As a top-tier Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador member, with most of my hotel stays I feel about as appreciated as Robert Isom at an American Airlines employee town hall. “We’re looking a little tight on suites, but here’s a pack of nuts, thanks for your loyalty.” You know, those kinds of vibes.
Well, I finally stayed at a Marriott hotel that has been on my radar for a long time, and it sure lived up to the hype!
I visited the Osaka Station Hotel’s unique Specialty Salon
The Osaka Station Hotel is a Marriott Autograph Collection property in (you guessed it!) Osaka, Japan. It’s a fascinating property, given that it has a bit of a train theme, as it’s owned by JR West (West Japan Railway Company).
At over 400 rooms, it’s a large property, and I think the most exceptional thing for most guests is the breakfast (which is really, really good — better than at the Patina Osaka and Waldorf Astoria Osaka — full reviews are coming when I get home).
But what really sets this hotel apart is the Specialty Salon, essentially its club lounge on the top floor. Okay, lots of hotels have club lounges, but this one is unique. Actually, technically it’s not a club lounge, it’s a “salon.” What’s the significance of that? Well, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum and Titanium members don’t receive access to it.
The primary way to access this is by booking a room on the Specialty Salon floor, and they can be pricey. However, as a courtesy, the hotel does extend Specialty Salon access to Bonvoy Ambassador members. As a matter of fact, several Marriott properties in Japan have special facilities that exclude elite members, with the exception of Ambassador tier guests.
On the surface that might be surprising. After all, Japan is a very “by the book” country. However, Japanese Marriott properties also seem to get an inordinate number of elite members. Just being realistic, if half of the hotel has access to a club lounge, it’s unlikely to be a good experience.
I had heard Ambassador members rave about this lounge, and I’m delighted I finally had the chance to visit it… it didn’t disappoint!
Yes, the Specialty Salon is actually incredible!
The Osaka Station Hotel Specialty Salon is huge, much bigger than it needs to be, and it never got anywhere close to full.
In terms of soft product, I’d say this is among the best hotel club lounges I’ve ever been to. It beats most Ritz-Carlton club lounges I’ve visited, and I’d say it even competes with the Rosewood Manor Club Hong Kong (not in terms of views or design, but in terms of food and drinks).
For one, the lounge has alcohol all day, and not just during the happy hour. We’re not talking cheap stuff either. There’s free flowing Laurent-Perrier champagne throughout the day (yes, even with breakfast), and cocktails prepared by a bartender.
There’s an extensive afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, the most delicious pastries imaginable (I believe they come from a local bakery), and even soft serve parfaits.
The star of the show is the evening presentation, though. There’s caviar, and even a small menu you can order off of, with beef tenderloin, steamed lobster, and more. Unbelievable!
I mean, just on principle, I felt like I had to get my money’s worth, given how much I spend with Marriott, and how little value I actually get. What an incredible experience!
I’d say that I’d highly recommend staying at Osaka Station Hotel just to enjoy the Specialty Salon, but the issue is obvious — Japan is my favorite food country in the world, and you don’t want to visit Japan, only to end up eating in a club lounge. But hey, I’ve got a job to do, and goodness did I take it seriously. Man, returning to the United States is always such a buzzkill — literally (after being in the Specialty Salon!) and figuratively.
Anyway, I’ll have a full review of all four properties I checked out — BVLGARI Tokyo, Waldorf Astoria Osaka, Patina Osaka, and Osaka Station Hotel — upon returning home.
Bottom line
I never thought my Bonvoy elite status would get me access to a club lounge with Laurent-Perrier champagne at breakfast and caviar in the evening, but fortunately the Osaka Station Hotel exists. I had heard about this hotel since it opened, and am thrilled I finally had the chance to check it out.
The hotel itself is a little big for my tastes, but still very good. What really sets it apart, though, is the Specialty Salon. In my nearly 20 years of having status with Marriott Bonvoy (and before that, Starwood Preferred Guest), this is the nicest club lounge I’ve ever received access to on account of my status.
What do you make of the Osaka Station Hotel Specialty Salon?
Imagine going to Japan just to eat the most Western food possible. Caviar, champagne, and pastries.
Japanese hotels are uniformly Clean and Polite , unlike many other hotels throughout the world . Osaka is a city , not sake .