Nico Hotel – Osaka – apartment hotel near Dotonbori

Finding the right accommodation in Osaka can be a challenge, especially for families travelling with young children. On our recent trip, we booked a stay at Nico Hotel for four people, choosing a room with two double beds located on the second floor. At first glance, the hotel appeared to be new and modern, but as we settled in, our experience became more of a mixed bag. While there were some conveniences, there were also quite a few drawbacks that made us question whether the stay was worth the price compared to other options in Osaka.

We arrived at Nico Hotel just before 10 pm, exhausted after a long day of travel. Our journey had started at Itami Airport, included a transfer on the monorail, and finally a walk of around 15 minutes from Nipponbashi Station. By the time we arrived at the hotel, the streets felt quiet and slightly isolated. While the location is technically close to Dotonbori, the immediate surroundings are primarily residential, and at night it really did feel like we were in the middle of nowhere.

Highlights	Nico Hotel Osaka is close to Dotonbori and supermarkets, but cramped rooms, poor amenities, and no housekeeping make it weak value for families.
Cost	~20,000 yen per night
Location	2 Chome-16-11 Kawarayamachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0066, Japan
Website	https://expedia.com/affiliate/1v05atE

Location and Accessibility

One of the biggest advantages of Nico Hotel is its proximity to Dotonbori. Being within a 10-minute walk to the heart of Osaka’s most famous entertainment district is a definite plus. This meant we could head out after dinner and enjoy the neon lights, bustling atmosphere, and endless food options whenever we wanted without worrying about long train rides or expensive taxis. The area is also well-served by a number of supermarkets within walking distance, which was a lifesaver when travelling with kids. We were able to pick up groceries, snacks, and drinks easily, even if the hotel itself did not provide much in terms of food or amenities.

That said, if you are expecting to step out of your hotel and immediately be in the thick of Osaka nightlife, Nico Hotel may disappoint. Its location feels slightly out of the way, tucked into a quieter residential part of the city. This has its positives—such as quieter nights and less foot traffic—but it can also feel like you are disconnected from the energy of central Osaka until you make the walk toward Dotonbori. For some travellers, this balance between quiet surroundings and convenience might work well, while others might find it a little frustrating.

First Impressions and Check-in

The check-in process was fairly straightforward. We were handed a physical key, which already felt a little old-fashioned given that many hotels in Japan now use card keys or even digital systems. Once we got to our room, the first challenge we faced was with the locks. The doors had unusual locking mechanisms that were a bit awkward to use, especially when juggling luggage and two tired children late at night.

As soon as we stepped into the apartment-style room, we were struck by how cramped everything felt. The narrow hallway barely allowed us to bring our luggage through comfortably, and while the room did have some practical features, the overall design felt squeezed.

Room Layout and Comfort

The room did come with separate spaces for the toilet, bathroom, and washroom, which in theory should have been a big plus. In reality, each area was so tight that it was difficult to move comfortably. The toilet room, in particular, felt almost unusable with how small it was. Even for an average-sized person, elbows touched the walls on both sides. This level of cramped design was frustrating, especially since Japan is known for making the most of small spaces in smart and efficient ways.

The double beds themselves were comfortable enough to sleep on, but they took up nearly all the usable space in the bedroom. With two double beds squeezed into the room, we had almost no space left to store or open our luggage. This made the room feel even more cluttered and difficult to navigate. Other rooms without double beds may have more space, but for families, this layout felt impractical.

The kitchen area continued the theme of being compact. While it was cramped, it did come stocked with the essentials: utensils, plates, cutlery, and a decent-sized fridge. For travellers who want to prepare their own meals, it would be functional, but definitely not spacious.

Amenities and Facilities

One of the biggest disappointments of our stay at Nico Hotel was the lack of basic amenities. Unlike many chain hotels in Japan that provide breakfast, daily housekeeping, and small touches like complimentary tea or coffee, Nico Hotel offered none of these. There was no breakfast option, no housekeeping service during our entire stay, and not even a small selection of tea or coffee in the room. We ended up buying our own coffee and drinks from the nearby convenience stores, but it felt like a missed opportunity for the hotel to offer something simple that would make a big difference to the guest experience.

The lounge area downstairs was very minimal. Drinks and pizza could be ordered, but it was a small, quiet space with not much happening. It did not feel like the kind of communal or lively area you might expect in a modern boutique hotel.

Waste disposal was another minor frustration. Guests were expected to throw out their own rubbish, which added to the sense that the hotel was cutting corners on service. For the price we paid, we expected at least basic housekeeping or assistance with rubbish collection.

The hotel has one elevator, which worked reliably but could get congested during busy times. There was also a stairwell, though with children and luggage we relied mostly on the lift.

On the positive side, the room did have a good television setup, which included responsive streaming options like YouTube and Netflix. This was useful for winding down in the evenings with the kids, especially after long days of sightseeing.

Value for Money

Ultimately, the biggest issue with Nico Hotel comes down to value for money. The location near Dotonbori is excellent, and the rooms—while cramped—do provide separate bathroom facilities and a small kitchen. However, compared to other hotels in Osaka, we felt that we got less for the price we paid. Many chain hotels in the city are cheaper and provide far more in terms of breakfast, housekeeping, and basic guest amenities.

For travellers looking for a functional base near Dotonbori, Nico Hotel could work, especially for short stays where you will spend most of your time outside. For families, however, the cramped rooms, lack of amenities, and absence of small conveniences like tea and coffee made the stay feel underwhelming.

Final Thoughts

Nico Hotel in Osaka has some clear advantages, particularly its walking distance to Dotonbori and nearby supermarkets. It offers a clean and relatively new environment, and for those who value having a kitchen and separate bathroom facilities, it ticks some boxes. However, the cramped design, lack of amenities, and limited service make it hard to justify the price. With so many other hotels in Osaka offering better value, Nico Hotel is not a place we would rush back to.

For us, the highlight of staying at Nico Hotel was being able to walk easily to Dotonbori at night. If that is your main priority, then this hotel may suit your needs.

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