Ibis is happening in Umeda

We stayed here as our base in Osaka for nearly a week, but broken into 3 stays. Even before we checked in, the hotel was responsive through emails and also helped with a restaurant reservation. On arrival from Kansai airport after our red-eye flight, we thought of dropping off our luggage for an early lunch in Umeda, but the hotel surprised us (pleasantly) by saying that our room was already ready for us (at 11am) - very positive welcome which we really appreciated! From JR Osaka station, it is possible to roll your luggage all the way to Ibis without using the lift or stairs (except for a small flight of stairs at Ibis' entrance) if you exit via the south exit and head underground towards the Whity underground mall. At the Whity mall, exit to Whity East Mall and Ibis is on the left (Exit 7-72), right after Cafe英國屋 - the hotel lobby is one floor up via the lift (insiders will love this connectivity...). As expected, the rooms were sized a la Japan but were very functional and up to date (viz: USB wall chargers, Toto Washlets, UCC coffee pod machine). Breakfast became boring after the third morning as there was no variation at all in the food provided and there are no live stations. Toiletries were thankfully made in Japan (iso PRC as is too common in Asia!). Small issues: (i) housekeeping could have vacuumed more, and (ii) when housed on the 10th floor, we noticed a strange but strong smell of kitchen exhaust along the corridors. The hotel was able to store one of our luggage in between stays. Ibis Umeda also provides a very good same-day luggage delivery service to Kansai airport Terminal 1 for y2500, if your departure flight is after 1700h - leave your bag with Ibis before 1100h and get it at KIX (KABS Counter, T1 level 4) from 1500h (our luggage was already ready for collection at 1400!). Given the hotel's service and location, and if rates remain competitive, we will certainly return. #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes