Zentis Osaka

Considering the premium space in Osaka, the room was quite spacious. They thoughtfully prepared a surprise for my birthday, which was a nice touch. However, it's a bit far from the subway station, and walking back after a full day of sightseeing can be quite tiring.

1. **Location** This was my second visit to Osaka. Although it's part of the Umeda area, it's conveniently located midway between Namba and Umeda. It's situated between Nishi-Umeda Station and Higobashi Station on the Yotsubashi Line, and also close to Yodoyabashi Station on the Midosuji Line, making transportation very convenient. What's even more appealing is the Dojima underground shopping street right in front of the hotel, allowing direct underground access to Osaka Station, which was a huge plus for easy travel. 2. **Hotel Facilities** According to the Palace Hotel Group, which developed the hotel brand, the name 'Zentis' is a combination of words and a naming concept derived from: - **Zen (禅)**: The Eastern philosophical concept of 'Zen' representing peace of mind, emptiness, restrained aesthetics, and richness within restraint. - **Intuition / Insight**: A space that resonates with the senses and intuition of individual guests. - **Aesthetics**: A sophisticated design sense that is understated yet refined. Indeed, the interior design of Zentis Osaka was handled by world-renowned designer Tara Bernerd, famous for skillfully blending traditional Japanese 'Zen' aesthetics (Eastern emptiness and naturalism) with modern Western sensibilities. - **Use of Natural Materials**: Utilizes eco-friendly materials like wood, stone, and warm-toned fabrics. - **Clean Design**: Avoids excessive decoration, emphasizing spatial openness and flow. - **Peace of Mind**: Although located in the heart of the city (Osaka Dojima), the moment you step inside, it creates a serene atmosphere unique to 'Zen,' bringing a sense of calm and order. The rooms were also clean, and I particularly liked that they had hardwood floors instead of carpet. 3. **Staff Friendliness** I arrived early on the first day, intending to just drop off my luggage and go sightseeing, but they allowed an early check-in. All the staff were very kind and helpful, which I appreciated. 5. **Overall Conclusion** If I visit Osaka again, I would definitely want to stay here.

No one was there to greet us upon arrival at the hotel, so we had to carry our luggage in ourselves. It was pouring rain, and to make matters worse, both of our umbrellas were taken. We were really annoyed. Luckily, the environment was nice, and the breakfast was to my liking.