Strategically situated in a large-scale mix-development complex of Grand Front Osaka and well connected to the maze-like bustling Osaka station by foot, the InterContinental Osaka is ideally placed for some serious shopping, world-class dining and entertainment with an exuberant vibe and vigorous lifestyle that you don’t even know where to start as well as easy short trips to discover the popular neighbouring cities such as Kyoto, Kobe, Nara and beyond, thanks to its world-renowned, hyper-efficient and extensive coverage of rail network.
Given that we had arrived in Osaka by Shinkasen via the well developed train network even from as far as Beppu in Kyushu island, in less than 5 hours, we easily made our way through Osaka station and across a footbridge into the iconic Grand Front Osaka complex and easily found the ground level entrance pre-arrival lobby at the shopping mall level. The seemingly identical InterContinental classic interior design of tan marble, dark wood panelling and signature scent is transformed into the large format once the lift doors open on the 20th floor and thanks to the excellent tips from the ever-ready-at-your-service concierge team given prior to our arrival exploration. Too easy!
The expansive lobby with views overlooking Umeda and Osaka city glittering skyline, as well as the river and beyond is flooded by natural light with floor to ceiling windows right behind the main elevated wooden reception desk, with the concierge desk on the left and duty manager desk on the right.
Upon exiting the lift, the much elegant 3-60 Lounge to the far left of the lobby is set in a more sophisticated design to create a cozy and relaxed ambience. The lounge is decorated with a modern glass cylinder chandelier that is illuminated in the hue of turquoise when the night falls, hanging below the large oval motif ceiling which filled the gap of space contrasting those low colour lounge chairs, sitting on a coral motif-like beige colour carpet that enlightened the entire area.
The graceful flower arrangement also adds sophistication to the entire lounge area with a small bar area shelved with large and colourful TWG brand tea canisters while enjoying a late afternoon tea with the spectacular view of the city.
However, the other end of the foyer seems a little disoriented for its seating arrangements, with the small coffee tables, a mix of sofa chairs and small lounges cluttered and placed in a disordered form that created a messy and narrow setting which didn't really offer a sense of coziness, not to mention that the selected colour tone didn't blend in with the stone walls and wooden wall on one side for a sense of luxury, at least not the InterContinental branding visual to our observation and is hard for us to find that contemporary Japanese environment ambience and urban luxury.
The gleaming polished marble flooring inlaid with some illuminated light strips design surely brightened up the lobby area and added an element to design to the almost monotone colour lobby space. Artwork is associated with the hotel and can been seen everywhere in the lobby with large and small scale works of colourful Be@rbrick like figurines which were placed and collocated at the corners and colour shelves with a giant red one leading to the guest room lifts. Overall impression is that the views are unbeatable, but the lobby sense of style itself is exceedingly boring - thankfully, we were told that an upgrade is in discussion since its opening in 2013, including the 215 guest rooms and 57 residential suites.
Our check-in was brief with the usual formalities, but Nana San who looked after this process was extremely on point on all counts due to her warmth and professionalism, we were soon opening the door to our 50sqm spacious Premium Room on the 26th floor with different skyline views overlooking the other side of Umeda district and to the mountains beyond.
The Premium Room was designed in the classic colour palette of the InterContinental brand, with a blend of contemporary elegance and a few touches of Japanese elements. The king bed was super comfortable, adorned with soft high thread count bed linens as well as a grey cushioned headboard. A large beige day bed by the window could possibly be used as a roll away which sat on a light green flora motif carpet that separated once again the monotone colour scheme in the room.
A spacious ergonomic work desk opposite the bed along one side of the room is the work area against a off-greyish stone motif like wallpaper, with a lump of white stone used as the support which sat next to the well-designed mini bar cabinet along the hallway entrance. Right behind the wall cabinet is the walk-in robe and luggage storage that had plenty of hanging space, small yet compact.
The modern contemporary in-room design and decor may seem lacking that warmth factor to reflect the harmonious blend of luxury, yet exuding a more clinical execution of minimalist design (some colourful throw cushions would have gone a long way to add some life) prior to luxurious touches. Wear and tear on furniture are clearly seen and water marks and stains ate into the windowsills that we presume was hard to remove, so some TLC would help by keeping the luxury level amped up for more refinement and indulgent comfort.
Spacious pool area with plentiful sun loungers.
There is also the ubiquitous spa which we didn’t have time to explore yet the Japanese hot bath onsen was heaven sent for us that delivered a ritualistic experience and rejuvenation after a hard day walking many kilometres exploring the vibrant city.
Breakfast was enjoyed in NOKA Roast & Grill on level 20, past the 3-60 Lounge which had a warm and inviting atmosphere. Since we were not booked in to the Club access to explore the unknown, our first morning got off to a great start with our host, Mika san who has a great sense of humour and excellent communication.
Breakfast was a fine repast with a buffet that was rather bountiful that allows you to be indulgent with some calorific offerings that were too good to resist, with some surprises that one would not normally expect such as dried wild blueberries and cranberries, pumpkin soup, a larger array of juices, Chinese Dim Sum that changed daily, orange Danish pastries to Japanese staples and more. The variety was impressive and more than decent yet some flavours were not as authentic as we expected. As the clientele is so wide-ranging and they have to cater to many cultural tastes, was it worth the inflated prices with the variety of international selection over quality but to focus on what they do best?
Dining out is always a must when traveling, but sometimes you just want to stay in and dine due to weariness, and the hotel signature one Michelin star French restaurant PIERRE is worth exploring.
ADEE Lounge & Bar with an extensive array of gins and other spirits and signature cocktails made with seasonal fruit is ideal for a pre or post dinner drink.
Rain or shine, there is so much to do in this bustling Umeda neighbourhood, we never have a dull moment especially getting the local insights from the informative, courteous and dedicated concierge team led by the most passionate Chief Concierge Keiko san are at your disposal. The charming Momone san and Miko san were equally gracious, knowledgeable and fluent in English without any sign of lost in translation. It is an absolute asset to the hotel and a bonus for every guest that has the chance to enjoy their recommendations, as they were spot on! Believe us not, go test their knowledge and you will be surprised, in fact you will be impressed for what they can come out with especially when you are eager to explore those off the beaten tracks sights. Sugoi desu ne!
If you intend to arrive in style, prior booking of the airport meet-and-greet service and the latest model of the in-house Aston Martin pickup is not to shabby while being transported and escorted to the hotel in a more sophisticated and luxurious way. Why not?! We had three quite enjoyable nights at the InterContinental Osaka and the one constant was dedicated and attentive service in every venue we had the pleasure of enjoying, including the wellness team on level 4, so the delivering of service seemed pretty much effortless everywhere we went. Housekeeping also delivered a prompt service with extra amenities requested as well as keeping the room tidy in an orderly manner.
For a landmark of elegance and comfort, you wouldn’t accept anything less from this luxury accommodation of the InterContinental chain with 5-star luxury must-have amenities and facilities that are a notch above the already-excellent Japanese standards. You may easily get accustomed to it for a lavish staycation to splash out for that well-earned status as a 5-star luxurious hotel to elevate the experience. The InterContinental brand by IHG is synonymous with excellent service and the InterContinental Osaka surely delivered and we would not hesitate to return especially when the potential upgrade to be done is in the pipeline for the next level of elevated and anticipated luxury experience.
Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4/5
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4/5
Housekeeping: 5/5
Food & Beverage: 3.5/5
Food & Beverage: 3.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5
Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.
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