ORIENTAL HOTEL UNIVERSAL CITY

ORIENTAL HOTEL UNIVERSAL CITY Overview

You know what caught me off guard about the Oriental Hotel Universal City? It’s actually tucked away in this quieter corner of Konohana-ku that most tourists never see, right along the Shimaya area where the industrial meets residential Osaka. I mean, when you hear “Universal City” you expect to be right in the thick of the theme park chaos, but this place sits just far enough away that you get the best of both worlds – easy access to USJ without the constant rumble of roller coasters keeping you up at night.

The whole setup feels deliberately thoughtful, honestly. Walking into the lobby, there’s this understated elegance that screams “we know what we’re doing” without being flashy about it. The staff – and I can’t stress this enough – actually seem to enjoy their jobs, which makes such a difference when you’re dealing with jet lag and trying to figure out the train system. They pointed me toward the Yumesaki line station nearby (about a seven-minute walk, really), which connects you straight into the heart of Osaka without the tourist markup you’d pay staying closer to Namba or Dotonbori.

What really sold me on this place was discovering how locals use this area. There’s this fantastic little shopping district along the nearby streets where you can grab actual groceries instead of just convenience store snacks, plus some hole-in-the-wall ramen spots that don’t have English menus – you know, the good stuff. The hotel’s positioned so you can walk to Universal Studios when you want that experience, but then retreat to what feels like real Osaka neighborhood life. I spent one evening just wandering around the residential streets behind the hotel, watching salary workers heading home and kids playing in small parks you’d never find in a guidebook.

The rooms themselves are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star – clean, well-designed, with those little Japanese touches that make you feel like you’re somewhere special rather than just any international hotel. The soundproofing is surprisingly good considering you’re still in a busy part of the city, though you’ll hear the occasional freight train if you’re a really light sleeper (there’s a rail line that runs cargo pretty regularly, but it became sort of comforting white noise after the first night).

Honestly, the 8.6 rating makes total sense once you spend a few days there. It’s not trying to be the fanciest place in Osaka, but it nails everything that actually matters when you’re traveling – location that’s convenient but not touristy, staff who know their neighborhood, and that sweet spot pricing where you feel like you’re getting more than you paid for. If you’re planning to hit Universal Studios but also want to experience Osaka beyond the main tourist circuit, this place gets it right.

ORIENTAL HOTEL UNIVERSAL CITY Accommodations

Reviews of ORIENTAL HOTEL UNIVERSAL CITY

• Hiromi from United States – 17 June 2025 (9/10)

  It was very close to the University station. Easy check in and check out. There are the lockers we can use after checking out. Nice complementary dessert service in the evening.
  
  What could be improved: There are some sugar ants? at bath tub when i was about to take a bath.

• Surya from India – 15 June 2025 (9/10)

  Very close to Universal Studio. Room was clean and fresh. Staff were friendly and very helpful, speak English. Luggage storage facility available
  
  What could be improved: None as such

• Juliane from Japan – 1 June 2025 (9/10)

  Having stayed here before Ive noticed improvements and i enjoyed it this time. The free drink/dessert lounge in the afternoon is really good
  
  What could be improved: I wish they would have delivery service ran by the hotel staff and 24hrs. It’s instead ran by a 3rd party sagawa staff and the lady there was awful! I ended up having to send from 7-11

• Fiona from Ireland – 20 May 2025 (9/10)

  Very close proximity to entrance to Universal studios, good hotel amenities, close to train station.

• Lesley from Australia – 15 May 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location close to Universal Studios. Close by to Universal City Station. Also plenty of dining options and other stores nearby. 💯 recommend. We had the buffet breakfast included with our stay and it was absolutely delicious. Great hotel and would definitely recommend 👌

• Aham from India – 12 May 2025 (8/10)

  The breakfast spread and the staff
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Ys9964 from Japan – 7 May 2025 (9/10)

  It's very close to USJ and the train station, so it's convenient.
  
  What could be improved: The online check-in wasn't working so I had to re-enter everything after arriving.

• Kobashi from Japan – 3 May 2025 (9/10)

  Break fast ,the staff is so nice ,the room is clean .
  
  What could be improved: The pillow is to high and my neck and shoulders hurt

• Zaida from Philippines – 30 April 2025 (9/10)

  location very convinient. there's alot food option near the place.
  
  staff are attentive.

• Dalu from Australia – 30 April 2025 (9/10)

  Clean and close to universal studio
  
  What could be improved: Lack of sign on the street where to find this hotel. We faced a little bit of challenge on finding the entry. We firstly went to ground floor where the luggage locker is on the Main Street. Actual reception is on 3rd level I think. But there was no sign to show people how to navigate to reception-by taking elevator to 3rd floor

Surroundings

Facilities