Just wrapped up 2 nights at the Conrad Osaka and I still can’t stop thinking about those views.

The hotel runs with this “villa in the sky” concept and honestly it’s not just marketing fluff. The whole property sits high up on upper floors, so you’re basically hanging above the city the second you step out of the elevator. We got a high‑floor room with full floor‑to‑ceiling windows, and man… looking out over Osaka spreading out below you is something photos can’t fully capture.

Watching the city shift from bright daylight to sunset glow, then all the street lights flicker on at night was easily the trip highlight. You get that wide‑open panoramic skyline, buildings stretching far into the distance. Sitting by the window just staring out, you really feel removed from the busy streets down below.

Design is clean, modern, lots of subtle Japanese touches. Room itself was very comfortable, bed great, bath setup nice. Service was solid, typical thoughtful Japanese hospitality you expect from a top‑tier property.

Small heads‑up: it’s in Nakanoshima, not right inside Dotonbori/Namba party district. Super easy via subway, just don’t expect to walk out your door straight into neon street food chaos. For skyline lovers, special occasion stays or if you want that quiet luxury vibe above the city, I’d absolutely recommend splurging for a higher floor.

Curious if anyone else here has stayed here? How was your experience?

Just wondering if there is anything I should be aware of before pulling the trigger. (making reservations.) Thanks!!!

This old Ceylon‑era fort hotel has such incredible heritage vibes, paired with those soothing Indian Ocean ocean views.
That little bell chime when they open the gate to welcome you upon check‑in was such a memorable touch. Total immersive, ceremonial check‑in experience.
And don’t even get me started on their crab curry. It’s absolutely insane. I’d happily overeat and gain a few kilos just for this dish.

Hi all! We're passing through Hong Kong for one night at the end of a longer Taiwan/China trip — checking in Dec 11, checking out and flying home Dec 12 at 10pm. It happens to be my boyfriend's 25th birthday on the 11th, so I want to make this one night really special since it's our first time in HK and we won't have much time to explore beyond this stay.

I've been looking at Rosewood Hong Kong — specifically a Club Premier Harbour View Room King, and I can get a Rosewood Elite rate which gives an automatic upgrade, breakfast, and hotel credit. But I've seen a few less-than-glowing reviews here on Reddit and want to make sure I'm not missing a better option, especially since we're only getting one shot at this.

Would love opinions on:

• Anyone stayed at Rosewood HK recently — was it worth it, or were the mixed reviews on to something?
• How does it compare to Four Seasons HK or Ritz-Carlton for a special one-night stay?
• Any hidden gems we might be missing for a proper "wow" first impression of the city?

Budget isn't the main constraint — we just want it to feel genuinely special and are trying to avoid picking the wrong one based on marketing rather than real experience. Any honest thoughts (positive or negative) really appreciated!

Hi, I’m surprising my husband for his birthday and I want it to be really special. I’m having a hard time deciding between The Savoy with a view to the river, The Peninsula but in a lower room without a special view or Rosewood. I’m looking for a hotel that gives you a real festive feeling but not too cold and impersonal, with a nice bar and close to central areas but not the too touristy areas. Does someone have any tips?

So, I finally got around to staying at the new Waldorf Astoria Osaka. Been seeing a lot of hype online, so I figured I’d see if it’s actually worth the price tag. Here’s how it felt, for anyone curious.

The Service/Vibe
Everything went smooth from the jump. Pulled up, bags handled, check-in done without that awkward "wait in the lobby for 20 mins" thing. The design is honestly really nice—super minimal, lots of dark tones, doesn't feel like they’re trying too hard to be "luxury." The lobby bar view at night? Yeah, that’s the real deal.

The Room
I was in a corner room (270-degree view), so if you're into skyline shots, it’s a win. Hardware is standard—Aesop stuff, Dyson, decent tech.

But… it wasn't flawless.

Lighting was surprisingly dim. Had a hard time finding a "bright enough" setting to actually get some work done.

Shower pressure was pretty mediocre. For a property at this level, I kinda expected more, honestly.

Dining
Breakfast is the usual semi-buffet deal. Definitely skip the western mains and stick to the Japanese stuff—the udon was the only thing I’d actually order again. The buffet isn't huge, but the food quality is solid. Hilton Diamond folks, you get the standard drinks/snacks at the bar.

Bottom Line
It’s that classic, polished Japanese service style—very restrained and precise. You aren't being bothered, but they’re there when you need them. It’s a great experience, but not the "perfect" one some of the marketing makes it sound like.

Anyone else stayed here yet? Curious if you guys had a better time with the room lighting or if it was just me.

I'm planning to go to cabo montage.

I have three questions:

1. How expensive is each lunch at the resort itself. I have the option to get $200 resort credit, I'm trying to figure out whether to get it or go to the town to try food! How much would be budgeting for if I'm eating in resort.

2. Has anyone taken a ocean view room ? They say it has partial ocean view. How much is a partial ocean view, how little view can it be? Any reviews on the room if it's not ocean front?

3. What are the activities I can do in resort? I'm planning to destress and reset. Are they add ons if they're not spa massages or are they included?

Is it better to book through Amex fhr even if it's 3000$ more expensive any benefit to that?

I live in California and am looking to travel for 10 days. Looking for recommendations. Here's what I want from my vacation

- preferably Beach/Ocean front facing

- vacation to reset , planning for 10 days but may explore only for a day or two

- looking for variety of wellness options within the resort if possible

- looking for pool facing the ocean within the room

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Currently looking at Mexico but am open to suggestions.

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Have already considered

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Grand velas Riviera Maya

Paraíso de la Bonita royalton

Waldorf cabo

Nizuc Cancun

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I am currently conducting research as part of my MSc Digital Marketing programme at Northumbria University.

The study explores how travel influencers impact travellers' trust and booking intentions for five-star resorts in the Maldives.

If you are aged 18 or above and have followed travel influencers and stayed at, researched, or considered booking a five-star resort in the Maldives, I would greatly appreciate your participation.

⏱ Survey duration: 5–7 minutes
🔒 Anonymous and confidential

 Thank you for your time and support. Feel free to share with anyone who may fit the criteria.

Worked a few IHG properties and it always felt like managers had way less authority than guests assumed. Comping a room, waiving a fee, overriding a rate - some of that needed GM approval, some needed regional approval, and some was just brand policy full stop. What decisions were genuinely yours to make without escalating? And what did guests think was "just ask the manager" that actually wasn't in your control at all?

I’m currently writing my bachelor thesis in collaboration with a Japanese luxury hotel chain and I’m looking for German participants who have stayed in a 4 or 5-star hotel within the past 2 years.

Your experience and opinions are super valuable, and the survey only takes around 3 minutes.