Stay Period: 26 March to 29 March 2018
Hi all, I had stayed in this establishment recently with my family (3 adults + 1 child (2.5 years old)). The period of our travel was the peak cherry blossom period and thus many other hotels were fully booked in Osaka. As I am travelling with old folk and a young child, location is the most important consideration factor for us. Therefore we booked this hotel due to its convenient location (it's 1 minute walk from Nagahoribashi station and about 500m walk from shinsaibashi station via the Crysta underground shopping street). This location is great as it is walking distance to major tourists attractions such as shinsaibashi, Dotonburi and kuromon Market (only 1 subway ride to nipponbashi).
Pro:
1) As I mentioned above, it's the location
2) Though the room is rather compact (standard Japanese city hotel Room size), it's pretty well equipped (no bottled water given though) with a queen size bed. Squeezing 2 adults in the room + luggage are a challenge. But overall, it is clean and comfortable for the night rest
3) There is a convenient store directly opposite the hotel to grab some food, drinks comfort items and essentials.
Cons:
1) Reception/ Check in is a let down, the check in service staff is grumpy and look uninterested to serve. We were treated like we are some army recruits and are subjected to the camp discipline master stating rules and regulations in staying in their establishment
2) I had earlier contacted the hotel via agoda.com to request for bed guard for my child. All I received was a cold reply that they do not provide such an item.
3) The corridor is stuffed with fully loaded laundry bags which obstructs the hall way.
4) When we were back one night, one female staff was running into the elevator and yawning right in front of us. Seeing that we were pushing our child (who was asleep in the stroller). She didn't wait for the next elevator but instead pushing her way into the elevator.
5) Again, during my last day check out, the service staff just took my room keys and say " OK, can leave now" - I have never encountered such standard of hospitality in Japan.
Things that we didnt try thus cant comment:
1) There is a small restaurant serving daily breakfast on level 1, we didnt try that as we booked the room without breakfast
Summary:
Overall, if you are a budget or solo traveller looking for an affordable, convenient and no frill accomodation then Best Western fino will be a good choice, but minus all the warm japanese hospitality. The staff needs more customer service training and work with enthusiasm. less