KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) — Pacifica Hotels G.K. has signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International Inc to introduce the City Express by Marriott brand to Japan, marking its Asia Pacific debut through the conversion of two existing hotels in Osaka.
Following a full rebranding, the hotels—to be known as City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South and City Express by Marriott Osaka Shin-Imamiya—are expected to open in spring 2026.
City Express by Marriott caters to value-conscious travellers seeking reliable, modern, and accessible accommodation. The brand focuses on quality, simplicity, and consistency, offering guests a comfortable stay experience across urban, suburban and emerging destinations.
Pacifica Hotels Chief Executive Officer, Seth Sulkin said the new openings would provide affordable, high-quality lodging amid rising hotel rates in Japan.
“These hotels will allow travellers to experience the dynamic Nishinari Ward south of Namba, an area with strong potential and growing demand,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Marriott International Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Shawn Hill said: “This signing reflects our commitment to strategic growth and to meeting the evolving needs of travellers. With its strong value proposition and Marriott Bonvoy’s powerful distribution platform, City Express is well positioned to support Osaka’s vibrant tourism landscape.”
The City Express by Marriott Shin-Imamiya, featuring 100 guest rooms, will be a nine-storey standalone property in Haginochaya, directly adjacent to Shin-Imamiya Station, a major interchange for the JR Osaka Loop Line, Nankai Main Line and Osaka Metro.
The City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South, with 143 guest rooms, will occupy a 14-storey building in Hanazono-kita, next to Hanazonochō Station on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line, offering convenient subway and road access to central Osaka.
Both hotels are strategically located near key attractions such as Abeno Harukas, Tennoji, Namba, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Osaka Dome, and Osaka Castle Park, with direct links to Kansai International Airport via the Nankai Main Line.
The development underscores Marriott’s continued expansion in Japan’s midscale segment, strengthening its presence with thoughtfully designed, affordable accommodations for both domestic and international travellers.
— BERNAMA
AloJapan.com