Sleek suites, electric energy at W Osaka

With its stark architecture that rises above the skyline like a black monolith, W Osaka stands out in the sprawling cityscape

Why stay here

Always the coolest spot in town, W has set itself up in Osaka in recent years, with an especially striking city presence. The hotel is located right on the main thoroughfare of Midosuji and its sleek, stark architecture rises above the skyline like a black monolith. It’s perfect for urban vistas from your room, but where W Osaka really stands apart is in its events programming and hospitality options.

Design

W Osaka stands out architecturally for a very important reason – the building has been designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Tadao Ando in what is his hometown (his studio is only a few kilometres away). The building is a ‘black box’, so monolithic that, paradoxically, it achieves two opposite effects at the same time: it both disappears and stands out in the cityscape and is at once the most visible and invisible building in the centre of Osaka – present yet absent, inviting yet mysterious.

The interiors, meanwhile, were completed by Amsterdam-based studio, Concrete, and are energetic and colourful. A tunnel-like, kaleidoscopic, and ever-changing entrance corridor leads guests from the main retail street into a slightly underwhelming lobby, but it’s several floors up, in the main reception area, where the party really gets started. In this deceptively large space, arranged around a central bar and featuring adaptable, colourful furniture, W Osaka plays host to exceptional events as well as providing a more relaxed open area during the day.

Before, after (and possibly even during) such events, W Osaka also provides refined spa and wellness areas. These, like all the rooms, are exquisitely detailed with small touches such as changes in floor surfaces and subtly naughty, soft pink neon mood lighting.

The sleek rooms of W Osaka provide a peaceful counterpoint to the energy of some of the other interior spaces in the hotel. The minimalist façade design allows the rooms to run right up to the perimeter with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing exquisite and unobstructed views of the dense city that surrounds it. In my Marvelous Suite I’m greeted with a theatrical automated opening of the full-height blinds upon entry, revealing panoramic city views from every corner. From the generous lounge area to the bedroom opposite a grand bathroom, with an oversized tub, this is pure metropolitan luxury.

Dining

From street-level Teppanyaki MYDO, featuring local artwork that provides a subtle separation from passers-by, to bistro OH.LALA with its views over tree-lined Midosuji, the hotel has a rich variety of options. They cover a bit of everything, from soulful local delicacies (the famous Dotonburi is only a short walk away) to more formal choices. Hidden deep inside the hotel, W Osaka even has a clandestine dining space, Sushi OKIYO.

Events

W Osaka recently hosted the launch of W PRESENTS, a series of live electronic music events across the Asia-Pacific region. Featuring performances by Japanese actors, models and DJs, SHUZO & YAMATO, and Italian music producers, Giolì & Assia, it was a reminder of how W creates places that are about much more than hotel stays. I’m convinced that it was the hottest ticket in Osaka and that there will be more to come.

The Upgrade

The Marvelous Suite is, well, marvellous, but W Osaka also offers upgrades to the Wow category. For something really special, try the Extreme Wow Penthouse Suite – it’s 200 square metres of space on the hotel’s highest floor, made up of five interlocking rooms. With 4.5-metre-high ceilings, the skyline views get even more comprehensive, and the penthouse lends itself to hosting private events that will certainly generate a ‘wow’ or two.

W Osaka
Marvelous Suite
Size 80m²
Price per night From

marriot.com