Review: St Regis Osaka
Trip Index:
Introduction
Getting There – JAL First Class
Hotel Review: Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
Guide to Tsukiji Fish Market
Room Service Review: Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
Day in Tokyo
Taking the Shinkansen “Bullet†Train
Hotel Review: Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
Tea at the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
Day 1 in Kyoto
Day 2 in Kyoto
Room Service Review: Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
Park Hyatt Tokyo: Revisited
Getting to Hiroshima
Hotel Review: Sheraton Hiroshima
Day trip to Miyajima
Day in Hiroshima
St. Regis Osaka
Food Shopping in Japan
One Day in Osaka
The St. Regis Osaka opened in 2010, and is located above Midosuji Avenue which is a Gingko tree-lined quiet street. It also holds the distinction of being the first international luxury hotel to be opened in the city in 13 years.
Rather than just a check-in desk where you stand, we were greeted at the door and led to a check-in seating area. It reminded me of the St Regis in Bal Harbour which offers the same. I like the process, as it gives me a chance to talk a little with the host or hostess about the property and elite benefits while staying there.
As I settled in to a plush chair a chandelier caught my eye that was both delicate and luminous. Turning my attention to back to the task at hand, the hostess informed us that the pavilion just outside of where we were sitting had nightly entertainment performances that we were welcome to join.
After receiving keys, we walked out through the pavilion, and saw that the area was actually a huge Zen garden. The gravel had been carefully raked into a spiraling pattern. It was a pretty nature scene, right in the middle of the bustling city.
On the way to the room elevators I took a look in a few rooms. We passed by the bar, and a cozy space that looked more like a comfortable family room in a house than a sitting area. It was tea time, and a display example was set up with the delicacies that were included.
In the room we were welcomed by an assortment of chocolates and a letter recognizing Starwood Lifetime status which was a very nice gesture.
A letter on the desk mentioned that turndown service was upon request. I thought it good in the way that I didn’t need to remember to put the DND on the door if I wanted to decline it, but not so good in the way that when gone for the day I appreciate returning back to a room that has been prepared for the evening with shades drawn, bedcovers turned back, and a couple waters waiting bedside with a mint or chocolate.
There was also a card clarifying what the benefits were for Platinums. Helpful in case of confusion.
And what was this? 3,000 JPY per night allowance for the min-bar and fridge.
Great! Not that I wanted to knock back a ton of those little bottles of alcohol, but sometimes it is convenient to have a quick snack or drink without going to the big hassle of going out to find something or ordering something from room service.
The room itself smelled fresh as if it had recently been aired out, and there wasn’t a sound heard from any other rooms or from the busy streets down below.
The bedroom was arranged so that there was a direct view from the bed to the city, and the furniture was laid out just right.
The TV swiveled outwards, so you could watch the TV from bed if desired.
A super-comfortable velvety lounger was directly in front of the window, as was a table that could easily be moved around. This made the room a prime spot for spending time. I found myself sitting on the couch and watching cars below, and we enjoyed meals using the table and enjoying the view as well.
Separating the bathroom from the bedroom was a set of double doors. They made a clicking sound when closing and weren’t silent so I didn’t often use them, but those needing privacy would find them a relief in a sea of hotel rooms with no doors or opaque glass.
The rack laid across the tub held Sothys bath amenities and a loofah (that were later changed out to Remede). There was a plump pillow strategically placed at the head of the tub which attached to the wall via suction cups.
The bathroom had both a rain shower and an option that included four separate jets. The in-wall TV behind the tub could easily be watched from the shower if so desired.
The double sinks held a lacquered box in the middle that held all sorts of helpful toiletries such as Q-tips, nail file and sewing kit.
The décor of the bedroom was very different than the bathroom. While the  bathroom had modern black marble contrasted with white towels and bath mats, the bedroom had been decorated in warm woods, muted colors of light brown, pale mauve and soft silver.
In addition to the lighting panel controls on the bedside tables, there was also a most welcome feature – an outlet. There were plenty around the room, but some people prefer to keep their phone/tablet/other items close by when sleeping.
One night we returned back late from a day in the town and when passing through the common areas heard some drums bonging and saw a bunch of people gazing out to the pavilion. Nudging closer, we were just in time for the show! One performer gave the drums a good workout while dancing around. I thought he was wearing socks but upon further inspection realized that they were shoes designed to look as if he only had two toes. I didn’t understand the cultural significance but the performance was fun to watch.
The evening view from the bedroom windows was gorgeous.
In the morning I deliberated ordering breakfast via room service and watching the sun rise over the city. Looking at the menu, a slight misprint put a smile on my face. In the end I decided I’d rather try the restaurant for breakfast and went down to try it out.
As my Platinum amenity I’d chosen breakfast which could be taken in the restaurant. I was pleased to find that there was an extensive buffet, but I opted for a traditional Japanese-style meal. There were all sorts of carefully presented bites in bento boxes, including a seaweed salad, fish, and soup. It was all delicious and I was more than happy with the meal.
This was a wonderful hotel stay. Check-in was smooth, the room was quiet and well-appointed with attention paid to detail, the meals were tasty and the property location was conveniently located near a train station in a beautiful part of town. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again!
The St Regis Osaka is a SPG Category 6 property, requiring 20,000-25,000 Starpoints for a free night.
Click here to continue reading my trip report, with Food Shopping in Japan.
It’s a great hotel – I stayed twice in early June. My second room’s bathtub had a fullsize window instead of the wall, which made for some amazing views of Osaka from the tub.
However, I am fairly certain that my room had bugs of some sort. I woke up the next morning (one night stay) covered in bites that really looked to be bed bug bites. I was in complete shock. Hopefully something else ate me up at night haha.
@A your window by the tub instead of the wall sounds really cool. I would have spent more time in the tub if it had had such great views. But yuck, bedbugs! Even the nicest hotels aren’t immune, but like you I do hope it was something else.