Amemura

The Wall Hotel is a backstage pass to Osaka’s trendiest neighborhood, Amemura. Right in the middle of Shinsaibashi’s hipster hub, it's a central crash pad for exploring vintage boutiques, bar-hopping, and discovering your new favorite band. What's the hotel like? The 39-room boutique hotel feels like tucking into your own private VIP room surrounded by the excitement of Namba, Dotonbori, Minami, and Amemura. Slip into the unassuming entrance, slide into the elevator, and ride right up to your room without any fuss. While the hotel echoes the area's trendy spirit, it’s starting to show its age a little. Some guests mentioned being able to hear the highway from their room, but where ours was, we couldn’t hear anything, not even any other guests. Don’t worry about language barriers; the friendly staff is always on hand, ready to lend a hand (or a translation app). Check-in is a breezy 2 p.m., and check-out is the standard 11 a.m., with options to extend for a fee (/half hour). What facilities does the hotel have? While The Wall Hotel keeps its offerings minimal, you'll find everything you need. In addition to the standard amenities, they provide hair dryers and have items like phone chargers available for rent. The lobby offers a selection of skincare products and packages of instant coffee and tea to take to your room. Is there anywhere to hang out in the hotel? Unfortunately, no. The small bar on the first floor was closed that day, and The Wall Cabana (the height of cool a few years ago) has been permanently closed. What are the rooms like? Like many Japanese hotels, the rooms are small -- but bigger than the average business hotel. The standard double room is cozy for solo travelers or couples, but because the bed was in the middle, the room didn’t feel compact. The double bed surprised us with its spaciousness, offering a comfortable night's sleep. The room had everything you’d want: a window, a bathroom with a big bathtub, a desk, a 26" TV, a table and chair, a fridge, and a kettle. There were sufficient electrical outlets, though no USB outlets were provided, so pack your own if you don’t want to borrow one from the front desk for . The room had an air cleaner and air conditioning/heat. The real highlight is the bathroom. Where many smaller hotels have a compact bathtub next to the sink and toilet, The Wall Hotel keeps all three separate. This allows for a large bathroom with a huge, deep-soaking bathtub and a luxurious rain-style shower. Some rooms even come with a TV in the bathroom! The room's layout was ideal, with space for my toddler's stroller and a bag. The Wall Hotel offers various room types, including economy and standard twin rooms, standard double rooms, and larger deluxe double rooms. How big are the rooms? Room sizes vary, from a generous 16 square meters in the standard double room to a spacious 39 square meters in the deluxe double room. Are the rooms comfortable? The rooms are comfortable thanks to their size and incredible bathrooms. However, they might come across as a little bit dated, with worn carpeting and minimal amenities. Still, they are nice enough. It is also worth noting that the TV didn’t offer any way to connect to streaming services. It only came with basic cable and a video-on-demand feature with a limited variety of Japanese movies. What's the view like? The hotel may have been named after the view --- The Wall -- because that’s all we could see from our window. Still, since the hotel was in the middle of everything, we didn’t feel like we were missing out. The hotel’s former rooftop cabana used to offer a stellar view of the surrounding downtown area, but there was no way to see it since it was closed. What's the location like? The hotel is in the middle of Osaka, putting landmarks, shopping, dining, and entertainment within easy reach. Being in central Amemura means being surrounded by cool cafes, quirky boutiques, and non-stop nightlife. The hotel is also steps away from fashion-forward Shinsaibashi, where you can hunt for the latest trends or window shop 'til you drop. If vintage and indie charm is your vibe, the hotel is sandwiched between Orange Street and Triangle Park, Osaka’s hipster hangout. Namba, Dotonbori, and full access to the city’s trains are within close walking distance. How do I get there from the airport? The Wall Hotel can be reached by train in about 60 minutes from Kansai International Airport and approximately 40 minutes by train or bus from Itami Airport. How is the access to trains and subway? The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Shinsaibashi or Yotsubashi Stations on the Osaka Metro, and within walking distance of Minamihorie, Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Dotonbori. What's the surrounding neighborhood like? Amemura is Osaka's beating heart of youthful energy. This neighborhood is a paradise for creatives, fashionistas, music lovers, and anyone looking for the city's edgy side. Expect unique shops, cool cafes, people-watching, and lively hotspots that pulse with energy from dawn to dusk. The hotel's strategic location means nightlife, art, culture, shopping, and all the delectable food Osaka is known for at the hotel’s doorstep. Should I order the breakfast? No breakfast is available, but plenty of cafes and breakfast/lunch spots are nearby. Who should stay there? This is a perfect location for people who want to step outside and right into the action and/or have an easy trek back home at the end of a long day or exciting night. The hotel is less aimed at business travelers and more towards young solo guests, couples, friends, or small families. How eco-friendly is The Wall Hotel Osaka Amemura? The hotel doesn’t specify any eco-friendly practices, but offers minimal amenities to reduce waste.