If you are not travelling with family and want to try a different experience, try a capsule hotel or a cabin hotel. I tried both, and thought they were great options for a budget stay in a clean comfortable and safe location.
The capsule hotel is located in Shinsaibashi area (
capsulehotel asahiplazashinsaibashi), while the Cabin hotel is in the Namba area (
FIRST CABIN). The cabin hotel is located right on top of the train station, so its super convenient.
Both areas are prime shopping districts, not ulu places despite the budget nature of the place.
Of course privacy is nowhere as good as a hotel room, but its good for the experience. They have different floors for male and female guests, so it's pretty safe.
I especially like the cabin hotel, and won't hesitate to stay there again. I booked both through Agoda.