Osaka can be a difficult city at first, because it occupies an enormous area. And, unlike Kyoto for example, there's not really a single central area; Osaka is more like Tokyo, where there are multiple major commercial/tourist areas. Also, there's not just one major train station, but at least 3: Osaka and Namba station are major commuter stations, and Shin-Osaka is the station for the shinkasen lines. In short, no matter where you choose to stay, you'll likely have to do plenty of traveling within town.

That said, the Westin would not be my first choise for location. You might consider the Swissotel in Namba -- the hotel itself is a solid (if charmless) business hotel, and the location is ideal for visiting, for getting around town. and for rail access to KIX airport.

The Westin Osaka is a nice hotel with comfortable rooms, great staff, and a very good breakfast buffet. The location is not what you are looking for. I chose that hotel because I could stay on hotel points.

There isn't anything of interest around the hotel. Osaka station station is huge and has department stores, shops, and restaurants, with more outside the station. Yes, you would want to go to the station first in order to "walk and wander".

The hotel is about a 10 minute walk from Osaka station. I made that uninteresting walk when I arrived in Osaka, too late for the last shuttle. The shuttle trip is short and the schedule is very dependable. IIRC, the shuttle stop was very convenient for the JR local to Kyoto but otherwise it took some time to find my way through the station complex to the subway/train I wanted to take to a city location.

The Westin is in the Kita(north) district of Osaka while the Namba stations (note the plural stations) are located in the Minami(south)district of Osaka. Osaka station is large and crowded and the local subway is downstairs. The Midosuji Subway line connects Osaka/Umeda Station directly to Namba Station. It takes approximately 8 minutes and 230 yen from Osaka/Umeda Station. I will leave you this site to explain what is in and how to get to Minami,which is my favorite district in the "Kitchen of Japan"

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4001.html

Don't miss the underground mall called "Namba Walks". It connects all the different Namba train and subway stations underground and is filled with literally hundreds of shops and restaurants. You will need two days just to explore Minami above and underground.

DT is right the Swissotel at Namba station has the train station in its basement level with direct trains to and from KIX. There are many smaller and less expensive hotels all around the Minami district.

Aloha!

Thank you all so much for the helpful replies. Now I understand. It sounds like I would rather be at the Swissotel; unfortunately, last time I checked, the rate for Swissotel was about $400/night for a smallish room (due to the holiday weekend I assume); this is considerably more than the rate I got at the Westin. (though there are better non-refundable rates).

Approximately how long does it take and how much does it cost for a taxi from the Westin to the Swissotel?

Thank you.

http://www.numbeo.com/taxi-fare/city_result.jsp?country=Japan&city=Osaka