The 292-room Ritz-Carlton Osaka is a five-pearl property and one of the most luxurious in the city. Elegant interiors resemble those of an 18th-century English mansion, and feature wood paneling, thick carpets, plush armchairs, and a collection of over 450 works of art and antiques. Rooms are some of the largest in town and have expansive city views, but some may find the traditionally elegant beige and blue color palette a little bland and dated. Its four excellent restaurants offer a wide range of cuisines (including Japanese, French, Chinese, and Italian) and there is a fitness center on-site complete with an indoor pool, a spa, and a serene garden with a whirlpool -- a rarity in Osaka. Guests looking for something more contemporary in the area may want to consider the Intercontinental Hotel Osaka, which can have lower rates.

First opened in 2010, the 160-room St. Regis Osaka has quickly become one of the most famous luxury hotels in the city. Rooms have sophisticated decor with delicate Japanese details, upscale bathrooms with soaking tubs, and expansive city views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Personal butlers make each stay a breeze, offering top-notch services such as packing and unpacking, free morning coffee delivery, and free clothes pressing. With wonderful on-site amenities ranging from an exclusive spa to two excellent European-inspired restaurants, and a central location near high-end shopping and attractions, it’s hard to go wrong with the St. Regis. The Ritz-Carlton tends to be a bit pricier, and many prefer The St. Regis for its more modern decor.

The 303-room Westin Osaka is an upscale option located in Osaka's Umeda district, next to the iconic Umeda Sky Building. Guests can walk to JR Osaka Station in about 10 minutes or take the hotel's free shuttle there. Rooms are reasonably modern and spacious, and feature flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Executive Rooms have access to the Executive Lounge, and one floor is reserved for women only. Traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats are also available. There are three dining options and two bars. The fitness center has an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and gym, but there's a fee to use it. Travelers looking for a cheaper option might consider the Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier, which also adds traditional Japanese baths and a garden.