When you have a late flight arrival or early departure, an airport hotel provides the ultimate in luxury – a quick getaway between your flight and your room. Passengers transiting Osaka’s Kansai Airport (airport code KIX) can take enjoy the convenience of the Hotel Nikko Kansai.
The 576 room property is located a short walk away (2-3 minutes) from Terminal 1 via a sky bridge, and a free shuttle ride away (7 minutes) away from Terminal 2. The hotel complex features an impressive atrium that houses assorted restaurants, shops, and access to the Japan Rail Nankai station. If you want to stay close to a transportation center, this is it – there is no other hotel on the island where the airport is located.
In keeping with the air travel theme, the guest rooms are divided into classes of service: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. I had a single Premium Economy room that was comfortable, but spartan (only one pillow!). The room had a chair, television, small work space, and plenty of plug in space. A humidifier was a nice addition, although given my short stay, I didn’t take the time to figure out how to use it. This was a very basic room, no frills or impressive amenities, and the decor is starting to look tired and in need of an update. But you’re staying at the hotel for convenience, not luxury, so get over it and enjoy your stay.
Japan hotels seem to excel at bathrooms and even at this basic level hotel room it delivered. If you’ve never used a Japanese toilet, it’s hard to explain the engineering feat that manages to warm the seat, provide varying types and speeds of targeted spray, and cleans and dries your delicate parts.
The front desk staff was friendly and English speaking, going out of their way to make sure my questions were thoroughly answered. I sat in the lobby area waiting for my traveling companions, and numerous hotel staff appoached to make sure that I wasn’t waiting for something or to be certain I wasn’t in need of anything. Everyone I came in contact with greeted me warmly, a customer service philosophy that, as of late, I haven’t seen enough of.
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Although there are four restaurants on property, I only had the time to try one. The Brasserie bills itself as fusion buffet featuring an extensive range of Western and Japanese fare. After nearly 24 hours of travel, I’m not sure that I gave it the proper appreciation, but the limited dishes I sampled were all attractively presented and delicious. There was a nice balance of Western and Japanese selections.
The breakfast buffet, included with some room rates, was also served in The Brasserie. If it’s not included in your room rate, the buffet is priced at approximately $21 for adults and $13 for kids (based on current exchange rate). Dishes are attractively displayed, refreshed frequently, and service was attentive. The breakfast buffet seemed to more heavily feature Japanese menu selections over Western ones, and fussier eaters may not find it a good value.
Hotel Nikko’s loyalty program is called Harmony One. Fairly substantial discounts on room rates, meals (sometimes as much as 50% off), and other services are offered to Harmony One members. If you’re planning a stay any Hotel Nikko, sign up for the program and take advantage of these member only prices.
It may not be the most luxurious hotel you’ve stayed at, but you can’t beat the airport convenience.
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport has rates starting at about $160 per night, based on double occupancy. Prices vary widely based on dates, exchange rate, and the special Harmony One member rate. You can check prices on Booking.com or Expedia as well.
