A Luxurious Night at Osaka's New Landmark - Waldorf Astoria

Recently, Osaka welcomed a brand-new Waldorf Astoria, and I couldn't resist experiencing it firsthand. Upon arrival, staff greeted me and escorted me directly to my room, where the check-in process was completed seamlessly and elegantly. The entire experience was truly "smooth and seamless." The hotel lobby is located on the 29th floor, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows that are absolutely stunning. The view from the bar to the rooms is like a painting of the city, and I couldn't help but feel a bit excited during my first visit. To return to the rooms, you need to switch elevators on the 29th floor. The staff presence is overwhelming, almost like a concert crowd, with many employees sent from other locations to assist, including several foreign faces. The service quality is exceptional—before you even reach the elevator, someone is already pressing the button for you, and as the doors close, they bow to you. Having stayed in Japan for a week, I already thought the service was top-notch, but this hotel takes it to another level. Ari, the staff member who escorted me to my room, remembered my name and greeted me every time we crossed paths. She even helped us take photos and handed me a tray during breakfast. Later, I learned she was sent from Tokyo to assist with training. Perhaps because it's still the opening period, some rooms haven't been released yet, so it feels like there are more staff than guests. I wonder if they can maintain this high level of service once the hotel gets busier. Despite being newly opened, the hotel has no trace of construction smells and feels incredibly comfortable. There seems to be some opening events, creating a lively atmosphere, and I couldn't help but imagine bumping into a celebrity. Most guests are Japanese, and I haven't seen any Chinese-speaking tourists yet. Although I'm a Diamond member of the group, the benefits are fairly standard: complimentary breakfast, a one-level room upgrade, and two drink vouchers. The bedding is by Frette, soft and comfortable, though the mattress is slightly firm. Amenities are from Aesop. The hotel is conveniently located in Umeda, making shopping and dining easily accessible. There's even a Gundam exhibition nearby, which seems quite popular judging by the long lines, though I didn't have time to check it out. The roads in Umeda are incredibly complex—it's hard to describe, and I was completely lost navigating them, unable to figure out which paths I had taken. Address: 1-5 Sonezaki 2-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan