Smile Hotel Shin-osaka

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about the Smile Hotel Shin-osaka? It’s tucked away on this quiet side street in Nishinakajima, and honestly, that’s exactly what you want when you’re dealing with Osaka’s intensity. I mean, you’re literally a five-minute walk from Shin-Osaka Station – which is huge if you’re doing the bullet train thing – but somehow the street noise just… doesn’t really reach you here.

The lobby’s got this understated thing going on, sort of minimal but not sterile, if that makes sense. Check-in was refreshingly quick (the staff actually speaks decent English, which isn’t always a given at 3-star places), and they handed me this little map with actual useful spots marked on it – not just tourist traps, but where to grab decent coffee at 6 AM and which convenience store stays open latest. Small touches like that tell you someone’s actually thinking about what travelers need. The rooms are compact, sure, but they’re designed smart. The bed was surprisingly comfortable – I’m talking proper sleep, not just “good enough for a night or two.” There’s this little work area by the window that actually gets natural light, and the bathroom… well, it’s tiny but everything works perfectly, which is more than I can say for some pricier places I’ve stayed.

What really won me over was the neighborhood vibe. You’ve got this whole local restaurant scene within a few blocks – there’s this incredible takoyaki spot about three doors down that locals line up for (no English menu, but just point and smile), and the main shopping stretch along Nishinakajima is way more authentic than anything you’ll find in the tourist zones. The hotel sits right in the middle of actual Osaka life, where salarymen grab their morning coffee and families do their weekend shopping. It’s not Instagram-pretty, but it’s real. And honestly, after a long day of temple-hopping or getting lost in Dotonbori crowds, coming back to this quiet corner felt like finding a little pocket of calm. The 8.7 rating makes total sense – it’s one of those places that just works without trying too hard to impress you.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $74. Double Room – Non-Smoking with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Nicole from Canada – 10 June 2025 (9/10)

  It was clean and comfortable for a single night. The bed and pillows were firm, which is how I like them and I slept well. The water was hot and had good pressure, my shower was very enjoyable. All the regular amenities seemed to be there. The breakfast was an extra cost but very affordable and included lots of options. The food was fresh. It is not a very long walk from the transit station, but not super easy with rolling luggage.
  
  What could be improved: Not much, I had an excellent stay, but some sunlight did get around the curtains in the morning

• Road from Canada – 1 June 2025 (9/10)

  Really polite front staff, room size was bigger than the ones we experienced in Tokyo -also cleaner.

• Xian from Malaysia – 26 May 2025 (9/10)

  Good location. Easy to access to subway/train. Convenient stores and some shops/restaurants nearby within walking distance. The room is spacious and clean and have everything you need.

• Maksym from Netherlands – 22 May 2025 (9/10)

  Good location, breakfast, clean hotel. I previously stayed at Smile hotel near the Shinagawa station in Tokyo. Comparingly the one at Shinagawa, this hotel have breakfast on site and overall feels much newer, the rooms are much bigger thus more comfortable. Lots of cafes, bars and shops around, metro and shin-osaka station are both very close to the premise.
  
  What could be improved: I can't recall clearly, but I think they did not have the smart system in the TV, could be nice to have it so I can watch my youtube on the big screen.

• Teemu from Finland – 18 May 2025 (9/10)

  Value for soviety

• Angel_20 from Singapore – 16 May 2025 (9/10)

  the breakfast is good. value for money.
  
  What could be improved: bathroom is too small. no pajamas to use unlike other hotel in japan

• Chong from Singapore – 12 May 2025 (9/10)

  The location is convenient, peaceful and quiet. The staff were very friendly and the room is pretty spacious. Would go back here again for my next visit.
  
  What could be improved: Very small drawback is that it doesn't have that many attractions within walking distance. But otherwise, is still very convenient as it is near the Nishinakajima-Minamigata Station which is 1 station away from Shin-Osaka Station

• Milan from Czech Republic – 5 May 2025 (9/10)

  Shinkasen and centre and expo connection

• Pequeña from United Kingdom – 21 April 2025 (8/10)

  The hotel is well-located, very clean and has very kind staff.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• David from Spain – 17 April 2025 (9/10)

  Tiny room (as every hotel room in Japan), but everything was super clean, no noises, and the bed was amazing!
  
  What could be improved: Everything was nice!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities