In my previous review of Holiday Inn Osaka Namba, I had put up some pictures of foods of Osaka. Here are some additional recommendations:
In my previous review of Holiday Inn Osaka Namba, I had put up some pictures of foods of Osaka. Here are some additional recommendations:
The Holiday Inn Osaka Namba is a reasonably budget hotel excellently situated in Namba, just at the fringe of Dotombori (read food!) It is very well connected to transportation hubs namely Nippombashi Station (Kintetsu line to Nara, Hankyu and Keihan Line to Kyoto) and Namba Station (Midosuji Line to Umeda and more importantly Nankai Line to Kansai International Airport). Next to Namba station is the OCAT where there is a direct bus (KIX Limo bus) to the airport as well. During winter, one can utilize the Namba walk (an underground shopping link connecting Nippombashi station on one end and Namba Station on the other).
There are plenty of food choices to go around in Namba and Dotombori, so feel free to book a room without breakfast plan. The hotel came with a 7-eleven (and another Lawson nearby), making it extremely convenient for breakfast and supper too!
This ryokan came as a recommendation from my wife (from her read up) and after doing some search of my own, it came recommended by many. As it is situated in Nara, it allows me to do a Ryokan stay and visit Nara at the same time. Kansai International Airport has a direct bus (2050 Yen per person) and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. The bus is comfortable and comes with on board toilet too! Do check the timing online before planning your journey.
There are currently 2 flights to Osaka daily (3rd one coming in April), either the red-eye at or a noon flight. Although I would have preferred to try out the Dreamliner, the timing was rather not conducive for my short travel as I end up losing one day. I opted instead for the ungodly hour of SQ618 which departs at 130am (for 5.5 hours flight).
I decided to put this up first as I felt that this review deserved the priority. I was initially booked on Business Class on both legs (SQ 618 and SQ 619) but 1.5 weeks out, Suites on the SQ 619 was still available and after some thoughts, I decided to make the plunge given the special nature of this trip (and giving in to my weak spot for Suites). I guess it was well worth it! What I experienced on this flight was a total contrast to my anniversary flight on SQ 308 last year.
With the 787-10 serving mainly the regional sector, how does it fare compared to the Business Class cabins of the A380 and 77W? I shall let the pictures do the talking (courtesy of my business partner, AF).
That Time Of The Year! 