There's a good bit of style at this large city-center hotel, which is a blessing in a city with plenty of soulless high-rises. Given the hotel's name, it's perhaps no surprise to find the glass-fronted entrance with a large white "X" above the doors. It certainly has an edgy appeal, one that doesn't diminish upon setting foot inside. The hotel's interiors are done with a sharp black, white, and red color scheme that gives everything sleek appeal. There's a circular, illuminated reception desk and a circular seating area in the lobby -- at the center is an eye-catching tubular aquarium with goldfish. While the hotel's location makes it a stylish place to crash at night, there is also a simple bar on-site for those who want to hang out here and have a cocktail in the evening. The Cross attracts a range of guests, the majority of them are tourists covering a wide range of nationalities and ages.

The hotel is ideally located for tourists, smack in the middle of the vibrant Namba District. The immediate neighborhood is packed with bars and restaurants covering a range of cuisines from French and Italian to plenty of authentic Japanese eateries. The Tourist Information Center is just behind the hotel. Within a two-minute walk is the famous Osaka Otonbori River Walk, with an abundance of Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki restaurants, other eateries, bars, nightclubs, amusement arcades, and the city's well-liked river cruise. There is also the Shinsaibashi shopping street with high-end designer stores like Miu Miu, as well as plenty more restaurants. Expect an eight-minute walk to the popular Amerikamura shopping area. The Ebisu Bridge is within a 10-minute walk as well. The hotel is ideally located for public transport too -- both Namba and Shinsaibashi Subway stations are within a five-minute walk of the hotel. Expect a 35-minute subway journey (with a bit of walking) to Osaka Castle Park. Osaka-Itami International Airport is a half-hour drive away, or an hour by subway and train.

The 229 guest rooms at the Cross Hotel Osaka come in Twin, Double, and Triple size rooms, with upgrades to Superior Rooms available. There are also some large Suites with a separate lounge area, large dining table, and bar. Guests can expect to see contemporary, minimalist furniture and the hotel’s signature black, white, and red color scheme in the decor. Subtle patterns -- like faux alligator skin panels on the walls and circular designs in the curtains -- add the right dose of personality, and crisp white duvets on beds make them a plush centerpiece to the rooms. Many previous guests have found the rooms small, and there is little floor space, but this is typical in Japan. All rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, safes, air-conditioning, and free mineral water. The bathrooms are compact too but feature a deep tub and separate shower area with a glass door. The design is unusual in city-center hotels, and is meant to evoke a miniature version of a traditional onsen. 

The hotel’s Glamorous-X restaurant is open daily for a buffet breakfast and lunch. The restaurant is on the third floor of the property overlooking the hustle, bustle, and ginkgo trees of one of Osaka's main streets, Midousuji. It serves a variety of Western and Japanese food, including cooked-to-order eggs and omelets at breakfast. Unfortunately, the restaurant does not serve dinner, which is a disappointment in a hotel of this caliber, though there are plenty of options in the area. Bar Seagull is the hotel’s simple-but-stylish bar that serves a range of cocktails, whiskeys, and wine and champagne. Bar snacks are also available. There is a beauty and hair salon within the hotel, and for business guests, a conference room and a banquet hall that can accommodate up to 100 people. Gifts and souvenirs are available to buy in the lobby, from bathrobes and beauty products to luggage straps. There are also computer stations in the lobby, although there is a charge to use them. Other facilities include on-site parking (for a daily fee), and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.