Osaka's Hidden Gem: ESLEAD HOTEL Tsuruhashi - Unbelievable Luxury!
Osaka's Hidden Gem: ESLEAD HOTEL Tsuruhashi - Unbelievable Luxury! - A Messy, Honest Review (and a Booking Pitch!)
Okay, so you're planning a trip to Osaka, huh? Forget the crowded tourist traps! I just got back from a stay at ESLEAD HOTEL Tsuruhashi, and let me tell you, hidden gem is an understatement. This place is a freakin’ treasure. Get ready, because I’m about to unleash a gloriously messy, honest, and (hopefully) helpful review. Buckle up, buttercups. This is going to be a rollercoaster.
First Impressions - "Whoa!" meets "Wow!"
First off, Tsuruhashi isn't exactly the glitziest district in Osaka. It’s got character, a real lived-in vibe. So when you pull up to ESLEAD, you’re immediately hit with a "Whoa, this is unexpected!" It’s sleek, modern, and…well, luxurious. And trust me, it doesn't stop at the lobby.
Accessibility - Nailed It! (Mostly)
Now, I’m not a wheelchair user, but I did notice the impressive accessibility features. Elevator? Check. Ramps everywhere? Check. The website claims “Facilities for disabled guests,” and from what I saw, they're actually equipped. Big win for ESLEAD! This is a huge plus for anyone with mobility issues. I mean, it's 2024, accessibility should be standard, but sadly it isn't. So, to any readers who appreciate accessibility, the hotel seems to be on point.
The Room - Pure Bliss (and a Tiny Complaint!)
Okay, the rooms. Are. Incredible. Seriously. I stayed in a room with a bathtub, a separate shower, and enough space to do actual cartwheels (okay, maybe not actual cartwheels, but you get the idea). Blackout curtains? Yes, please! Slept like a log. Like, the deepest, most blissful sleep I've had in months. Free Wi-Fi? Of course! And the Internet access – LAN was stable for streaming, too - huge bonus. They even have an additional toilet! How thoughtful!
The bathrobes were ridiculously soft. Slippers? Check. Complimentary tea and bottled water? Yes, yes, and YES! Air conditioning worked like a dream - thank goodness!
My only minor gripe? The bed was a little too firm for my taste, but hey, that's personal preference. They had extra long beds though. And tons of amenities. Hair dryer, safe box, refrigerator, ironing facilities, desk, mirror, seating area, toiletries, towels - all the usual suspects. Everything was clean; everything functioned. It was literally perfect.
Cleanliness and Safety - They Take it Seriously!
Okay, this is where ESLEAD really shines. They're clearly taking COVID seriously. I mean, seriously seriously. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They even had Hygiene certification. I'm not a germaphobe, but it's refreshing to see a hotel this committed to cleanliness. They had hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere like it was an Olympic sport. Staff trained in safety protocol were visible. They had a first aid kit readily available. The rooms, and even the tables in the restaurant, have Individually-wrapped food options. They have an option to opt-out of room sanitization, which I think is thoughtful. I noticed the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside the property. Also, smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher. Honestly, I felt safer there than I do in my own home. They even had a doctor/nurse on call which is great.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Oh. My. Goodness. (Part 1: The Breakfast Story!)
Alright, this is where things get delicious. I’m a breakfast fiend, and ESLEAD’s breakfast [buffet] was a game changer. Forget sad continental spreads. We're talking a legit Asian breakfast featuring the most amazing miso soup I've ever tasted, plus everything else you might want from a western breakfast, and a ton more you probably don't know you want yet! There were fresh salads and other options in the buffet in the restaurant. I’m talking the most varied options. The flavors will explode in your mouth. They also had vegetarian options! I'm not even vegetarian, but I ordered an option. I am going to dream of that one breakfast. Seriously.
And get this: you can have breakfast in room! I could have had a breakfast takeaway service if I hadn't been too greedy for all the buffet foods. You can literally roll out of bed and into a feast. Pure. Heaven.
They also had restaurants where I was able to try both Asian cuisine in restaurant. and Western cuisine in restaurant. There's a Coffee shop, and a snack bar and a poolside bar as well.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Oh. My. Goodness. (Part 2: The Happy Hour & Beyond!)
I took advantage of the Happy hour, you guys. The cocktails, the ambiance…everything just oozed relaxation. I am usually not a drinker, but the cocktails and bar are just perfect. They also had restaurants where I was able to enjoy the A la carte in restaurant. They had coffee/tea in restaurant and desserts in restaurant to match those drinks. There was room service [24-hour]! I mean seriously, does it get any better?
I was so blissed out after dinner and a night of cocktails, that I did not use the bottle of water from the bar. But it was there, I know for sure. I was tempted to use the soup in restaurant, but was already so stuffed from all the other foods!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Spa Day, Anyone? (And a Pool with a View!)
Okay, so this is where ESLEAD really seals the deal on the "Unbelievable Luxury" claim. They have it all:
- Pool with view: It's on the roof, and it's gorgeous. I'm not a huge swimmer, but I spent hours up there, just soaking up the sun and taking in the Osaka skyline.
- Spa: They also have a Spa!
- Massage: I got a massage, you guys. The best massage of my life.
- Sauna/Spa/Steamroom: I loved the sauna, the Spa/sauna, and the steamroom.
- Foot bath.
- Gym/fitness: They had a Fitness center!
- Body scrub and body wrap!
I wanted to spend a day there, just to use all the options!
Services and Conveniences - They Thought of Everything!
Seriously, they have everything here:
Air conditioning in public area.
Audio-visual equipment for special events.
Business facilities!
They provide cash withdrawal
Concierge.
A convenience store, which is handy.
Currency exchange.
Daily housekeeping.
A doorman.
Dry cleaning.
Elevator.
Facilities for disabled guests.
Food delivery!
A gift/souvenir shop.
Invoice provided!
Ironing service.
Laundry service.
Luggage storage.
Meeting/banquet facilities available!
Meetings/seminars!
Safe deposit boxes available.
Terrace.
Valet parking.
Wi-Fi for special events.
Xerox/fax in business center.
24-hour Front desk
They offer contactless check-in/out. They also had a car park [free of charge] and also had on-site car park and even car power charging station! There are taxis on demand. They have essential condiments available. Also, essential condiments.
Getting Around - Super Convenient!
Getting to ESLEAD is easy. They offer airport transfer, and there's a taxi service readily available. Plus, they have car park [free of charge] if you're driving. They even have bicycle parking, which is a nice touch.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly Fun!
They have kids' facilities. They have a babysitting service! They have kids' meals!
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because I'm Honest!)
Okay, no place is perfect.
- The elevator was a bit slow getting up to
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't some pristine travel brochure itinerary. This is my attempt to survive (and hopefully enjoy) Japan, with ESLEAD HOTEL Osaka Tsuruhashi as my base. Consider this less a schedule, more a battlefield report.
The ESLEAD HOTEL Osaka Tsuruhashi: My Fortress (or Maybe Just a Very Comfy Nook)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Ramen Hunt (aka, I Almost Starved)
- Time: 14:00 - Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Okay, I'm jetlagged. Really jetlagged. This isn't some romantic "eyes wide open" arrival. It's more like "eyes partially open, desperately seeking a caffeine drip."
- Event: Train to Tsuruhashi Station. The trains were a beast, like this metallic snake through the urban jungle. And I, a terrified tourist, was just trying not to accidentally sit in someone's reserved seat. Success! I made it. The ESLEAD: Found it, checked in. It's…compact. But clean! Thank god for air conditioning.
- Emotion: Relief, confusion, a slight craving for a cheeseburger.
- Evening Meal: Okay, the hunger REALLY hit. I'd read about ramen, ramen, ramen. So I ventured out. Finding food in a language you barely speak is a sport. Wandered around Tsuruhashi. All I wanted was some ramen. After a long search, I found one. The broth was so tasty, hot. Was this the best ramen? Probably not. But with jet lag and a hungry stomach it was paradise.
- Quirky Observation: The Japanese efficiency is genuinely impressive. The vending machines were like a freaking portal to snacks.
- Imperfection: I accidentally stepped on a guy's foot while trying to navigate the subway. Mortified. Offered multiple apologies, he just chuckled. Culture shock.
Day 2: Exploring the Neighborhood (and My Inner Tourist Disaster)
- Morning: Stumbled out of ESLEAD. Okay, it's still morning, as opposed to 3 AM, which is what it felt like. Breakfast at a nearby cafe. Another victory! The lady in the cafe couldn't speak english, but with some hand gestures I managed to get some toast and, somehow, tea.
- Event: Tsuruhashi Shopping Street. Oh my god, the things in Tsuruhashi shopping street! So much stuff to see. Clothes, ingredients, and much more!
- Anecdote: Managed to accidentally buy one of those tiny, almost comically small umbrellas. I don't even know why. The thought process involved something about "it might rain." Also did I mention I need a lot of Japanese yen now, I spent my entire first day's budget.
- Lunch: Another ramen place. This one…better. Definitely better. Seriously, this ramen thing is addictive.
- Afternoon: Wandered around a local park. Witnessed a group of old people doing, what I think, were calisthenics. My reaction: admiration and panic.
- Evening: Went to a karaoke bar. Singing is something I do, whether it's good or not.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. Even though I butchered the lyrics to Bohemian Rhapsody.
Day 3: Dotonbori! (OMG, the Glico Man!)
- Morning: Woke up. Still in Japan! Success. Breakfast at a convenience store (7-Eleven, obviously). The prepackaged sushi is actually…surprisingly decent.
- Event: Train to Namba (Dotonbori). Okay, this is the famous one. Expectation levels: astronomical.
- Lunch: Takoyaki! The octopus balls! Hot and delicious. I burnt my mouth.
- Afternoon-Dotonbori & Osaka-Jo Okay, Dotonbori. The lights! The colours! It's sensory overload in the best possible way. Took about a million photos of the Glico Running Man sign. The pictures probably look the same as everyone else's, but they're mine. Also, found a shop that sold giant, fluffy stuffed animals. I almost bought one, but it seemed like a bad idea.
- Event: Went to Osaka-Jo. The castle! Beautiful. Historically important. I mostly enjoyed the surrounding park and the general feeling of, "Wow, I'm in Japan."
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated tourist glee.
- Dinner: Okonomiyaki. The savory pancake. Again, hot. Again, delicious. Osaka is where I belong. I should probably go home, but right now I want to eat pancakes.
Day 4: Day Trip to Nara (Deer, Deer Everywhere!)
- Morning: Off to Nara! The train ride itself was a bit of an event because it’s a long and bumpy ride. Packed snacks, but I was kind of hoping for a cute bento box experience like I had read about.
- Event: Nara Park and the Todai-ji Temple. Okay, the deer. The freaking deer! They are everywhere, begging for crackers (which you can buy there). I probably looked like a startled idiot, dropping my map and shrieking a little. It was worth it. The temple was impressive. Huge. Ancient. I suddenly felt very small and insignificant.
- Anecdote: I accidentally offered a cracker to a deer that REALLY didn't want it. The deer gave me the stink eye. Deer!
- Lunch: Okay, I've gotta be honest. I was so overwhelmed by the deer experience, lunch was kind of a blur of chicken skewers and more deer.
- Afternoon: Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Beautiful lanterns. Peaceful. I needed it after the deer stampede.
- Emotional Reaction: A mix of awe, slight terror (deer!), and a deep appreciation for the serenity of the shrines.
- Dinner: Returned to Tsuruhashi, grabbed some sushi from a local shop. The best sushi I ate. Or maybe I was just exhausted.
Day 5: Back to Osaka (and Accepting the Mess)
- Morning: Slept in! Finally, the jet lag is starting to loosen it’s grip (maybe).
- Event: Explore more of Tsuruhashi. Okay, I'm getting comfortable here. Found a tiny bakery with the most amazing melonpan. Seriously, it could change lives.
- Imperfection: I got lost. Again. But it was okay. I found a little alleyway with a hidden temple and some beautiful graffiti art. Being lost is part of the adventure.
- Lunch: More ramen. There's a new ramen place near the hotel. It was the best. I'm getting to be a ramen connoisseur!
- Afternoon: Relaxed. Read. Reflected. Started to think about how much I'm going to miss this place.
- Quirky Observation: The vending machine game is strong in Japan. Seriously, they have everything.
- Evening: Packed my bags (sigh). Final ramen-filled meal at my favorite ramen place.
- Emotional Reaction: Sadness, but excitement for the next adventure, and also, a profound love for ramen.
Day 6: Departure
- Morning: Packed and checked out. Took the train.
- Emotion: Sad, but happy.
- Event: Goodbye, Osaka.
- Final thought: I'm not sure I "conquered" Japan, but I (barely) survived. And I can't wait to come back.
So… What *IS* This Whole FAQ Thing About, Anyway? (Seriously, Need a Cliff Notes Version)
Alright, alright, let's not pretend you haven't scrolled through an FAQ section before. Basically, this is my attempt to answer your questions – the ones you probably have, the ones you *should* have, and maybe even the ones you're too embarrassed to ask directly. Think of it as a brain dump of information, served with a side of opinions and the occasional existential crisis. No guarantee it'll be *helpful*, but it'll be entertaining, dammit.
Why are you doing this? Is this a cry for help? (Maybe a little of both?)
Okay, hear me out. I'm doing this partly because I have this weird compulsion to answer questions (especially ridiculously specific ones). I’m also a sucker for sharing what I know—or at least what I *think* I know. And yes… maybe, just *maybe*, there’s a slight, tiny, teensy-weensy possibility that I’m procrastinating on other things. But hey, at least this is somewhat productive, right?
What exactly do you claim to *know* about? Is this a subject matter or just a collection of my opinions?
Ha! Good question. Let's just say I've picked up a few things along the way, mostly by trial and even more error and this is an excellent subject to talk about!
Okay, Spill it: What's the biggest mess-up you *ever* had with this?
Oh, boy. Where to even *start*? Okay, picture this: me, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, thinking I knew everything about using the
I dove headfirst into this gigantic undertaking, and I spent an entire *week* just... *wrong*. I completely misunderstood one critical element. Let's just say I went backwards, burned through resources, and ended up with... well, let's just say it involved a lot of apologies and a complete redo. The worst part? I *knew* something felt off, but my ego refused to let me back down... I was so sure of myself. It was… humbling. And the sheer amount of time I wasted? Ugh, still makes me cringe.
The lesson? Don't rush. Don't assume. Ask for help! Embrace the learning curve. And maybe, just maybe, double-check your understanding *before* you commit to weeks of work. I'm still recovering from that one, honestly. Probably should go re-do some of my mistakes.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed? And if so, what do you do?
Overwhelmed? Honey, I practically *live* in a state of controlled chaos. But seriously, yeah, it happens. Often. When the to-do list feels like it's mocking me from the corner, I have a few go-to strategies. First, I take a deep breath (or ten). Then, I try to break things down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Sometimes I literally write out individual tasks on sticky notes and then throw them away, just to get the visual satisfaction of it. And if all else fails…chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate.
What's the *best* piece of advice you can offer?
Ooh, this is a tough one. But if I had to distill it down to pure, unadulterated wisdom? Be kind to yourself. Seriously. The world is a dumpster fire, and you're doing your best. Mistakes will happen. Things will go wrong. Don't beat yourself up over it. Learn from them, dust yourself off, and keep going. And for the love of all that is holy, celebrate the small victories. You deserve it. And maybe, *just maybe*, you should eat some ice cream while you’re at it.
Do you get existential about all this? Like, what's the *point*?
Oh, absolutely. I think about it all the time. It's easy to spiral. We're all specks of dust in the grand scheme of things, right? But then I remember a quote... no, wait, I can't remember the exact wording, but it was something about making the most of the time you have and leaving things a little bit better than you found them. Or maybe I just made that up. But the point is, even if it's just a tiny bit, even if it feels meaningless at times, it’s still worth it. So, yeah, I try not to dwell on the void. I just… keep at it. Because, hey, what else am I gonna do?
Where do you find the motivation?
Motivation is a fickle beast, let me tell you. Some days, it's all sunshine and rainbows; other days, you have to drag yourself kicking and screaming. Sometimes, I feel this wild, burning desire to create, to build, to *know*. Other times, the only thing that motivates me is the thought of avoiding the alternative: endless hours of Netflix and a growing pile of unwashed dishes. That’s the real fear, right? Dirty dishes that multiply overnight. So, I just try to focus on the small wins, the spark of curiosity, and the promise of a clean kitchen. And, you know, the thrill of maybe, *maybe* helping someone else avoid a massive, time-sucking disaster. Okay, and the slight ego boost of sharing my knowledge (even if it isn't *always* the best).
What's next? What are your plans? (Be honest)
Honestly? I have no idea. Seriously. I'm still trying to figure out the whole "adulting" thing. I got some new hobbies, got more time for friends, and I'm still working on my stuff, whatever that is. Maybe I'll learn something new. Maybe I'll finally clean out that junk drawer. Who knows? That's the fun part, right? Besides, all I actually know is, the next thing is always the next thing, no matter how much I plan. And eventuallyNomad Hotel Search
