Yoshino-Kumano National Park

I booked this trip around six months ago, and at the time I was told that the accommodation would have a staffed reception. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived, this had changed. I stayed for seven days and six nights, and during that time we weren’t given enough bath towels. This meant we had to wash the used ones ourselves, but there wasn’t really enough laundry detergent provided for us to do so properly. When I made the booking, I was also assured that luggage storage would be available after check-out. Sadly, because the place has now moved to a completely contactless system, this service was no longer offered. In the end, we had to pay for external luggage storage instead. If you’re planning to cook during your stay, it’s worth checking in advance whether the kitchen has the basics you need. You may need to ask specifically about things like knives, spatulas, and ladles, as these weren’t fully provided.

Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka feels surprisingly luxurious for the price—grand, elegant, and far more upscale than expected. The hotel is extremely convenient to Namba Station, with direct access through a vast network of underground walkways that makes getting around Osaka effortless. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and well maintained, and the classic European-inspired design adds to the sense of staying somewhere special. Staff were friendly and helpful, and views from the higher floors are excellent. Overall, this is a beautifully appointed and very reasonably priced hotel that serves as an outstanding base for exploring Osaka.