Shin Osaka Washington Hotel Plaza

We checked in late evening and left the next day early morning. There was a nice coffee shop but one had to buy a drink if you wanted to sit around. Having a pastry was not enough. The location was great with the station very close by - walking distance. The view from the window was fantastic, especially the nighttime view.

The hotel was being renovated which added to an inconvenient and messy entry. We realize that this is a temporary disruption but feel that it could have been handled better with signages at right locations. The staff at check-in counter were very distant; We missed the welcoming smiling face that we met with at every other hotel. Information regarding Itemi airport transfer by taxi was given (English was an issue) but with incorrect information on fare to be charged. Hardly any cafes nearby. One had to go to the Shin Osaka station which of course was very close and convenient. The single room had a tiny cramped bathroom. And for the first time in Japan it smelled musty!

The only good thing about this property was the location.

On check-in, the staff was rude and uninterested in attending to us. The check-out time was 10:00am and we hadn't realised it. At 10:30am, a staff came to our room without explanation. He just stood at the door for a couple minutes talking very loudly in Japanese. Then, we still hadn't realised check-out time was 10:00am. At about 11:00am another staff came to tell us that check out time was 10:00am. We went down at 11:30am and a the receptionist told us that we had to pay an extra fee for late check-out. She was, again, very rude. Although it was our fault for mistaking the check-out time, the whole experience was very unpleasant. What could have been done was to give us a call and inform us of the check-out time. The staff was unwelcoming and rude throughout the entire stay. I'd give this hotel a miss if you would want a pleasant and memorable experience in Japan. For the most part, we had a good experience in Japan. The only bad one was the stay at this hotel.