Located in the revitalised Sakai Port area, Dorsett by Agora Sakai may seem an out-of-the-way option for those unfamiliar with Osaka prefecture’s geography, but this new bayside hotel is surprisingly well positioned. Just a five-minute walk from Sakai Station, it offers quick access to downtown Osaka, with shopping and nightlife hubs like Namba and Shinsaibashi reachable in just 10 minutes by train. Even better, if you're visiting for the Osaka Expo, the hotel offers direct ferry services to the venue.
The hotel features 321 bright and airy rooms and suites with large windows overlooking either the city skyline or the harbour. Some rooms can sleep up to three people with an additional sofa bed, while others come with separate seating areas or walk-in showers.
Facilities include a compact but functional fitness room, self-service laundry, free Wi-Fi and a relaxing space to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Every day from 4pm to 9pm, the Refresh Lounge welcomes guests free of charge with a selection of around 20 different teas. And to start the day, the breakfast buffet caters to all appetites with a spread of both Japanese and Western dishes.
Sakai, which sits adjacent to Osaka City, is best known for its traditional knife-making craft and its ancient keyhole-shaped Kofun tombs, which have been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site.