Designed by the world-famous architect, Tadao Ando, the minimalist black façade and opulent interiors of the W Osaka was inspired by the Osaka merchants of the Edo period. Encouraged not to display their wealth in public, in private they were free to showcase their wealth. Such is the experience of the W Osaka, entered through a neon-lit tunnel inspired by origami and kirigami, with images of nature and the seasons reflected on its walls.
The main hub of the hotel is the LIVING ROOM, full of bold color and design and Cochin-inspired light fixtures, where guests can enjoy a cocktail while listening to a DJ set or catch a comedy show. Each floor alternates with color schemes and lighting in either pink, to represent Japan’s famous cherry blossoms or blue, to reflect Osaka’s coastal location. Liberally adorned with modern artworks, the W Osaka will appeal to both art lovers and those who enjoy a hip Millennial vibe.
The 337 rooms and suites have attractive clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Osaka skyline, comfortable seating areas, plush beds, ambience lighting, 55in plasma TVs, mini fridge, and spacious bathrooms with rain showers. The neutral color scheme is enlivened with pops of color, including emoji pillows. Wonderful and Spectacular Rooms are located on the higher floors with better views and have the added benefits of both rain showers and bathtubs, a W MixBar and Bluetooth speaker. Suites include separate bedrooms, while the Extreme Wow Penthouse Suite offers five-roomed opulence, where guests can soak in a champagne-bucket bathtub, spin discs in the DJ Booth and relax in a Zen-inspired Garden.
With two bars and four restaurants, guests are well catered for. Culinary highlights include OH.LALA serving French fusion cuisine from a Michelin-starred chef and TEPPANYAKI MYDO which offers its take on local soul food, along with magnificent Japanese Kuroge and Akaushi Wagyu beef. There is also a secret sushi bar, Sushi UKIYO and a coffee shop MIXup, serving pastries, coffee, tea and cocktails. Along with the bar in the LIVING ROOM, guests can enjoy a drink in the WET Bar, which has an open-air deck.
There is also a gym, yoga facilities, an indoor heated pool and AWAY Spa, based on the #DETOXRETOXREPEAT experience, designed to relax, restore and revitalise both body and mind.