Hotel Links Dobutsuenmae

Hotel Links Dobutsuenmae Overview

You know what struck me first about Hotel Links Dobutsuenmae? The location is honestly kind of perfect if you’re planning to hit up Tennoji Zoo – I mean, it’s literally in the name (Dobutsuenmae means “in front of the zoo”). But here’s the thing most people don’t realize: this spot in Nishinari-ku puts you right in the thick of one of Osaka’s most authentic neighborhoods, away from all the tourist crowds in Dotonbori.

The hotel itself is pretty straightforward – it’s a solid 3-star that does exactly what it promises without any fancy frills. The lobby’s compact but clean, and honestly, the staff seemed genuinely surprised when I spoke a bit of Japanese, which was kind of endearing. My room was on the smaller side (as you’d expect in Osaka), but the bed was actually comfortable and the air conditioning worked great – crucial during those sticky summer months. The bathroom had that typical Japanese efficiency thing going on, everything perfectly designed to fit in a tiny space. I will say the walls aren’t super thick, so if you’re a light sleeper, pack some earplugs because you might hear your neighbors chatting.

What I really appreciated was how the area comes alive in the evening. There’s this whole network of tiny izakayas and family-run restaurants within a five-minute walk that most tourists never find. The hotel’s right near Dobutsuenmae Station on the Midosuji Line, which means you can actually get to Namba or Umeda pretty quickly without dealing with the chaos of staying right in the middle of everything. Plus – and this is huge – there’s a Don Quijote basically around the corner for late-night snack runs or if you forgot to pack something essential. The 7.3 rating seems about right to me; it’s not going to blow your mind, but it won’t disappoint either. I’d definitely stay here again, especially if I wanted to explore more of local Osaka rather than just hitting the main tourist spots. The price point makes sense for what you get, and honestly, being able to walk to Tennoji Park in the morning for a jog was a nice bonus I wasn’t expecting.

Hotel Links Dobutsuenmae Accommodations

Reviews of Hotel Links Dobutsuenmae

• Fernando from Panama – 19 May 2025 (7/10)

  Location is great
  
  What could be improved: Staff didnt always greet. Price a little costly for its small room

• Maximus from Canada – 11 September 2024 (8/10)

  Everything was good, they offer shampoo and body wash as well
  
  What could be improved: That the room wouldn’t be air conditioned when you went out. It required a key card to use the air conditioning so when you go out you have to bring it with you

• Mariah from Malaysia – 29 May 2024 (7/10)

  Location very close to train station
  
  What could be improved: The room very small

• Sebastien from Canada – 12 September 2023 (8/10)

  Kind staff, good location (few minutes from Shin-Imamiya, Namba and Dobutsuen-mae) clean room and comfy bed.
  
  What could be improved: Our A/C wasnt working well and despite the cleanliness there was an unpleasant smell in the room.

• Raudhah from Malaysia – 19 July 2023 (7/10)

  Even the room are small but it very comfortable
  
  What could be improved: Maybe it good if the big little bit

• Jmg from Philippines – 7 February 2023 (8/10)

  The location is superb! near local sub & JR line. ramen store on the left bar at the right and curry in front !
  
  What could be improved: room too small for 2 adults.

• Thomas from France – 18 November 2022 (8/10)

  The beds are really confortable, you get fresh towels everyday, AC works good enough.
  The location is great ( its a "popular" area, but still safer than 99% of the world ) and allows you to reach many of the touristic spots of Osaka/kyoto/nara.
  
  What could be improved: The wifi is subpart, you'll often get less than 1mbps, i suggest you get yourself a 5G key.

• Robin from Switzerland – 6 November 2022 (7/10)

  staff and location good, free coffee
  
  What could be improved: WIFI very slow

• Leonardo from Thailand – 13 June 2025 (8/10)

  This hotel was fine. Rooms are clean, small but comfortable (unless you need more space; twin room maybe slightly more comfortable than double-bed room). Staff is friendly. Located just next to a metro station, including Osaka loop line, so easy to access and to reach other parts of town. At walking distance from many restaurants. Overall good value for money.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing in particular

• Elvis from Japan – 20 May 2025 (6/10)

  I liked the location. There is a parking lot next door. It has air conditioning. It has a refrigerator. It has a water heater.
  
  What could be improved: I didn't like the lack of a dry clothes rack in the bathroom.

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