voco Osaka Central Opening in Late May 2023
voco will open its first Japanese property in Osaka in late May 2023. In fact, the hotel now accepts reservations for both in cash and IHG points starting from May 30.
Cash rate wise, expect to pay around~$200 a night for a standard queen room. But, it becomes a good deal when booking with IHG points where you can expect to pay around the range of ~30-40k IHG points per night, making it a ~0.6 cents per points redemption, compared to the average IHG points value of 0.5 cpp. IHG occasionally runs promotion of 100% bonus when you buy points that make buying points a great idea to book this hotel if you can take advantage of it.
To make it even better, you can apply for the Chase IHG Premier Business to earn a free night certificate worth up to 40k IHG points that can be topped up with uncapped IHG points. Also, just by being a cardmember, you can get the 4th night free when you book with points for 3 consecutive nights to get more out of your IHG points and more time in a great city.
If you are interested in hotels under the IHG One Rewards program, please consider booking through this link. By completing your booking through here, you’ll help support the site at no extra cost to you! By being an IHG One Rewards member, you’ll get the best rates for IHG hotels, earn points for future IHG hotel stays, build elite status & use elite status benefits, and more!
voco Osaka Central Details
The hotel’s conveniently at the center between Chuo and Kita Wards, and landmarks like Dotonbori and Osaka Castle are few stations away. The closest subway station from the voco is Higobashi Station that’s just 3-5 minutes walk away!
Room sizes aren’t big however, even the highest category room is just 40sqm big. Some rooms may come with futon and sofa beds that can be decent for those traveling with a party of 3-4. Here are some renderings:
The hotel will have on-site restaurant and bar. The second floor can be accessed through the spiral staircase.
IHG Diamond Elite will be able to get free breakfast here as a Welcome Gift choice. There is no pool within the property, and pets aren’t allowed with the exception of service animals. There is a gym and business center for printing and copying purposes.
voco Central Osaka will serve as the middle of the pack for IHG’s Osaka market between the InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn & Express.
Conclusion
I remembered seeing this hotel not accepting reservation until late August of 2023, so it’s a surprise for it to open earlier than expected! Since I’ll be in Osaka this upcoming July, I do have a chance to check it out, but it won’t likely be the case since I’ll be staying at the Conrad Osaka instead. But, if I do somehow extend my stay in Osaka, then I might give this hotel a try as I have never stayed at a voco before, and possibly give IHG Diamond benefits a test drive in that brand. Plus, it’s actually just a 10-15 minute walk away from the Conrad Osaka, so it won’t be much of a hassle hotel hopping. If not, then I may have to save it for a future Osaka visit.