Cleanliness standards

Reviews of Smile Hotel Namba

3 out of 5
Smile Hotel Namba
3-3-9 Saiwai-cho, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 190 out of 782 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 380 out of 782 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 161 out of 782 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 782 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 16 out of 782 reviews" "

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Curtis

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was nice and cozy
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Hao

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Kenichi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019

6/10 Okay

jirapan

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

8/10 Good

Rhonda

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This location takes quite some time to get to a bullet train using the JR pass. Small hard bed and cramped conditions especially the bathroom. Staff were wonderfu,l, friendly and very helpful.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Smile Hotel Namba staff : Chan on Apr 26, 2019
Thank you for your precious comments. We are so sorry about the location and the size of the rooms and beds. However, we always try our best to make all our guests satisfied. We are very pleased to have your appreciation. Thank you very much. We are looking forward to seeing you again.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

8/10 Good

Aimee

Was a good room to stay in. Met all our needs.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

Yumi, Hk

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Toilet in room is too small. The check out time is a bit too early which is 10am. Other than these all over is good
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

ActiveID, Japan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice hotel
Late night check in was good. Stayed in Osaka because of train schedules back to my area.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Easy spot
I'm coming back. Definitely picking this one again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017
Thank you for your comments.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The Frown Hotel Namba
We arrived there around 2 had to wait till exactly 3 to check-in. The bed was extremely small for two people so we were very uncomfortable the whole time. Everything seemed like it hadn't been cleaned properly and felt dingy. The bathroom was tiny and had a terrible smell the whole time we were there. The breakfast was bare bones and bad. The location wasn't even worth while since we had to take the subway to get to dotonburi everyday since there is nothing around the hotel. The costs add up every time so you're spending more money just to get around and find a decent breakfast. I would highly recommend staying somewhere else since the price is not worth cutting corners for comfort and cleanliness.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Toilet very small, compared with standard Japanese room. Quality of breakfast slightly below average, anyway undertandably the room rate is cheap.

6/10 Okay

Dick Siu Chak

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Compact!
I only booked this hotel because the other hotels within a reasonable budget had booked out due to the busy cherry blossom season. The room, bed and bathroom were tiny, even for Japan. Could barely turn around in the bathroom. My partner hit his head on the towel rack when getting off the toilet and I nearly knocked the sink off the wall while attempting to get in the shower (we're not big people ourselves). Although I think there are rooms that are bigger than ours, but we didn't have an option as it was almost fully booked. Breakfast included various Japanese food such as fish, rice, soup and tjen eggs and other meat, which was cold as it wasn't kept in a bain marie. Showers in shared bath are traditional Japanese and were lovely. Natural hot spa was also lovely. Women could use this from 1700-2100 and men from 2115 until 0100. Bathrooms had toothbrushes, shavers, a comb, cotton tips and a hair dryer, which was convenient. Very close to train stations, but JR stations were either a 15 minute walk in either direction. Approximately 20 minute walk to Dotonbori. Given that this hotel was called Smile Hotel Namba, it would've been nice to have actually been located IN Namba. I knew this when booking as I'd done my research, but for those who book without looking too much into it, be aware that it's not right in the middle of Namba and it will take you at least 15-20 minutes to walk to areas with good food, shopping and nightlife, such as Namba and Dotonbori.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
convenient, great service
The staff was great and service was very good. The hotel itself is a little old and could use a little sprucing up.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

4/10 Poor

Tamie, Thailand

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff at front
Staff at front talked bad to customers and could not communicate in English (stayed on 13-17 Sep 16). Suggested to get someone who could be more polite to customers. My expectation was actually not that high at this price but I'm quite serious about this service.

10/10 Excellent

Natthawut, Dublin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good location
Good location close to subway

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice hotel
Small room but big comfy. We had a great time there. Thanks smile hotel

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

marta, Irving

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A smile is worth a thousand words..
Upon arriving, found out that my luggage did not get here yet..so front desk Morimoto asked for my receipt and asked Japan postal for me. Found out my name was not on label but I got my luggage later that nite. Front desk speaks enough English for me..only wish their name on nametag was in English. Kohei always greeted me upon arriving. Breakfast was Japanese style so some Westerners may not like it, but I love This kind of food, was healthy and delicious. There was always coffee and hot tea! Room was quiet and comfortable but the maid came in twice on different days while I was in the shower. I know I put the sign out! I am glad that I had 2 pillows instead of one. Hotel was hard to find on a rainy day, and really no restaurant around except Royal Host plus a Coffee Shop but it closes early. Maybe some of you want to go to Dotombori Street. I come to Japan to see old friends and eat this healthy cuisine

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service
Location isn't great
All staff never say hello to us and each time we pass reception never smile but they let's us check out late.

4/10 Poor

Keith, Sydney

Disliked: Staff & service
Our holiday was ruined by rude hotel staff!
Upon entering 'SMILE Hotel' we thought it ironic that we were greeted by the coldest and rudest staff we have ever met in Japan! We travel to Japan on a yearly basis, and have met plenty of locals who have always showed us a good time and delivered impeccable customer service. We can't say the same about the staff at SMILE. The staff on concierge were incredibly rude to me and my group of friends during our stay. Not once were we greeted in a friendly or helpful manner. One of our friends didn't know how to use the washing machine and instead of helping us, the lady at the concierge laughed at her sarcastically and refused to help. During our stay, we had removed the key from its bulky packaging and left it in the room. One of the cleaners must have taken the packaging back to reception. Upon checking out and returning our key, the lady at the concierge gave me a rude look before fetching a male colleague who physically tried to intimidate me! He came up really close, and started waving the key's original packaging in my face, and yelling "WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY!?" He was making such a scene that everyone in the lobby looked our way. I was completely taken back by his rudeness, and had to tell him to back off. I am still in shock that we received such rude customer service at a hotel that received such a high rating on Expedia. We will never return and can't recommend this hotel to anyone based on the experience we had with the staff there. What a shame!

6/10 Okay

Michelle, Kuwait

Near Metro Station
This is a hotel to use for 1 to 2 nights in Osaka. There are no thrills here but it is located near a metro entrance and has breakfast. Not as tiny as a lot of Japanese hotels but definitely a budget hotel.

8/10 Good

Jetsada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good hotel and valuable price
The hotel is overall good

6/10 Okay

Margarita

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Vienna Luz C

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

2/10 Terrible

s, d

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wouldn't stay here
I wouldn't stay here again . Small couldn't even open suitcase had to put it on the bed bed . Bathroom was so compact if you were tall you would bump your head and ziti tying on toilet your knees would hit the door . And sleep you get none as room was on road front . No double glazed so to keep noise out breakfast stop 9 am out by 10 terrible plus staff don't speak any English at all so no help

8/10 Good

Rachel, Yorkshire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good basic hotel
Good basic hotel, close to underground stations and only five mins walk from JR Taisho. Room was standard business hotel room, bathroom was a little on the small size even by Japanese hotel standards but the shower worked well. Free breakfast with Japanese and continental foods.

8/10 Good

CHUEN HOWE, singapore

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good Hotel with affordable pricing
Hotel was around 10 - 15 mins from to JR Station. Room is clean with friendly staff. Able to squeeze in 2 adult + 1 toddler (14 mths) There's a 24 hrs supermarket across the road and a 7-11 nearby, very convenience.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Japan honeymooning
Good location. Simple easy hotel. Good facilities for a short stay. Nice staff

2/10 Terrible

LEE

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Joel, BGC, Philippines

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Convenient, comfortable, and clean
Affordable and conveniently located, with a helpful staff that speaks at least some basic English, Smile Hotel Namba is a good place for travelers on a budget who still need some kind of comfort. Never mind that the rooms are small; you'll only use yours to sleep, anyway.

10/10 Excellent

Jeun, California USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Positive
Great experience in osaka

10/10 Excellent

SSU YI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
EVERYTHING IS GOOD

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Average hotel
Very small rooms. Hotel staff very friendly and English is poor.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Value small hotel
This hotel is a bit far from the town. It is located one more stop (sakuragawa) from Namba by subway. When you first arrive with luggage, make use the exit no 2 from Hankyu rail tram,it is the nearest exit with escalator.

8/10 Good

maggie, australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Tiny hotel
Really small room, but canny find better one than this in the same price, can't complain

4/10 Poor

Margot, Manila

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
Osaka Trip
The room is squishy small. Really. Prior to booking, expedia says it's good for 3 pax. After I paid, it went to one. I could only managed up to 2 pax only. When we asked for an extra bed, hotel staff said they do not have it, that we should call expedia instead. Before our departure, we asked if we could borrow their weighing scale. As soon as brought down our luggage, another staff refused. He said that we should go to airport instead because their weighing scale is intended for boxes (packages) only. Staff were not really accommodating at all. They always give us cold shoulders whenever we asked for help. Breakfast was terrible. We could only eat bread and butter, but I like their unli coffee the most. I would suggest my fellow travelers to book a hotel along Shinsaibashi and Yodobashi areas. Though, it's a two minute walk to the station, fare is a quite pricey. Also, for my return trip, I would not booked at this hotel anymore.

6/10 Okay

Chee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Average Stay
Average stay in summary. Clean, free wifi, sufficient for a 3 night stay. Bathroom is very tiny even for Japanese standard. Breakfast is Japanese food, and offered free for guests so nothing to complain. Location is closer to Sakuragawa station Hanshin line compared to Sennichimae line. One station away from Namba, but probably better to stay in Namba itself for extra convenience. Neighbourhood is quiet.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
comfortable stay
The hotel was near exit 2 of the hanshin railway not the subway. The wifi wasnt working on the first day when it was full house. I think too many people were trying to log on. It worked fine on the second day

8/10 Good

SUSAN, Leiston, Suffolk, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent staff.
Hotel is close to a Metro station and only 1 stop away from Namba. Staff's very helpful and those we dealt with spoke English very well. We were allowed to check in half an hour early when we arrived, and a taxi was booked for us when we enquired about getting one to take us and our luggage to the station in Namba, and the taxi was waiting for us when we came down to check out. Breakfasts were provided and were adequate, though the Japanese breakfast was better than the western-style one.

6/10 Okay

Edward, Melbourne

Right above the train Station, conveniently connect to everywhere of Osaka. we stayed four nights but the WIFI is not working until our last day of stayed, a bit disappointed. The public bath really helped after a whole day walked. Nearby are supermarket and few local restaurant which you can have local meals rather than those tourist spots. The only draw back is the breakfast which is very limited and pretty average. Staff speak limited English. Overall I enjoyed stay in this Hotel because it is only one stop away from Namba.

6/10 Okay

Andrew Mun, Kuala Lumpur

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Close to Sakuragawa Station
Very close to Sakuragawa Station. Friendly staffs. Breakfast time 1st come 1st serve. WiFi not accessible during night time.

8/10 Good

Keith, College Point, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Small room but very functional!
Great location and you'll have everything you need in a hotel room even though the room is tiny in American standards but that's to be expected in Japan. Overall, our stay was pleasant and enjoyable. The continental breakfast was a pleasant surprise cause they had a lot of choices and the food was fresh and tasty. It would have made the stay even better if the staff spoke a little English.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort

8/10 Good

Kannikar, Bangkok, Thailand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
The room is a little too small for 2 persons
I appreciate to the staff service, they are friendly and helpful.