When it opened in 2010, the St. Regis Osaka became the brand’s first property in Japan, and remains its only one in the country. To this day, it has upheld the brand’s reputation as one of the most esteemed luxury hotels around. The service, a hallmark of the brand, is exceptional, and it reflects Japan’s deep tradition of omotenashi.
Naturally, the St. Regis Osaka stays true to the brand’s timeless approach to luxury. Here, however, lofty ceilings, marble finishes, tasteful chandeliers, plush carpets and modern art pieces are complemented by Japanese refinement. Clean lines and unfussy furnishings give the hotel an understated, contemporary feel. There’s even a Japanese rock garden on the 12th-floor outdoor terrace, adding to the hotel’s distinct sense of place.
What are the rooms like at the St. Regis Osaka?
To perfectly deliver its signature rituals and service (more on that later), St. Regis hotels around the world are designed as small to medium-sized properties. The St. Regis Osaka is no different, with just 160 rooms and suites.
I stayed in a Grand Deluxe Room and it was pure indulgence. The king bed faces a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall window, offering a sweeping view of the Osaka skyline and distant mountains. A chaise lounge sits beside this panorama, perfect for kicking back with a cup of coffee after a day exploring the city.
The room’s amenities are equally luxurious: double vanity, rain shower with separate bathtub, walk-in closet and a Nespresso machine, just a few of the features I used most. These modern comforts are complemented by subtle Japanese design touches, from the gold-leaf minibar cabinet to the Kawashima silk headboard adorned with cherry blossom motifs.
There are also little details you don’t realise you need until you experience them. The butler’s box by the door, for instance, allows your butler to deliver or collect items – my room offers up to two pieces of complimentary laundry pressing per night – without disturbing your privacy. And the lavender-scented pillow spray at turndown was another thoughtful touch.
What are the food and drink options at the St. Regis Osaka?
For a medium-sized hotel, the St. Regis Osaka surprisingly houses three restaurants and a bar. Breakfast at the recently renovated La Veduta Italian restaurant features a buffet of Japanese and Western dishes, complemented by an à la carte hot menu.
My personal favourite is the Japanese set, wonderfully comforting with grilled fish, steamed rice, miso soup and dashimaki egg roll. I also couldn’t resist ordering a small portion of Osaka’s signature noodle dish, the kitsune udon, topped with a deep-fried tofu pocket that soaks up the subtly sweet broth.
For more Japanese flavours, Teppanyaki Wajo’s menu focuses on local and regional ingredients including domestic beef, seafood from the Seto Inland Sea and Kyoto vegetables. Meanwhile, the newly opened Brasserie Regine brings a casual French bistro vibe to the hotel, with a menu developed in collaboration with chef Ryuta Iizuka of the two-Michelin-starred Ryuzu in Tokyo.
The St. Regis Bar, like its counterparts worldwide, offers a local spin on the classic Bloody Mary cocktail. Osaka’s Shogun Mary incorporates yuzu, soy sauce and wasabi powder for a distinctly Japanese twist – and it’s deliciously zingy.
What is the service like at the St. Regis Osaka?
Common facilities at the hotel are limited to a spa and a 24-hour gym, as much of the focus here is on personalised service and the in-room experience. True to the brand, the service is warm and attentive, and I felt thoroughly looked after.
But what genuinely surprised me was the St. Regis Butler Service, a signature of the hotel worldwide. Who knew that having someone unpack your luggage on arrival, hang and organise your clothes by colour, and then repack everything before check-out – neatly, with bubble wrap and packing paper, if I may add – could feel so life-changing? With that chore lifted from my hands, I could simply check in, enjoy my stay, and check out in a totally relaxed state.
Then there’s the daily sunset champagne sabering in the lobby, another of the hotel’s global rituals. There’s a certain pomp and elegance to the whole affair, and it gives you something to look forward to at day’s end, a small transition from afternoon to evening. Some days, the hotel even invites someone from the audience to try their hand at sabering. I highly recommend volunteering; you’ll get to keep the top of the bottle you’ve sabered as a unique souvenir.
What is the area like around the St. Regis Osaka?
The St. Regis Osaka is located on Midosuji Avenue, affectionately known as the ‘Champs-Élysées of Osaka’, home to the city’s buzziest shopping district as well as some of its finest hotels. During the year-end festive season, the thoroughfare comes alive with the country’s longest stretch of illuminations. Although the hotel is not in the very heart of Midosuji, it’s still surrounded by a bustling scene that feels more local than international.
More importantly, the hotel sits just above Hommachi Station on Osaka Metro’s Midosuji Line, giving you easy access to other parts of the city. Just around the corner lies the starting point of the iconic 600-metre-long Shinsaibashi‑suji Shopping Arcade, so you can literally stroll and shop your way to the other end and exit at Dotonbori, Osaka’s world-famous entertainment and nightlife district.
Why you should book a stay at the St. Regis Osaka
With its convenient location, elegantly appointed rooms and impeccable service, the St. Regis Osaka offers all the hallmarks of a top-tier hotel. But staying here is about more than just indulging in the finer points of travel; it’s about experiencing the lore that has come to define luxury hospitality. From the legendary St. Regis butler service to the time-honoured tradition of champagne sabering, among other signature rituals, a stay at the St. Regis is a travel experience in itself.
Address: 3-6-12 Hommachi, Chuo, Osaka
Closest transport link: Hommachi Station (Exit 7)
Book now: marriott.com/en-us/hotels/osaxr-the-st-regis-osaka