This hotel was built already in the 70's and is considered a classic gem by the Osaka residents. It is situated adjacent to the Cube conference centre.
I stayed in a larger twin bed room in the tower building, which is the better of the two wings. I never managed to find out if they have non-smoking rooms. Some of the Japanese quests smoke frantically, so this is an issue for guests that do not smoke!
There is an excellent shuttle bus service to the JR Osaka station.
Taxis are always available, and a good rate can be had if you reserve a taxi e.g. to the airports at the reception. This is then added to you room bill. The concierge desk is very efficient.
Come the end of 2008, a new train-line opens up just by the hotel and conference centre.
The hotel has some 24 restaurants, bars and cafeterias and a number of upmarket shops which are busy during Fridays and Saturdays.
The rooms are ok although not without flaws like the somewhat scabious door painting and bathroom fixings. Although quite old the AC works reasonably well - this is indeed an issue during July-September in Japan.
Beware of noisy rooms close to the elevator shafts.
Unless you put up your 'Clean my room' sign on your door you can find your room still unattended to after 3 'o'clock.
The seemingly overworked staffs is a general problem at this hotel, its cafeterias and restaurants. If you stay there for more than a week like I did, you will notice that some of these people work at different places during what seems like a 12 hour or more working day.
Hence they cannot cope with the rush, e.g. in the breakfast rooms.
The sloppiest service you will find in the only pub, the 'Leach'. The name shows up again on your bill. These are likely some of the most expensive drinks you have ever had, still far from the best.
A much better view can be had at the penthouse bar, which unfortunately closes at midnight, per Japanese tradition.
Enjoy their 'jewel' Champagne drinks!
My 'daylight' favourite became the large bar in the reception hall.
Although very expensive, the kimono dressed staff will attend to you very well.
Finally, when you have gone tired of being drained at the hotel establishments you just set out on a 10-15 minute walk across the SE bridge and down the avenue. There are probably more than a hundred restaurants here, mostly run by eager and attentive young Japanese. Rest assure they will take good care of you at a reasonable cost. Try to find e.g. Giacomo's, a Japanese-Italian place - great food, great wines, great service at good prices.