IHG is a huge global brand that is rapidly expanding its footprint and never stops thinking about launching a new brand or a new hotel. Less for a life of more, Osaka was privileged to be chosen and introduced as the first VOCO hotel in Japan.
As a brand, VOCO sits in its own realm, as it does not try to copy other existing brands and the VOCO Osaka Central is resplendent with striking design elements, cozy modern theme guestrooms, delectable dining and sustainability touches and touts itself as lighting up the Kyomachibori area.
We moved from the close by bustling Umeda district and couldn’t quite put our finger on the position for VOCO Osaka Central as the location ended up surprising us. The area seems to be in a mainly business district, but as you scout the neighbourhood you realize that there is so much more to explore. It is quite a distance by foot from the heart of Umeda yet close enough and an easy stretch walking to a much exciting shopping, charismatic dining options as well as sophisticated entertainment in Kitashinchi, not to mention metro stations are all within easy reach for you to explore and enjoy the statement experience.
The location is also surrounded by character art gallery that inspire and drooling local eats such as ramen houses, yakiniku restaurants and is all within walking distance. Follow the front desk staff’s recommendations and it won’t disappoint. The location is second to none without having all the tourist congestion outside, as it is just slightly off the beaten track which is a delightful find.
The tagline is “bringing a brighter shade of life to Osaka” and we would not disagree, as it brings a fusion of cosmopolitan charm and a relaxed contemporary ambience, which was certainly evident to us. So it was rather fitting that we were checking into the VOCO Osaka Central in this arty Kyomachibori district.
Striking design elements are quite visible from the moment you step through the curved sliding door vestibule, from ornate gold ceiling panels to Japanese crafted wooden beams and design elements of a subtle nature just about everywhere you look in the public areas.
The intention of the artwork is to connect the past and present of the Kyomachibori area, such as an iconic spiral staircase and wooden beams from the now dismantled old Kyomachi Building that previously stood on the site. This also resonates with the nearby art museums and galleries.
The motif of the hotel logo is a bird with a key and miniature ornamental birds placed around the reception counter exude a playful touch. The hotel’s size is not too broad, with only 191 rooms and one restaurant slash cafe and bar called LOKAL HOUSE. A small gym for leisure and a few meeting rooms, so a medium design footprint overall that ticks all the necessary boxes.
Our check-in on arrival was a bit confusing and messy, as everything we knew that had been confirmed was being contradicted by the front desk staff, which was completely incorrect, so after some specific questions all was rectified. The reception area is a bit untidy, there were papers everywhere that could not be hidden from guest sight-lines.
The front desk also share half of the extended bar space in which they may also need to attend both sides of the guest inquiries that all seemed rather chaotic. Moreover, the distance between the entrance doors and the front desk was not that great, so the lobby space did seem quite congested even with a mini group check-in. There were some very switched-on front desk staff (except the evening duty team which were a little unfriendly and reluctantly offered their supposed welcoming hospitality during our stay), so streamlining the arrival was possible, but not just on our arrival.
Once all had been resolved at check-in, we were opening the door to our Premium Room on the 6th floor and it was surprisingly spacious and thoughtfully designed. An open plan shelving/hanging space with sensible options for storage and rather space saving, then a simple work desk that could be used with an ottoman or from the very large upholstered window seat, decorated with striking colour cushions.
A large king bed could be accessed from both sides with small bedside tables just enough to put essential items with a chic leather-look bedhead leaning against an yellow-orangey wall, adorned with an arty and contemporary design hanging lamp that added a beautiful design element to the room.
The bathroom wall with a sliding door was wrapped around with a sleek blue repetitive print which sophisticatedly opened up the bright bathroom. The spacious bathroom has a large floor space set with terrazzo style tiles that gave a very happy vibe. A Japanese TOTO bidet toilet and an enclosed walk-in shower and a long bath tub with a great power showerhead are well facilitated. The sustainability credentials are real, as they don’t provide all amenities, such as cotton buds or pads, hair comb or brush, dental care and etc, yet these can be requested from the front desk, which cuts down on unnecessary wastage.
The amenities where possible are made out of bamboo instead of plastic and the water bottles are made out of light aluminium and so easily recycled. The Antipodes bathroom amenities were fabulous and are plant based in a large format to reduce plastic waste. The “green ingredients” are obtained from sustainable or renewable plant-based origins, where its sourcing does not negatively impact the ecosystems.
We liked the sustainability focus and the fact that extras were available on request, by having unnecessary items in the guestroom can be annoying and in the way. This is a philosophy that other hotels should follow as well at least the VOCO Osaka Central has taken the lead.
Our guestroom was exactly what was needed and we thoroughly enjoyed the layout, fit out and, in particular, the long window seat and we were able to spread ourselves out and never feel cramped. There is no minibar in the room, but the Iwa Okoshi - Osaka’s traditional rice bar is a true local treat made from smashed millet and syrup. Legend has it that in the Edo period, large rocks came rumbling during canal constructions (the name given pronounced similar to rock excavation work), and this local treat is beautifully packaged and are delicious for you to enjoy the flavour that Osaka people grew up with. You can always request more at the front desk for a refill. Nice little touches that are not limited.
Apart from the guest rooms, you can burn off the calories in the hotel 24/7 gym which is on the small side. Too often hotels have large gyms for show, but can be a waste of resources if that is not what your demographics are that a hotel is to cater for.
Breakfast serves in LOKAL HOUSE, located right next to the reception on ground level with street frontage views. The buffet spread with quite a good variety of selections and includes salads, noodles, eggs, fruits, breads, charcuterie and more, with a balance of Japanese/Asian and western offers. However, it was without all the extras you could get in the more elevated IHG luxury brands and stay truth to its very own VOCO brand standard that is very serviceable and makes sense to kick-start your day.
Despite the tea was pretty weak for our liking, akin to banquet tea in a thermos jug that had no distinctive taste and the juices were also a bit industrial but the coffee was good. There were some delicious flavours such as pork belly, deep-fried sardines, scrambled eggs (eggs always taste better in Japan), radish in a cream sauce among other small bites that we liked. At least basic need comfort food is there to deliver. We enjoyed the breakfast variety and we never felt that it was limited, so enough choices that you didn’t eat the same things if you come for a longer stay.
Our stay was quite enjoyable, although it wasn’t seamless, but the team did go that extra mile to assist guests, although sometimes the wait can be longer than expected depending on the peak period of check-in and check-out. VOCO Osaka Central is worth considering for your next visit to this bustling city, as it has a relaxed and arty vibe around the neighbourhood and yet you can be in the thick of things very quickly on foot or by metro. We were intrigued to experienced our first VOCO hotel staycation and we certainly felt as if we had experience a “brighter shade of life” by staying in this first VOCO not only in Osaka but in Japan!
Tried & Tested:
Location: 4/5
Design & Decor: 4.5/5
Location: 4/5
Design & Decor: 4.5/5
Housekeeping: 4/5
Food & Beverage: 4/5
Service: 3.5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5
Food & Beverage: 4/5
Service: 3.5/5
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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