It might be a cliche in urbanized Japan to call a hotel sleek and modern, but the Swissotel manages to pack a whole lot of bustle into a shiny, towering package. Attached to a busy train station, and in the center of town, the sheer size of this property means that it's neither intimate or tranquil, but that's part of its appeal to many guests. After all, it feels a bit like an event of its own. Guests arriving by the Kansai Airport Express train can use the special phone at the station to call the hotel and ask for assistance with their luggage. Upon stepping inside, the lobby is open and modern, as are the hallways to guest rooms. The city views from the hotel's tower are superb, especially on a clear day. With its convenient location at the station and wide range of amenities, this hotel attracts all sorts of guests, both leisure and business, including families, couples, groups, and individuals.

This hotel is located in the Nankai Namba station complex, the terminus station for the Kansai Airport express train. The station features the famous upscale department store Takashimaya, as well as many other shopping options, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Osaka Castle can be reached in about 15 minutes, and Universal Studios Japan in about 20 minutes away by car or 35 minutes by public transportation. Kansai International Airport is just under an hour away by public transportation. It's a 90-minute trip by train from the hotel to Kyoto, a journey many tourists will be keen on making.

The hotel's rooms are spacious, particularly by standards in urbanized Japan, and feature a perhaps predictable Swiss style, with clean-lined contemporary furniture, mostly neutral color schemes, and Japanese artwork. Some are looking a little more tired than others, with less-than-contemporary purple accents in the carpeting and elsewhere, but even these details are inoffensive. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, tea- or coffeemakers, safes, free Wi-Fi, and minibars. Lounge chairs and work desks are nice extras. Higher category rooms add Nespresso machines. Modern bathrooms feature shower/tub combos, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, Japanese-style toilets, and upscale toiletries. Some have whirlpool tubs, and pajamas and slippers are provided. The best rooms have spectacular views of the city. Suites add more space and living areas, and some have dining areas as well. Guests staying in Executive Rooms receive access to the Club Lounge, which comes with a range of extras detailed below.

Guests won't go hungry at this hotel. Among its seven restaurants and bars is the signature Tavola36 Italian Restaurant & Sky Bar on the top floor. It serves a buffet for breakfast and lunch, afternoon tea, and southern Italian cuisine for dinner. It's an impressive space with large windows looking out onto the city. Several other restaurants are located on the 10th floor, including traditional Asian options and a sports bar. The lounge in the lobby serves afternoon tea and evening cocktails, and SH'UN Wine & Dine offers tapas and wines. Swiss Gourmet, in the lobby, serves pastries, breads, and cakes. Travelers staying in Executive Rooms get access to the Club Lounge for free breakfasts, cocktails, and snacks. Purovel Spa & Sport offers a fitness center, sauna, Jacuzzi, Japanese bath, indoor swimming pool, and five treatment rooms. Fees apply, but bicycles are available for free. Guests also can arrange to have massage treatments in their rooms. The hotel has numerous event spaces for social and business gatherings of various sizes and can accommodate up to 1,400 people. All support functions are offered, including catering and business services. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Parking is available on-site.