Review: Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda
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The Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda is the second hotel in the Moxy chain in Osaka, after the Moxy Osaka Honmachi. Located in the vibrant Umeda district, this dynamic hotel with its fun design charmed me.
Here’s my experience during my trip to Japan in November 2023.
Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda – Booking
I stayed at the Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda for five nights and with a combination of points and cash. I used 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for two nights and paid the regular rate for the other three nights.
The Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda is one of the most affordable hotels on points in Osaka, with rates starting at 20,000 points per night.
If you book your stay with Marriott Bonvoy points, don’t forget the fifth night free trick!
Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points
The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to be a Marriott Bonvoy American Express* Cardholder (and/or Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express* Cardholder).
In addition to the great welcome bonus on both cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases and 5 points per dollar at Marriott locations. Each year, you’ll earn a certificate for one free hotel night (worth 35,000 points), plus 15 Elite nights towards your Marriott Bonvoy status.
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
- Annual fee
- $150
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$700Total$700$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $700
- Welcome offerAfter $5,000 in 3 months
- Up to 80,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda – Location
The hotel is located in Umeda, one of Osaka‘s most interesting districts in my opinion. It stands out for its blend of urban modernity and traditional Japanese culture.
The boulevards are filled with skyscrapers, including the iconic Umeda Sky Building with its observation platform. However, if you stray from the main streets, you’ll find plenty of charming alleyways with delicious restaurants and izakaya.
Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda – Around the hotel
JR Fukushima station is less than a five-minute walk from the Moxy. This station is on the Osaka Loop train line, which is very convenient for reaching the city’s attractions. Trains operating on the Osaka Loop are accessible free of charge with a JR Pass.
It’s about a ten-minute walk to JR Osaka Central Station. The Umeda and Nishi-Umeda subway stations are a 15-minute walk away.
High-speed trains (shinkansen) depart from and arrive at JR Shin-Osaka station. It’s slightly outside the city center: allow ten minutes to get there by cab, or twenty minutes by train.
You’ll find the indispensable Lawson convenience store or kombini right next door for all your needs and cravings.
As for restaurants, there’s something for everyone on the boulevard leading to JR Fukushima station. Personally, I’ve tried and recommend:
- ラーメンまこと屋 福島店 – Ramen Makotoya Fukushima (ramen)
- 浦江亭 福島店 – Uraetei Fukushima (yakiniku)
- 寿司バール漁祭 福島店 – Sushi Bar Gyosai Fukushima (sushi)
- 福島上等カレー 本店 – Joto Curry Fukushima (Japanese curry)
Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda – Check-in
As with all Moxy hotels, check-in is at the bar. The tone and fun atmosphere are set from the moment you arrive, with a complimentary signature cocktail (or mocktail).
In the hall, there’s plenty of space to sit and relax, as well as board games and a few books. The reception is open at all times, as is the kitchenette where you can buy drinks and snacks.
I was able to check in around noon without any problem. For those who need it, luggage can be left in lockers before check-in and/or after departure.
Thanks to my Marriott Bonvoy Elite Gold status, I’m offered an upgrade to a room on a higher floor. What’s more, I received coupons for a free drink (cocktail, mocktail, signature coffee) every day.
The corridors have a trendy industrial style, with original sculptures and a few nods.
Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda – Room
The standard room is rather tiny, but that’s the case for most of the spaces in Japan. However, the design ensures that every inch is optimized. The furniture can be folded and hung on the wall to free up space.
Even so, the room is well-equipped and has the same touch of hip design as the rest of the hotel.
Amenities include a 55-inch flat-screen smart TV, multiple USB ports, telephone, safe and mini-refrigerator.
The bed is very comfortable, with a soft feather duvet. Restorative sleep guaranteed! The view of the city from the 14th floor is superb.
Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda – Bathroom
The bathroom is impressively large compared to the bedroom. The large glass shower is equipped with a small bench, because there’s nothing better than being able to sit in the shower after a long day walking around Osaka. Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are provided.
A hairdryer, small toiletry sets, slippers and bathrobes are also available.
Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda – Breakfast
Breakfast is a buffet featuring mainly Japanese dishes, but also a few Western options such as cereals, pastries and salads. Try ochazuke, a simple and typical rice dish.
Filter coffee and juices are available, but other types of coffee such as espresso or cappucino are extra.
Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda – Other services
Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda – Bar and common areas
The 24-hour bar offers a wide variety of cocktails, and Japanese whisky lovers will be delighted. We also serve beers from local microbreweries. In addition, the restaurant offers some dishes such as poke bowls and burgers.
The lobby and common areas are decorated with flowers, a huge teddy bear and a magnificent illuminated crab as a centerpiece. Snow crab is one of Osaka‘s culinary specialties, so don’t leave without trying it!
The retro ambience is also very present, with a multitude of neon lights, classic arcades and gaming touches such as the giant Rubik’s cube and the table simulating Atari’s Pong game.
Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda – Workspace
At the far end of the common areas, a library corner has been specially designed for working. The large table offers ample space and power outlets. Working remotely in Japan during that trip, I took advantage of it every day.
Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda – Fitness room
The small fitness room on the 2nd floor, open at all times, is equipped with everything you need to continue your training while in Osaka.
Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda – Laundry room
Like most accommodations in Japan, the Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda features self-service laundry facilities. Washing machines and dryers operate with ¥100 coins, and detergent is added automatically. If you don’t have enough change, the staff at reception will be happy to exchange your bills.
Ironing facilities are available on most floors.
Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda – My overall impression
This was my first stay in a Moxy brand hotel and I can’t wait to repeat the experience! The Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda’s location is perfect, as JR Fukushima station is just a five-minute walk away, and all of Osaka ‘s attractions can be reached in just ten minutes by train.
Around the hotel, you’ll find an array of restaurants to suit all tastes. What’s more, the friendly, smiling staff made my stay very pleasant. Finally, the communal areas and library gave me the opportunity to work in complete tranquillity in a superb setting.
- Annual fee
- $120
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$600Total$600$100 deferred bonus, excluded from the first-year estimate and not counted in this total.Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $600
- Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Read our other hotel reviews in Japan:
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To maximize your stays and points earning, check our complete Marriott Bonvoy program guide and our best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards ranking. For personal use, see the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. For business expenses, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card earns points on every business purchase. And if a points purchase promotion is running, take advantage via our Marriott Bonvoy points purchase guide.