Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hakata Reisen PREMIER

The location worked perfectly for me, halfway between Hakata and Tenjin railway stations, with two subway stations a short walk away. I stayed for 13 days and would definitely come back. My room was large enough for one person, spotless, and everything worked. It had two USB charging points, plus another charger in the desk drawer, and a good-sized TV. The rain shower had good pressure and temperature. The bath was a bit small for my height, but that’s Japan. The desk staff and breakfast restaurant staff were friendly and helpful, and breakfast was good too.

The location was perfect, but this was one of the worst places I booked on my trip this year. I’d prepaid over $200 a night and was surprised to find my cramped room looking out at the apartment building next door. I expected much more for that price. Breakfast was mediocre, with limited choices and too few staff. It felt rushed, and they ran out of food when cleanup started 30 minutes before the 10am closing time. I regretted not spending a few dollars more for the nearby Hyatt.

I was surprised when my room wasn’t cleaned. The day before, I’d asked the front desk and they cleaned it. So the next day, assuming I didn’t need to ask again, I left the cleaning sign out around 11:30am and went out. When I came back, towels and other amenities were by my door, the sign was still there, and a letter on the floor said they wouldn’t clean unless the sign was out before 10am. The day before, I’d asked around noon and they cleaned the room, but nobody told me the sign had to be out before 10. The sign itself didn’t say that either. It only mentioned having it out at 10am and 1:30pm, and said to contact the front desk to specify a cleaning time. So I guess some of the fault was mine too.

There were plenty of restaurants nearby, and getting around was easy with two subway lines close by and Hakata Station within walking distance. My room was clean and comfortable, and the friendly staff made check-in simple. I enjoyed staying here and would come back.