Weekends in Osaka can be incredibly expensive, with hotel prices often skyrocketing. However, I found a surprisingly affordable option under the IHG umbrella: Garner Hotel Osaka Hommachi Midosuji.
To cut to the chase: if you expect a typical "IHG luxury experience," you might be surprised. Garner is IHG's new midscale brand, and it is a very rational, "no-frills" hotel focused purely on essentials.
1. The Price: A "Life Saver" on a Busy Weekend
The main reason I chose this hotel was definitely the price. While most hotels in Osaka charge tens of thousands of yen per night on weekends, this place remained relatively reasonable.
In fact, despite staying during the peak season of December 2025, I managed to book a room for around 9,000 JPY per night. This is an incredible bargain for a major international brand in central Osaka.
I thought, "If it's in the same group as InterContinental or Crowne Plaza, it must have some luxury feel," but this was where my journey into "rationality" began.
2. The "Hotel Name" Trap
The first confusing thing I encountered was the number of hotels with similar names nearby. In 2024, three "Garner" hotels opened simultaneously in the Hommachi area:
- Garner Hotel Osaka Hommachi Midosuji (Where I stayed)
- Garner Hotel Osaka Hommachi Station
- Garner Hotel Osaka Hommachi Kitasenba
Having three hotels with such similar names on the same street felt a bit disorganized, almost typical of a rapid global brand rollout.
3. Digital Experience vs. Reality
The IHG app encouraged me to do an "Online Check-in," but when I arrived, the kiosks (automatic machines) were out of service, and I was told to go to the counter. There was only one staff member handling several international guests, leading to a long wait. Despite the "DX (Digital Transformation)" branding, the actual operation felt a bit behind.
✨ Perfect for "IHG Mattress Runs"
If you are looking to earn IHG One Rewards points or elite night credits cheaply, this is a perfect strategic base. For those focused on maintaining status, the cost-performance is hard to beat.
4. The Room: Compact and Functional
My first impression upon entering the room was: "It's tiny!" While the design is modern and stylish with nice indirect lighting, there is absolutely no extra space.
I wondered where international guests with large suitcases would even open them. It feels as if the concept of "relaxing in the room" has been completely removed in favor of efficiency.
Another point to note is the soundproofing. The walls felt a bit thin, and I could hear noises from the hallway and neighboring rooms quite clearly. If you are a light sleeper or value a quiet environment, this might be a challenge.
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5. Common Space and Nearby Shopping
Since the room is essentially for "sleeping only," the best way to enjoy your stay is to use the 1st-floor lounge. It has a relaxed atmosphere, a microwave, and is suitable for light work or snacks.
There is a small Aeon-group supermarket called "CoDeli" just a 3-minute walk away. Buying food or drinks there and heating them up in the lounge is the smartest way to spend your time here. It's more suited for budget-conscious travelers than those seeking fine dining.
Verdict: Is it worth staying here?
As long as you don't expect "luxury" from the IHG name and understand that this is a "stylish, convenient, and hyper-rational international-style budget hotel," it is an excellent choice for the price.