Super Hotel Namba Nippombashi

A family of four, seasoned travelers, we visited Japan (Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, and Tokyo) over winter break. We stayed at this hotel during our short visit to Osaka - two rooms, side-by-side on the 9th floor. We changed scheduling last minute so our lodging options were limited. As a baseline, we frequent Marriott hotels - usually, Marriott, Sheraton, JW Marriott, and Ritz Carlton (just hit lifetime Platinum Member). We also regularly stay at Hilton and Curio Collection along with AmEx Platinum's Fine Hotels & Resorts. Our traveling experiences have made us appreciate the small things - so, we are usually attentive to small things. Conveniently located. Clean. Breakfast buffet included. Canape and alcoholic drinks included (2pm-8pm) - you read that right. Pretty much everything we expected comparable to others in the same price range in Osaka - except for two notable differences. Before I begin, let me say that there is one inconvenience worth noting. There is one elevator that serves the entire hotel. If you use the elevator regularly during peak hours, you will remember this comment; otherwise, it's normal...but, I thought I bring this to your attention. So, first, a nice small touch - a robotic dog at the lobby. A pleasant addition that captured everyone's attention. We saw many kids and adults alike playing/petting it. Second, what would have been a 4-star review, we decided to give a 5-star review because of one staff member. Ushimura-san (sp?) started working at this hotel about 3 months ago. He assumed multiple roles - some of which we believe were assigned but some that he voluntarily assumed. He worked at the front desk checking in/out guests. He also lent a helping hand setting up and/or taking down eating area. Assuming these were a part of his responsibilities, what we would like to praise is his attention to guests' needs. Whenever he saw an opportunity, he never failed to attend to those needs. This is only possible because Ushimura-san constantly observed his surroundings making sure that he can improve the guests' experiences. For example, while working at the front desk, the breakfast line was getting long and seats were limited. Taking note of this, he took off his jacket, entered the eating area, and started to expedite the process (such as taking guests' trays and emptying them out) followed by cleaning up newly open seats. He then proceeded to assist the food crew noting short supply of some items and started stocking them (no worries, he wore gloves). In the meantime, he constantly peeked at the front desk making sure to attend to those in need. While this is one example, this mindset is something that I sincerely appreciated and one that I hope the management would recognize - certainly a rare characteristic, imo. Kudos, Ushimura-san.