Marriott Launches City Express Brand in Asia Pacific with Dual Hotel Opening in Osaka

(IN SHORT) Marriott International has launched the City Express by Marriott brand in Asia Pacific with the opening of two hotels in Osaka, Japan. City Express by Marriott Shin-Imamiya and City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South offer a combined 243 rooms and are designed to provide affordable, efficient and modern accommodations for business and leisure travellers. Marriott said the openings support its strategy to expand midscale hospitality offerings across key regional markets while responding to growing tourism demand in Japan. Company executives highlighted Osaka’s importance as a major travel destination and said the hotels provide convenient access to transportation hubs, business districts and cultural attractions.

(PRESS RELEASE) TOKYO, Japan, 2026-May-7 — /Travel PR News/ — Marriott International has launched the City Express by Marriott brand in the Asia-Pacific region for the first time with the opening of two hotels in Osaka, Japan, marking a major milestone in the company’s expansion strategy for value-driven accommodations across the region.

The new properties — City Express by Marriott Shin-Imamiya and City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South — offer a combined 243 rooms and introduce the brand’s focus on affordable, efficient and comfortable hospitality to one of Japan’s busiest urban tourism markets.

According to Marriott International, the simultaneous launch supports the company’s strategy to strengthen its midscale hotel presence in key global markets while establishing a foundation for further expansion of the City Express by Marriott brand across Asia Pacific excluding China.

The company said the openings come as Japan continues experiencing strong domestic and international tourism demand, creating growing opportunities for hotel brands focused on value-conscious leisure and business travellers.

Cristiano Rinaldi described the launch as a significant milestone for Marriott’s regional growth strategy. He said the brand’s emphasis on efficiency, comfort and accessibility is intended to appeal to modern travellers seeking reliable accommodations in well-connected urban destinations.

Both hotels were designed around the brand’s value-focused hospitality model, offering simplified but functional guest experiences tailored to travellers balancing work and leisure needs. Features include daily breakfast service, complimentary coffee and tea stations, flexible workspaces and free high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.

City Express by Marriott Shin-Imamiya includes 100 rooms and is located in Osaka’s Minami district adjacent to Shin-Imamiya Station, providing direct access to the JR Osaka Loop Line, Nankai Main Line and Osaka Metro network. The property offers convenient access to destinations such as Tsutenkaku Tower, Tennoji Zoo, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi.

Meanwhile, City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South features 143 rooms and is situated near Hanazonochō Station in Osaka’s Nishinari-ku district. The hotel provides easy access to major city attractions including Namba, Osaka Castle Park and Abeno Harukas, while maintaining direct rail connectivity to Kansai International Airport.

Yuji Tanaka said the Osaka openings reflect confidence in Japan’s travel market and rising demand for high-quality accommodations positioned within the value segment. He added that the hotels are intended to provide convenient access points for travellers exploring Osaka’s culture, dining and entertainment offerings.

The hotels will operate under franchise agreements with Marriott International and will be managed by Shin-Imamiya Hospitality G.K., a subsidiary of Pacifica Hotels G.K.

Both properties also participate in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme, allowing guests to earn and redeem points across Marriott’s global portfolio of hotel brands.

The debut of City Express by Marriott in Japan reflects broader trends within the hospitality sector as major hotel operators continue expanding midscale and value-oriented brands to meet evolving traveller preferences and rising demand for affordable urban accommodations across Asia-Pacific markets.

 

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