Hotel Route-Inn Osaka Honmachi

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to the Hotel Route-Inn Osaka Honmachi, I wasn’t expecting much. It’s tucked into this quiet corner of Nishi-ku, and from the outside it looks like, well, a typical business hotel. But you know what? Sometimes those unassuming places surprise you, and this one actually grew on me pretty quickly.

The thing about staying here is that you’re right in the heart of proper Osaka without all the tourist chaos. I mean, you’re literally a five-minute walk from Hommachi Station – not the flashy Dotonbori crowds, but the real working district where locals grab their morning coffee and rush to meetings. There’s this little convenience store right around the corner (thank god, because I always forget something), and honestly, the whole neighborhood has this authentic feel that you miss when you’re staying in the super touristy areas. The rooms are… well, they’re what you’d expect from a 3-star Route-Inn, but they’ve got everything you actually need. Clean, compact, and the bed is surprisingly comfortable – I slept better than I thought I would. The air conditioning works properly (crucial in Osaka summers), and there’s enough space to spread out your stuff without feeling cramped. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night, even though you’re in the city center. The windows actually block out most of the street noise, which is more than I can say for some pricier places I’ve stayed.

Here’s what makes this place work for me – it’s got that reliable Route-Inn consistency without feeling sterile. The staff at check-in were genuinely helpful, not just going through the motions, and they had decent English when my Japanese failed me. The complimentary breakfast is nothing fancy, but it hits the spot when you’re trying to fuel up before exploring the city. And parking? If you’re driving (which honestly, you probably shouldn’t be in Osaka), they’ve got spaces available, though you’ll pay extra for it. The real win is the location for getting around – you’re connected to the subway lines that’ll take you anywhere you want to go, whether that’s the castle, the shopping districts, or out to the airport. I found myself using this as a base camp more than hanging out in the hotel itself, which is probably exactly what they’re going for. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it does what it promises without any unpleasant surprises, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need when you’re trying to experience a city rather than just your hotel room.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $75. Small Double Room- Non-Smoking with 1 single bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $75. Small Double Room – Smoking with 1 single bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Wieser from Japan – 21 April 2025 (9/10)

  It was everything I needed it to be: clean, courteous service, good options for breakfast, etc.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Haresh from Canada – 6 February 2025 (8/10)

  Very close to Awaza station. Easy to get to. Beds are comfortable. Rooms are clean. Breakfast is great with good choice for non Japanese travellers.
  
  What could be improved: Check in time is 3 pm although baggage can be left. No washrooms available for travellers who get there early so take a restroom break before getting to hotel. Staff are polite but not accommodating and know rudimentary English.

• Tzubel from Poland – 11 November 2024 (9/10)

  Mixed types of foods on breakfasts restaurant, quiet place, overall good experience with the room
  
  What could be improved: I believe nothing really, it was a perfect experience staying here for the price/quality aspect.

• Chamin from Italy – 22 December 2022 (9/10)

  almost everything

• Anthony from Hong Kong – 2 April 2025 (7/10)

  Onsen is nice and the breakfast is above average.
  
  What could be improved: Room is small, but this is expected. Blanket a bit too warm for spring and summer.

• Man from Hong Kong – 23 November 2024 (7/10)

  Good location
  
  What could be improved: Noise from toilet system at night.

• Derekv from United States – 10 November 2024 (8/10)

  Staff are very helpful.
  Has luggage scale, free good breakfast.
  Room is big enough to open luggage.
  Quiet neighborhood
  There is a big store nearby
  Has a public bath area
  
  What could be improved: The nearby station does not have elevator.
  Clearly need to upgrade their toilet seats or change the shower curtain

• Ksjm1703 from Singapore – 13 December 2023 (7/10)

  The hotel location is a stone throw away from Awaza station so it is not too tiring to drag the luggage from the station although the exit is only with stairs. Vending machine in every level is super good!
  
  What could be improved: The breakfast timing arrangement is too early and too short. I also have difficulties communicating with the staff but it was small issue.

• Leong from Singapore – 27 November 2023 (7/10)

  Breakfast was good.
  
  What could be improved: The room is abit small although we booked for a double room.

• Edward from United Kingdom – 2 December 2022 (7/10)

  Good location close to the metro and the in house onsen was nice. Breakfast ok for western preference.
  
  What could be improved: Room was small which I know is standard for Japan but it seemed smaller than Japanese rooms I'd used in the past. I had quite a bit of luggage and it was difficult to fit it all in the room! I booked a smoking room by mistake and when I asked to change they said I couldn't. The Aircon blew hot air despite being on the coldest setting and the extractor just seemed to bring in more of the smoky smell.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities