We were excited to be back in Japan and thrilled for our first time in Osaka, Japan where we stayed at Hotel The Flag. With so many hotels and guest houses (i.e. Airbnb) to book around Osaka, specifically around Dotonbori, it was difficult settling on one but we were eager to stay at Hotel The Flag in Shinsaibashi.
Our first trip to Japan in 2016 had us itching to go back as soon as possible. The food, the people, and the post-trip culture shock kept encouraging us to work harder than ever to make it happen! Three years later when the opportunity came, in the form of cheap round-trip tickets ($300 USD per person!) from Honolulu to Osaka with Air Asia, we booked it immediately!
ARRIVING AT HOTEL THE FLAG
The locally owned and managed hotel immediately felt like home as Jawaiian music played in the overhead speaker at the check-in lobby, on the second floor. Its external slick design was a reflection of its clean inside aesthetic. But as with everything, we couldn’t come to conclusions by just appearance alone.
Like the friendly people we met on our last Japan trip, the hotel’s staff integrated incomparable hospitality over the course of our Japan stay. There was no competition with any other place we stayed at! Literally, the best hospitality one could hope for when staying in Japan. Meeting management in charge was an impression on its own and it really shows how those in higher positions treat their workers, which at Hotel The Flag was again, flawless when it came to taking care of its guests.
While we waited for everything to be finalized, Landon and I hung out in the lobby area where a cozy fireplace was lit. The waiting area had lounge chairs and comfy couches with tables where if one wanted to, could check up on their emails with high-speed internet or wait for a taxi to arrive. Like most hotels in Japan, a bushel of umbrellas were available for any guests venturing into wet weather.
LIBRARY AT HOTEL THE FLAG
If the Lobby area seemed to busy with guests checking in and out, down a hallway led to the Library area where even more lounge chairs and tables were available. The amble space could also be used for storing luggage for those coming and going or waiting for the rooms to be ready. While we were there, a giant t.v. was on for entertainment, playing local soccer matches. Apart from the hundreds of books available for reading, housed in the shape of “THE FLAG” bookshelf, the highlight of our week stay at Hotel The Flag was their endless supply of efficient espresso/coffee machine, accessible 24 hours a day.
LAUNDRY ROOM & SMOKING ROOM
Next to the Library area was a sealed smoke room. Just after the smoke room was the laundry room. Thinking it would be our last chance to wash our clothes for a month, we took advantage of this laundry room. The washer was good but the dryer took 2-3 cycles for our clothes to dry. Both machines only take coins but there is a cash-to-coins exchange machine just next to the dryers.
CHECKING-IN DELUXE TWIN ROOM
The room we stayed in was the Deluxe Twin Room which is the biggest room they offer. With two double beds, it can sleep up to four adults. We loved the layout of the room as there was a middle closet which was holding the tv, fridge (with complimentary water bottles), electric kettle, tea set, safe, and our favorite: the handy phone. Along with other great amenities such as the BALMUDA Air Purifier and Humidifier. Mary loved the Dyson supersonic hair dryer – top of the line luxury hair dryer! The extra amenities in the bathroom are always filled.
Getting around and saving data usage with the Handy Phone. This smartphone comes in every room and is as the name implies -it’s HANDY! It can be used for calling local and international, free of charge. The internet access helped us a lot with navigating google maps while on the go, exploring Osaka. All of these are free to guests staying at the Hotel the Flag. This was our first time experiencing a handy phone and it was very useful throughout our Osaka trip! For this reason alone is an excuse to stay at Hotel the Flag again!
DINING ROOM BE.ZEN
The only on-property restaurant, “Dining Room Be.Zen” was the place to welcome the day and eat a hearty breakfast. For a week straight we ate here and for a week straight we were energized every morning. With a surplus of food to indulge, from a variety of cuisines, it was ambrosial, to say the least.
Hours: 07:00AM – 10:00AM
Breakfast can be purchased at the front desk at any time.
– 2,000JPY (about $19 USD) per adult
– 1,000JPY (about $10 USD) for children between the ages of 7-12.
*Children 6 years and younger are free of charge.
PERFECT LOCATION
With great hospitality, comfortable rooms, endless coffee flow, and delicious food, it was hard leaving Hotel the Flag. However, the convenience of being nearby shopping plazas and popular food venues was the cherry on top for us. With full stomachs and Handy Phone in palm, exploring the area was less intimidating. Japan can be overwhelming for a first timer with so many places to see and eat as soon as you enter on the streets. Luckily, staying at Hotel the Flag made it easy being only a 10-minute walk from one of the most visited eating venues, Dotonbori. There are also popular shopping areas en route to the Dotonbori along with other eateries.
Where Hotel the Flag lacks in luxurious amenities, like a pool or spa, it makes up for in beautiful aesthetics, warm hospitality from every employee and walking convenience of nearby hot spots for tourists. There’s much to enjoy from Hotel the Flag which is why whenever we make it back to Osaka, this is the place we would most likely be staying again and again! The location is prime for everything – eateries, shopping, nightlife, and public transportation. It was an incredible stay and can’t thank the management and staff enough! If you are in Osaka, staying at Hotel the Flag is a must!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the voltage in Osaka, Japan?
The voltage is 100V (same plug as North America)
What is the nearest airport to Hotel the Flag?
Osaka International Airport – Itami Airport (19km)
Kansai International Airport -KIX (47km) – This is the airport we flew into from Hawaii.
Does Hotel the Flag offer airport shuttle service?
No
Does Hotel the Flag have complimentary WI-FI?
Yes
Does Hotel the Flag have complimentary breakfast?
No. Buffet Breakfast at Dining Room Be.zen costs: ¥2,000 for adults ($18.52 USD) and ¥1,000 for kids ($9.26 USD)
Does Hotel the Flag have a laundry room?
Yes. The washer and dryer accepts coins only. There is a coin machine in the laundry room.
Is Hotel the Flag pet-friendly?
No
What is Hotel the Flag parking rate?
Public parking is available on site and costs ¥1,800 per day ($16.68 USD)
What is Hotel the Flag daily amenity fee?
n/a
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