JR West Group Via Inn Prime Shinsaibashi Yotsubashi

I stayed here last year and loved it, so I came back. The Room and Facility are new and very clean. It’s directly connected to Yotsubashi Station, which is super convenient, and you can also reach Shinsaibashi Station via an underground passageway. It’s a bit long, but better than walking outside. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, and having an AEON on the first floor is really handy. The nightwear is very comfortable.The breakfast buffet was great again this year—there were mini rice bowls this time, which was a nice addition. Even with a Multiple Night Stay, you won’t get bored. I’d be happy if they brought back the kushikatsu that was available last year.Since many people seem to buy breakfast at the neighboring AEON, the breakfast buffet doesn’t get too crowded, so you can eat at a relaxed pace—another plus. It’s reasonably priced and tasty.The bathroom in the Room isn’t a typical unit bath; it has a separate washing area and feels spacious, which is a big plus. The only disappointment was that there were no complimentary bottled waters in the Room. Tap water in Japan is drinkable (there’s even a note by the sink), but I still prefer mineral water. You can easily buy it at AEON right away, though.I’ll definitely stay here again when I visit Osaka next year.

I had given up on staying here because the rates are higher than nearby properties, but I found a good-value day on IKYU and stayed for the first time. The metro exit is right next door, and the lower floors house a 24-hour supermarket, which was very convenient. Amenities are self-serve on the front desk floor—you pick only what you need—and they provide small bags to carry them. There was also a discount coupon for the supermarket on the first floor. The Room was clean, and the layout worked well for me.Breakfast was enjoyable, especially the palm-sized mini rice bowls and the freshly fried tempura early in the morning. They also had vegetable-packed miso soup and cut fruit like watermelon and oranges, which I felt made for a well-balanced breakfast while traveling (I prefer Japanese food, so I didn’t check the Western options).The only downside is that standard checkout is at 10:00, but this time it was extended free of charge to 11:00 after I signed up for a Hotel campaign.I reduced my service rating by one star because one item was missing from the in-room amenities. When I mentioned it before going out, it was provided when I returned along with an apology note, so it didn’t leave a bad impression. I would like to stay again if I have another opportunity.