Review : Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda | Marriott Bonvoy

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 14^th floor is superb.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The small fitness room on the 2^nd floor, open at all times, is equipped with everything you need to continue your training while in Osaka.

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.

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.