Review: Marriott Osaka Miyako

(Andy here) My family and I decided to spend July 4th weekend in Osaka and Kyoto, because of all the restrictions placed on Okinawa. It’s only a 1.5 hr flight from Oki, so it’s easily accessible. I looked at awardmapper and decided to compare the hotels on there to popular hotel review sites. One of the best reviewed hotels in the city is the Marriott Osaka Miyako, both for it’s awesome location, it’s phenomenal service, and it’s amazing views looking out over the city. We flew into Itami (ITM), whereas most people will fly into Kansai (KIX). From the airport, there is an awesome limo service that takes you to several locations throughout the city, and one is one block away from the Marriott! Just ask the information desk, and they’ll let you know, or you can check on google maps or their website.

I booked us four nights. I initially wanted to do all four nights on points, but the last night wasn’t available on points. Fortunately, Marriott has a cash + points option, which let me book three nights on points and the last with cash. It was 35k points per night, and the single paid night was around $350.

Our view flying into Osaka:

The hotel is right across the street, or under the street if you’re going through the shopping mall, from Tennoji station, which is one of the main waypoints connecting the city’s subway and JR (train) system. This was another reason this hotel was perfect for getting around Osaka (Japanese taxis are EXPENSIVE). When you arrive at the building, which is I think the 2nd tallest building in Osaka, you take the elevator up to the 19th floor to the main lobby, which has several bars and eating areas and a beautiful check-in area:

The view from up there is amazing:

They took our luggage and had us go up to the 38th floor to the Marriott Club, as I’m a Marriott Gold (thank you Chase Ritz Carlton!) for check-in. (I didn’t take pics for privacy reasons as it was quite packed). While we were checking in we got complimentary libations (Blanton’s Bourbon??? Heck yeah!) They upgraded us to a deluxe room, which doesn’t look that much different from a regular room, at least on the website. One unfortunate thing that I didn’t discern before checking the room – a rollaway bed for our son costs between $40-50 per night…ouch! Entering our room:

Again, the view was amazing! Unfortunately I couldn’t get a glare-free picture on my iphone of the view, so you’ll have to imagine. The beds were two singles plus the rollaway:

The beds were very comfortable, and despite the city being brutally hot that week, the AC kept the room feeling very nice.

Tons of bottled water was provided, with more in the club, and my personal favorite, a Nespresso machine was available with complimentary capsules:

The bathroom was spacious and well-appointed:

There was a sliding door that could block off the bathroom if you wanted, but it could be opened to appreciate the view:

Bathroom amenities were Thann:

The bathtub and shower were in the same room, a feature which is the norm in Japan. Hot and cold water were immediate:

And, my favorite, a Toto washlet:

Osaka has some AMAZING restaurants, including many Michelin-starred ones. Unfortunately, almost none of them allow children under 12, so after talking to the concierge, an English-speaking babysitter was arranged so we could go to one of the only ones we could get reservations to, Gaku, which was phenomenal. She cost about $80 for 3 hours, not terrible.

We also booked some tours on Voyagin, including a day-long tour of several sites in Kyoto and Nara. Although Kyoto was beautiful, the highlight to me and my family was Nara – both the deers which you can feed and pet, and the amazing Buddha temple, with the world’s largest wooden Buddha. Also take one day to hit Spaworld Osaka, which is incredibly relaxing.

Overall a very cool trip – I think I like Osaka better than Tokyo. When we return, we’re definitely going to stay at the Marriott again!