Keihan Tenmabashi Ekimae Hotel

We spent 8 nights here, using it as a base to explore Osaka and environs. It is a newer hotel with a classy, restrained style. It is located across the street from a metro/local railway station with an associated 8-floor shopping mall built above it – very handy! Osaka Castle park is just 10 minutes walk from the hotel - go at 5am to appreciate the tranquility. Check-in was easy, the staff aid you to navigate the check-in machines. Many of them speak at least a little English. Check-out was also easy; we paid an extra 2,000Y for 2 hours later check-out time as our flight didn’t leave until late. Close to the check-in desks was an area where many little amenities are available – toiletries, tea/coffee supplies, trah bags, hand towels, etc. There's also a hotel hand stamp - IYKYK! The room was nicely designed; the wet room, toilet and sink were all separate. Fridge and kettle were in-room, while there are microwaves and vending machines on a couple of floors. We booked one of the slightly smaller rooms – less wide, but still enough space for us to both move around. The twin beds were comfy, though we had to ask for extra pillows as only one each is standard. The beds and pillows are harder than is standard in the US, but not uncomfortable. The HVAC system was efficient and VERY quiet - not the noisy tornado common to US hotels! Many room functions, such as the HVAC and lights, are controlled via a touchpad between the beds. The TV was great; we were able to cast our iPad to it, and you can check on the status of your laundry. The laundry has three washers and three dryers; payment is via the web, so take your phone/iPad down with you! Cash payment was not an option. The machines were very efficient and detergent was provided. We paid the extra charge for the breakfast buffet; this was a highlight. There’s a good range of hot and cold foods, mostly Western but some with a Japanese twist, and there were some changes daily. Pastries and rolls, cereals, fresh fruit and yoghurt were available, but our favourite was the soft-serve ice cream machine – the vanilla-matcha swirl is to die for! Throughout our stay, the staff were friendly, competent and helpful and overall we were very pleased with the hotel – we cannot think of any real issues or concerns, which is pretty remarkable for an 8-night stay! Top marks and we can highly recommend it!