ELLE Namba 7

Hotel Description

I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to ELLE Namba 7, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the name alone. But this place actually surprised me in the best way possible. It’s tucked into this bustling part of Osaka where you’re literally surrounded by the energy of Namba, and I mean that in a good way. You know how some hotels feel disconnected from the city they’re in? This isn’t one of those places.

The thing about staying here is that you’re right in the thick of everything without feeling like you’re sleeping in Times Square (if that makes sense). I could walk out the front door and be at Dotonbori in maybe five minutes – honestly, I timed it because I’m weird like that. The staff seemed genuinely pleased when guests asked for directions, not like they were being bothered for the hundredth time that day. Check-in was smooth, though I’d recommend getting there after 3 PM because they’re pretty strict about that timing. The lobby has this modern, clean vibe that feels distinctly Japanese without trying too hard to be “themed,” if you know what I mean.

What really sold me on this place was the attention to smaller details that actually matter when you’re traveling. The rooms aren’t massive – this is Japan, after all – but they’re intelligently designed. Everything has its place, and somehow it doesn’t feel cramped. The beds are legitimately comfortable (I’m picky about this), and the blackout curtains actually work, which is crucial when you’re dealing with jet lag and the neon glow of Osaka outside your window. The bathrooms are compact but well-appointed, with that Japanese attention to functionality that I’ve come to really appreciate. Plus, the water pressure is excellent – something you don’t think about until you’re in a hotel where it’s terrible.

The neighborhood gets lively at night, but honestly, the soundproofing is better than I expected. I’m usually sensitive to street noise, but I slept well most nights. During the day, you’re perfectly positioned to explore – Kuromon Ichiba Market is an easy walk if you want to dive into the food scene, and the subway connections are right there when you want to venture to other parts of the city. I found myself coming back to the hotel between activities because it felt like a genuine home base rather than just a place to crash.

The 8.4 rating makes sense to me – it’s not trying to be a luxury resort, but it delivers on what it promises. The value feels right for what you get, especially considering the location. I’ve stayed in pricier places in Osaka that felt more generic and less connected to the actual city. Would I stay here again? Yeah, definitely. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re experiencing Osaka rather than just visiting it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $229. One-Bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds, 1 double bed and 1 futon bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Azrol from Saudi Arabia – 11 January 2025 (9/10)

  location
  Host supportive
  Clean
  Value for money
  
  What could be improved: NA

• Rachel from Singapore – 2 January 2025 (8/10)

  Very convenient location. About 5min walk to train station and convenience stores. Small eateries downstairs.
  
  What could be improved: Got slightly lost while looking for it due to heavy rain and lack of signage.

• Farzana from New Zealand – 30 December 2024 (9/10)

  Very convenient and central to train station and popular shopping and food streets. Clean and comfortable stay, good amenities as we were able to clean/dry our clothes. Also good there was a lift as we had big suitcases.
  
  What could be improved: No complains about the property, but a sign board in English outside would assist in locating it.
  In case you’re travelling with lots of luggage, bear in mind some walking up and down stairways from train station.

• Ze from Singapore – 17 November 2024 (8/10)

  very good location, short walk from a main subway station
  clean, good size beds
  thoughtful, even provided children’s utensils for use
  
  What could be improved: no soundproofing, got a noise complaint from downstairs occupant within 1 hour of check in even though no particular special activities were going on at that time. may not be the best for young children as they are sometimes not able to control how loudly they walk. felt stressed throughout the stay due to this, felt like had to walk on eggshells (literally) all over apartment

• Rudianto from Indonesia – 26 April 2024 (8/10)

  Spacious room, BEST LOCATION from Namba stations. You should stay in this appartment (4 occupancy) as its closer and convenient to bring lugage to train or bus station to and from the airport. Next to the shoppings malls and walks. Close to Dotonbury and Shinshobaishi…. Its all you need to shop and eat. Just stay here.
  
  What could be improved: Old Toilet seat. Owner should invest in replacing the bathroom / toilet with automatic water accesories and warm seats. This is the only place (from 7 palces during my Japan visit) I stayed without an automatic toilet seat at all. I was a bit surprised that they dont have and wont invest in the toilet seat.

• Marilou from Australia – 8 February 2025 (9/10)

  The train station is just across the road. The beds and pillow are so comfortable. Complete amenities on the apartment.
  
  What could be improved: The space between the elevator door and the apartment door is so small. We have to get in and out of the apartment/elevator in batches.

• Ting from Singapore – 25 November 2024 (9/10)

  Apartment is big.

• Zevon from Hong Kong – 26 March 2024 (9/10)

  Very comfortable beddings , and convenient to many locations
  
  What could be improved: Hot water was little unstable

• Liang from China – 14 February 2024 (9/10)

  Very comfortable and considerate

• Jennifer from Australia – 29 September 2023 (9/10)

  Location was excellent. Apartment was a short walk from Namba Nankai train from airport and Namba station. Lots of restaurants and shopping all around. Place was very clean and space was decent. My husband found the beds a little soft but the rest of us didn’t have trouble sleeping. Comfortable bedding.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities