule. Another place that's a must to see is the department stores. Take an elevator to the basement in any large department store and you'll be surprised at all of the food and gourmet items available for sale. For venturing outside the city, Kyoto is 30 minutes away and Kobe is only about 25 minutes away by the bullet train.

Note:

This review was originally written May 25, 2000 under the heading of Japan. Since Epinions.com has now provided a review section for the Ritz-Carlton in Osaka, I'm now moving the review here.

Happy traveling





















Recommended: Yes