Nico Hotel

Hotel Description

Honestly, when I first walked up to the Nico Hotel on Kawarayamachi, I wasn’t expecting much from the narrow street frontage – but you know what, that’s kind of the beauty of Osaka. The best spots are tucked away where you’d least expect them. This little 3-star gem sits right in the heart of Chuo-ku, and I mean *right* in it. You’re literally a two-minute walk from the Dotonbori chaos, but far enough back that you won’t hear drunk salarymen singing karaoke at 2 AM.

The thing that struck me most was how the staff actually seemed to care about getting the details right. Check-in was smooth – no awkward language barriers or confused looks when I asked about coin laundry (it’s on the third floor, by the way). The rooms are compact, sure, but they’re designed smart. Everything has its place, and the beds are surprisingly comfortable for Japan. I slept better here than at some fancy chain hotels, honestly. The bathrooms follow that efficient Japanese style where somehow they fit everything you need into a space the size of a phone booth, but it all works perfectly. Hot water pressure was solid, which isn’t always a given in older buildings around here.

What really won me over was the location knowledge the front desk had. When I asked about getting to Kuromon Ichiba Market early (before the tour groups descend), they gave me the exact route that locals use – down through the back streets that Google Maps never suggests. Takes about eight minutes walking, and you hit the market right when the best vendors are setting up their freshest stuff. They also steered me toward this tiny ramen joint on Soemoncho-dori that I never would’ve found otherwise. That kind of insider info is worth way more than fancy amenities you’ll never use. The area gets pretty lively in the evenings – you’ll hear the energy from the nearby entertainment district, but it’s more like a pleasant urban hum than actual noise. During the day, it’s surprisingly peaceful for being so central. I actually enjoyed sitting by the lobby window in the mornings, watching the neighborhood wake up with convenience store runs and bicycle commuters heading to work. The 8.6 rating makes total sense when you realize this place nails the fundamentals without trying to be something it’s not.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $118. Standard Double Room with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $242. Superior Suite with 4 double beds for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $283. Deluxe Suite with 6 single beds for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Roy from Canada – 16 June 2025 (8/10)

  Place was pretty spacious with room for the luggage. Clean, modern and comfortable room.
  
  What could be improved: The only issue was you can hear every car or noise outside so beware if you’re a light sleeper. Not loud at night but you can hear the random big truck or police sirens late at night while sleeping.

• Katarina from Australia – 14 June 2025 (9/10)

  Very comfortable room with 3 single beds and just enough room for 3 big suitcases. Very handy to have a fridge, a little kitchen and washing machine. There's
  7 eleven, Lawson, family mart and French bakery just steps away from hotel.
  Dotonbury and Kuromon market only 15 minutes walk from hotel. Quiet area with metro station less than 10 minutes walk away.
  An excellent spot to stay in Osaka.

• Fan from Hong Kong – 14 June 2025 (9/10)

  Good location close to Dontonbori.
  Good value for money for a large group travelling together.

• Rozlyn from United States – 14 June 2025 (9/10)

  This was my second time staying at the NIco hotel. I loved everything about your hotel!! but what made it more special & the reason why I chose to stay there again was your employee Renz. We are truly greatful for his kindness & helpfulness he has given. His services went above & beyond our expectations. I will only reccommend your hotel to friends & family traveling from Hawaii to Osaka for future travels. Mahalo for making our stay at The Nico Hotel a memorable one.

• Gemma from United States – 6 June 2025 (9/10)

  Accommodated us 5 in the family in the same room. Very spacious.
  
  What could be improved: Far from train station to go to the airport in my point of view. Fam of 5 with 10 luggages in tow. We did private ride.

• Gina from United States – 30 May 2025 (9/10)

  Room was large and comfortable, everyone got their own full sized bed. The bathroom setup was well organized with good water pressure and plenty of hot water for showers. Laundry facility was right down the street. About 10 minute walk from the tourist zone and fairly close to shrines.

• Maricel from Canada – 28 May 2025 (8/10)

  The hotel is 15-20min walking distance to iconic places you want to visit. The room is spacious and comfortable for a Group of 7 people. The staff are very helpful especially when we are accidentally locked-in inside the room, the door has a special locking mechanism, quite tricky. The staff should warn their client about this too. The Garbage sorting should be more explicit, there should be a note for paper/cardboard separation in the manual. Overall I think Nico Hotel is a great place to stay in.
  
  What could be improved: Maybe the aircon could be better, we find it a bit warm, the AC won't reach the couch and the farthest beds. Even the bed nearest to the AC varies the temperature. Maybe a complimentary Coffee would be a great addition to their amenities.

• Dani from Austria – 22 May 2025 (9/10)

  Spacious room, it also had a kitchen area and a balcony. Vicinity of main tourist area. Several convenience stores close by.

• Julia from Australia – 18 May 2025 (9/10)

  Very helpful and friendly staff – for local recommendations.Lots of room for our family of 5.Excellent location.
  
  What could be improved: Not being able to transfer bags to the hotel – it's a short 10 minute walk to where they could be delivered though.

• Jasmine from Australia – 7 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great location
  
  What could be improved: No luggage forwarding/receiving

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities