This sophisticated hotel in southern Osaka boasts the best location, minutes from the Shin Kabuki theater, the dining/nightlife district of Dotonbori, and the most popular shopping areas, including Midosuji Boulevard, the city's main street. Located next to Marui 0101 (a trendy shopping destination) and connected to Takashimaya Department Store and Namba Park, it's perched atop the Nankai Namba Station, making it the only hotel with direct train access from Kansai International Airport, a 30-minute ride away. There's even a courtesy phone on the station platform, so guests can call for luggage pickup. The subway hub below the hotel connects to Osaka Station in four stops, and trains depart for the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara. No wonder more than 10 airline crews make this their Osaka home and nearly 50% of the guests are from overseas.
Soaring 36 floors into the skyline, this property stands out as the only skyscraper around and has surprisingly few competitors in the area. A four-story, circular marble lobby accented with red pillars and art-deco sconces resounds with live jazz as guests register at illuminated glass-fronted check-in desks. Concierge and tourist information services are excellent, including a booklet on how to travel to many tourist sites in and near Osaka.
Six restaurants provide authentic, international choices ranging from Italian and French to Japanese, Chinese and Swiss. The chef at Tavola on the 36th floor is Italian; the chef at fondue restaurant Cafe Swiss is Swiss. Shu'un pairs wine with kushiage, deep-fried delicacies for which Osaka is famous. Rounding out these eateries are two bars, a lobby lounge, 
and a shop specializing in gourmet delicacies.
A high-end arcade attracts well-heeled shoppers. The 11th-floor Amrita Fitness and Spa offers gym equipment, aerobics, a 20-m atrium pool, whirlpool, massage and sauna for a hefty price. The largest of the 20 meeting facilities has a theater capacity of 1,400 and a buffet capacity of 1,200, and private banquet rooms seat from eight to 600.
Guest rooms have white feather duvets and brown runners, desks with broadband Internet access and seating areas. Modern, nature-themed Japanese artwork throughout is refreshing. Baths have full-size tubs and adequate counter space. Swiss Business Advantage rooms offer more desk space, ergonomic chairs and office 
supplies. Swiss Executive Club rooms have more space, an espresso machine, a DVD player (with free rentals), wide-screen TV, king-size bed and free access to the spa, plus access to an exclusive lounge offering breakfast and drinks throughout the day. Best yet are perhaps the modern yet traditional Japanese-style rooms on Club Floors, which are soothing in their simplicity. Six floors are for nonsmokers, and two rooms are for the handicapped.
Although there is no debate that the Swissotels' first entry into the Japanese market boasts the best location in Osaka, with plenty of in-house diversions to boot, those who need to be near Osaka Station may prefer the Westin.