Hotel of the week: The St. Regis Osaka, Japan

Osaka is often overshadowed by its bigger, louder neighbours Kyoto and Tokyo – but Japan’s third city is well worth a visit.

A star Osaka attraction is the Dotonbori district which comes into its own after dusk with a host of eateries offering everything from Takoyaki (fried balls of Octopus) to Okonomiyaki (a divine savoury pancake with numerous fillings).

Nearby, along the busy and historic Midosuji Avenue, The St. Regis Osaka towers above the city offering a quiet and luxurious escape.

Since opening in October 2010, The St. Regis has made its mark as one of Osaka’s leading luxury hotels – so we checked in to find out if it really offers the best views in the city.

Where is it?

Nearby Osaka Castle (Marriott Hotels)

The St. Regis rises above Midosuji Avenue – known as Osaka’s ‘Champs Elysées’, just north of the bustling Dotonbori district and between the quaint Utsubo Park and Osaka Castle. Metro links are directly under the hotel, making getting around easy as the main station – Shin-Ōsaka Station – is under 20 minutes away.

Besides shopping, there’s not too much in the hotel’s direct vicinity, so stay closer to Dontonburi if you want to be in the thick of it.

Style

The St. Regis Osaka takes the fact that it’s one of the few luxury hotels in Osaka – a city famous for its capsule hotels – and runs with it. The rooms are spacious, the ceilings high and the views even better.

The first thing you’ll notice when entering the elevated 12th-floor reception area is the large gold-framed artwork behind the reception desk, it definitely makes a statement. The second thing you’ll notice is the lush greenery outside the hotel’s windows – a zen garden awaits you outside and certainly puts you in the right mood for your stay.

A chic Japanese bath tub (Marriott Hotels)

With these views, deep soak bath tubs and cloud-like beds, it’s hard to fault the rooms at The St. Regis. While not the most Pinterest-worthy, the caramel and beige palette, sleek marble floors and bespoke details from Japanese artists are nice touches.

Perhaps the prettiest part of The St. Regis can be found on ground-level at Rue d’Or. The French bistro, charcuterie and bakery looks like you’ve stepped into an elegant Parisian cafe, complete with red velvet seats and monochromatic flooring. Upstairs, just around the corner from the main reception, La Veduta (where breakfast is served) has been made to look like the interior of an Italian country villa and, fittingly, Northern Italian cuisine is on the menu.

Food & drink

If you need a break from Japanese food (which, trust me, you won’t) book at table at Rue d’Or to sample its three-course menu or take a seat at La Veduta for one of its multi-course menu that features scallops, veal and Kobe beef.

Wajo, the hotel’s Teppanyaki restaurant, is where to book if you want something fancy and The Beer Garden (open until September 30) is the place to be to indulge in all-you-can-drink champagne and draft beer.

La Veduta is where you’ll find breakfast come morning, so expect a buffet spread with international delicacies along with an a la carte menu for the likes of truffle benedict.

Facilities

Located on the 14th floor – which also houses a 24-hour gym – the IRIDIUM featuring SOTHYS spa offers a number of treatments, from body scrubs to couple’s massages and paraffin hand treatments. The menu is extensive and perhaps one of the more interesting additions is the Takumi treatment – a treatment which is exclusively for men who need to ‘relieve fatigue after long-lasting desk work or flights.’

The St. Regis Osaka exterior (Marriott Hotels)

For those who have problems with pollution-clogged pores, the 60-minute pore cleaning treatment will do wonders, while the Orient Stone Therapy combines a scrub with a message to entice the senses.

Another thoughtful touch to the hotel is the small cubbyhole that connects your room to the hallway and is only accessible by staff from the outside. This means you can get food and beverages delivered to the cubbyhole without having to answer the door.

Which room?

For the best views of the city, it has to be the Grand Deluxe Premier Twin Larger Guest room. While a bit of a mouthful, this corner room gives you the best views of the city – be sure to sink into the windowside tub at sunset to see the city’s lights begin to twinkle.

Go for a corner room for the best views (Marriott Hotels)