AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION
WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES
The staff is outstanding.
They helped me with the automated check-in and not only
found me a full-service grocery within 12 walking minutes, but they also
printed a color map.
The second floor lobby is filled with free small items --
toothbrushes, razors, all kinds of amenities.
WHEELCHAIR USERS CANNOT SEE WHAT’S COMING BEFORE CROSSING BUSY ALTON ROAD AND LINCOLN ROAD IN MIAMI BEACH
Every wheelchair user’s safety is threatened by bollards along Lincoln Road at Alton Road in Miami Beach.
The car in the photo is a lane over.
It’s impossible to see what’s coming
north on the closest lane.
We all know Miami drivers run red
lights serially.
The bollards are there on the one in 1
in 10 million chance that a terrorist drives onto Lincoln Road.
In an urban area that consistently
rates as one of the most dangerous for pedestrians, the odds of an accident
because of the bollards are probably 1 in 10,000.
Very bad planning guards against the extreme
outlier while ruining independence, inclusion, mobility and dignity of all
people with disabilities.
PERFECTLY LOCATED NO FRILLS, MOM AND POP PROPERTY WITH EXCELLENT STAFF AND GREAT PRICE POINT
They are a bit drab.
With them being so small -- about 100 SF -- they could
stand to be modernized.
There is one elevator, so there could be a wait to get up
to your room if the property is fully occupied.
It would be nice to have some small breakfast offering --
just some coffee and rolls, so you could get some food on your belly before
venturing out for a long day of exploring.
PERFECTLY LOCATED NO FRILLS, MOM AND POP PROPERTY WITH EXCELLENT STAFF AND GREAT PRICE POINT
Ueno Station has direct access to Tokyo Station for the
Shinkansen bullet trains, as well as only one change for the monorail to
Haneda.
During my first stay, I could hear a lot of noise from
the floor above.
Asking for a room on the top (6th) floor upon my return
solved that problem.
The building is ugly and one of the few in Tokyo with
graffiti marks – maybe this keeps the price low.
PERFECTLY LOCATED NO FRILLS, MOM AND POP PROPERTY WITH EXCELLENT STAFF AND GREAT PRICE POINT
I had a request about room location (for my return, 4-day
stay after my original 3-day visit) and they were super accommodating.
There is a Lawson 24 hour konbini footsteps away.
Ueno station has a gourmet grocery.
And there are tons of
mom and pop restaurants withing walking distance.
The vibrant Ameyoko shopping street is about 10 minutes away.
There is some really great street food, sit down spots and discount shopping in the always crowded, noisy strip.
Thankfully, Ameyoko is on the
other side of the huge train station, so none of its raucousness disturbs
guests at Touganeya Hotel.
PERFECTLY LOCATED NO FRILLS, MOM AND POP PROPERTY WITH EXCELLENT STAFF AND GREAT PRICE POINT
The water pressure and warmth in the shower was fine and
the AC worked well.
The bed was comfy and the small desk and drawers were
very efficient.
Perhaps the rooms and hallways could use a slight
makeover, but then again the price was just a bit more than $100 USD per night
including taxes.
Luggage storage was good and secure while I waited for check-in.
PERFECTLY LOCATED NO FRILLS, MOM AND POP PROPERTY WITH EXCELLENT STAFF AND GREAT PRICE POINT
There is a small microwave for shared use (none in rooms,
but a very tiny fridge is in each room) and a purified water dispenser for
filling your bottles.
I did not use the onsite laundry, but that is a good
amenity.
There are a few freebies, such as coffee and tea packets plus tiny travel razors/toothbrushes in the lobby.
PERFECTLY LOCATED NO FRILLS, MOM AND POP PROPERTY WITH EXCELLENT STAFF AND GREAT PRICE POINT
The lodging also is about 10 minutes from amazing Ueno
Park's 130-plus acres of world class museums, shrines/temples, lake, Tokyo Zoo,
festivals and cherry blossom trees in spring/golden trees in fall.
The building is very nondescript and there is zero food
available.
THESE MACHINES DO NOT BACK UP
OR MOVE OUT OF
THE WAY OF WHEELCHAIR USERS
My worst fear came true in Miami Beach
near Lincoln Road.
I walked up & even pushed this—it
didn’t budge.
I tested another in Coral Gables near
Miracle Mile.
It stops when it detects motion, but
it blocks the sidewalk.
Do all of these endanger the lives of
wheelchair users by pushing them into the street?
Has not one city official cared enough
to demand that these are programmed to retreat and clear the sidewalk path wide
enough for a wheelchair user?
UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES
AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE
I could see where free, unlimited booze could create some
noisy, sleep-disturbing neighbors.
This was NOT the case at all on my floor, but I'm
wondering out loud whether they should place some kind of limit on the free
flowing alcohol.
Bottom line: Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi is the
first lodging I’ve stayed, out of hundreds, worthy of 10/10 review!
UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES
AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE
kids jumping off the bunk bed?
Person who works out at odd hours?
Or maybe it was some sound from nearby trains or freeway
that I thought was in the hotel.
At any rate, using the free earplugs provided and bumping
up the fan on the AC had me sleeping fine.
The mid-section of the room -- tub/shower/toilet/dressing room double sinks -- is raised.
Being 13 time zones from home and a tad disoriented, this
can be a tripping hazard -- especially at night when you are getting out of bed
and forgetting to step up a foot to use the toilet.
UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES
AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE
Two elevators to get you to room speedily.
A menu
of towels and pillows to supplement the comfy ones in the room.
I had a luxury stay at a price just above $100 USD
including taxes.
The amount of freebies is astounding -- and they all are
high quality.
I enjoyed this well-run property more than past stays at $1K per night luxe
branded hotels.
They think of everything.
They scrimp on nothing.
I will run out of space before I list the endless high
quality amenities.
UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES
AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE
It has a welcoming, lavish and warm breakfast buffet.
Gourmet coffee machine and soda machine add to the calming atmosphere.
Amazing veggie curry, ramen, baked sweet potatoes and other free top notch food is available around the clock.
The lobby has free wine, sake, liquor.
The hotel draws a high caliber guest -- because I saw no one abusing the free alcohol or being noisy.
Dozens of free small things -- think ear plugs, glasses cleaning wipes,
face masks -- are available in baskets in the lobby.
UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES
AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE
The nearby Namba train station provides excellent access
to all of Osaka's downtown lavish department stores, aquarium and Ferris Wheel
on Osaka Bay -- and all the quirky little foodie neighborhood.
Upon check-in, they give you credits for full room and
light cleanings.
That way you can have zero disturbance or frequent
housekeeping.
The front desk is super responsive -- helped me with
directions, suggestions and resetting the AC controller that I bumped in the
night.
UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES
AND
HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE
The amenities are amazing.
My room was large and featured a huge tube and shower
with TV.
The bed was comfortable.
The mini fridge was large and cool.
The dressing area is amazing with side by side sinks and
dozens of high quality grooming products.
The location is perfect -- 5 minutes from major Namba
train station and right at glitzy Dotonbori (neon, crowds, restaurants, energy)
but somehow quiet and calm.
TO A SHAMEFUL LEVEL UNAMATCHED BY ANY CITY ON EARTH
The west side is construction without
the legally required wheelchair accessible temporary route.
The east side has a bus bench
advertisement that pinches the sidewalk to 2 feet wide.
This is an emergency that must be
fixed immediately.
It violates the ADA.
PROFESSIONALLY RUN PROPERTY WITH MULTIPLE DINING OPTIONS AT GOOD PRICE NEXT TO ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
We appreciate your candor regarding the parking fees and the situation at our poolside bar and grill.
Your insights are invaluable, and we are committed to improving our guests' experiences.
We will certainly review the issues you highlighted with our management team to enhance the quality of our services and ensure our guests' needs are met efficiently.
Thank you once again for your constructive feedback.
We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back and provide an even more pleasant experience in the future.
PROFESSIONALLY RUN PROPERTY WITH MULTIPLE DINING OPTIONS AT GOOD PRICE NEXT TO ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
Tip of the hat to Rosen management for rapidly posting a custom reply to my concerns – it demonstrates a commitment to excellence:
We are delighted to hear that you found our accommodations to be spacious, clean, and comfortable, and that our team was able to fulfill your request for a quiet room with a view.
It's wonderful to know that you enjoyed our breakfast buffet and had such a positive experience with Brahim; he will be pleased to receive your commendation for his exceptional service.
PROFESSIONALLY RUN PROPERTY WITH MULTIPLE DINING OPTIONS AT GOOD PRICE NEXT TO ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
I met a colleague for a burger and fries there. We had some business to go over before my speech.
The music was way too loud.
We asked to sit farther from the bar -- in a lowered area next to the pool -- with tables for the bar -- but were told the pool was closing soon so we could not sit in the very seating area that was created for the very place were were patronizing.
Of course, we were there two hours, paid for a lot of food and drink -- and the pool never closed, so we could have easily sat in the more tranquil area.
It is poor management to blast music and fail to accommodate the simplest request to move to an already designated seating area that is less loud.
PROFESSIONALLY RUN PROPERTY WITH MULTIPLE DINING OPTIONS AT GOOD PRICE NEXT TO ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
If something is as dense at Manhattan, I expect to pay to park.
So it was not fun to pay nearly $25, including tax, per day, for a self park spot in a huge -- uncovered and barely shaded -- surface lot.
In fairness, I do understand that virtually all properties in the area charge for parking and some charge much more than Rosen Plaza Hotel Orlando Convention Center.
PROFESSIONALLY RUN PROPERTY WITH MULTIPLE DINING OPTIONS AT GOOD PRICE NEXT TO ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
My server was fabulous.
He poured coffee frequently.
He also politely explained that juice came with the $22 buffet.
Often, it is extra and I would not have enjoyed a tall glass of OJ without his making things clear.
The man's name, on my receipt, is Brahim.
He brought extra napkins and was highly professional.
I hope he gets a bonus when/if the property reads this review.
PROFESSIONALLY RUN PROPERTY WITH MULTIPLE DINING OPTIONS AT GOOD PRICE NEXT TO ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
The host hotel was too expensive.
I wanted something for under $150 --fully loaded (as in room, tax, parking) and Rosen Plaza Hotel Orlando Convention Center fit the bill.
The room was large, super quiet and very clean.
The bed was very comfortable.
I emailed the property to place me far from the elevators, as that usually is a noisy area.
They complied, but I still had a view of International Drive.
The pool was large and nice, but it was rainy so I did not use it.
STORIES FROM AND ABOUT LITTLE HAVANA U.S.A.
Thrilled to attend the recent world premiere of trailer for
Ventanitas -- Stories From and About Little Havana U.S.A.
Gratified that Joe Cardona featured me
in this compelling documentary.
The film embraces diversity, cultural
richness, compassion, equality and freedom.
Ventanitas will premier in early 2026.
In final form, it may be a five-part
series – broadcast nationwide.
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0c7X-RNvZ10So2FgozoeTshqA
AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE
·
The National Association of Home Builders has a
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program that teaches contractors how
to modify homes for disability accessibility and aging-in-place.
· The National Council on Independent Living is a network of city and statewide nonprofits focused on people with disabilities living independently, not in institutions.
ItIt has a wide range of resources,
including the Visitability guidelines created by Eleanor Smith.
https://ncil.org/visitability/
AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE
The AARP is the largest nonprofit in the U.S., with 38 million members.
It developed the: Walk Audit Tool Kit “Learn how to assess and report on the safety and walkability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change.”
https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit-english/
Understanding Aging in Place and Accessibility is a must to capture a growing market
·
Selling a high quality of life to people with
disabilities includes the barrier-free accessibility of the community beyond
the four walls of their residence
·
Soon, there will be more Americans age
65-plus than under 18. Nearly 40 percent of those older than 65 have some
type of disability that impacts their daily lives.
AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE
The AARP is the largest nonprofit in the U.S., with 38 million members.
Not only has it partnered with the NAR on many livability issues, but it also is becoming the nation’s go-to resource for developing information that supports a high quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. Some of its resources include:
HomeFit Guide “Smart ways to make a home comfortable, safe and a great fit for older adults — and people of all ages”
https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2020/homefit-guide-download.html
AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE
The bottom line is educating oneself DOES NOT require the
expertise of a physical or occupational therapist, nor does it require personal
or close family experience with a disability.
It simply requires being observant, asking a few
questions and noting the downside of potential barriers and the upside of
welcoming, accessible to all facilities.
REALTORS are already very good at this.
They are immersed in their communities.
They serve on municipal boards and committees with a
higher frequency than many professions.
They already know how to sell community assets such as
schools, parks, activities and transportation.
By simply raising awareness, digging deeper and taking a
few notes – they can assemble a toolbox to capture the growing market of a
graying America, many who benefit from barrier-free community design and
facilities.
AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE
Simple tools to better serve the growing market for Aging in Place and People with Disabilities:
Considering that the ADA Network has documented that
virtually 40 percent of people 65 and older have a disability that impacts
their daily lives, basic/comfortable/welcoming access can be marketed as a
desirable amenity.
AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE
Keep an open mind that accessibility is an asset, not
something the constrains a home to only being attractive to a buyer with a
disability.
A zero step entrance into a home makes it easier to bring
home groceries and carry in all those Amazon deliveries.
A larger bathroom with a walk in/roll in shower can be
made beautiful with a teak flip-down seat, elegant decorative grab bars, sleek
channel drains and a combination of rain head shower plus a handheld shower
wand that bathes the hard to reach places.
A VISITING PLANNER IS SHOCKED BY LACK OF WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
I met a well-known urban planner at
downtown Miami’s Brightline Station.
She was beyond shocked that we ran
across more than a dozen sidewalks completely shut down for developers: She
noted how this destroys the pedestrian and transit link.
My planner friend is from a relatively
poor city — but it requires 100% of its sidewalks to remain open during
construction.
This is achieved through simple
scaffolding – it’s been around 100 years.
She said Miami only pretends as being
a world class city.
My planning colleague has worked in
cities after earthquakes and bombings.
She said the urban core of Miami is
only slightly more navigable by wheelchair and on foot than those destroyed
places.
AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE
Is the housing near local and regional parks?
Does public sidewalk/pathway network connect to
recreation, or are their gaps.
Gaps = zero safe passage for not only older and disabled
people, but their children and grandchildren.
Does the park have an indoor or outdoor pool with hydraulic
lift that can accommodate a person with a physical disability safely?
Does a waterfront park offer accessible kayaks and
canoes?
Does the gymnasium or recreation center offer wheelchair
basketball leagues, wheelchair tennis/pickleball and other adaptive sports?
Is there an active city senior center near your client’s
ideal housing?
Does it also serve meals (this is hugely popular and
common in greater Miami.)
AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE
There is nothing wrong with a suburban, exurban or rural
home – but realize two things when thinking of an aging or disabled client.
1) The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not
apply to single family housing, so a landlord is not obliged to pay for a
roll-in shower or other modifications.
2) According to the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development, less than one percent of all housing is move-in ready for
wheelchair users, and virtually all of that tiny one percent is newly built
multifamily housing.
So the hard fact is that newer multifamily housing may be
the only option with move-in ready design to accommodate a buyer/renter who
uses a wheelchair for mobility.
AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE
Is the housing near the center of the city or a town
center?
This does not mean the only option is a skyscraper or
gritty townhouse.
It simply means keeping an open mind for a condo as a
sale option or an apartment as a leasing option – to serve a client who can
benefit from having a full range of services within walking/rolling distance.
For half a century, most growth in America was based on
separating uses far from each other.
For the past several decades, the trend has been toward
mixed-use communities, where jobs, schools, parks, medical offices and shops
are clustered in a vibrant community.
Many of Florida’s suburban, new growth cities are
actively soliciting major redevelopment that creates a mini-downtown – with
pedestrian activity, density and a mixed of uses – where there was none.
