Hotel Halrotto Fukuoka Hakata

Self check-in suited us perfectly since we travel a lot and don’t really need staff. I’d sent a parcel ahead of our arrival, and it was already in our room before check-in. The room size was fine too: we opened two suitcases and still had space to walk around.

The rooms are quiet, and it’s only a short walk from Hakata station. There’s a 7-11 very close by, as well as a supermarket called Reganet. On the first floor you’ll find washers and dryers, a coffee machine, hot water and ice dispensers, and tea bags. You’re expected to put out your own used towels and trash each morning. It was not bad.

I booked months ahead and got one of the cheapest rates around Hakata station. It’s a convenient seven-minute walk from the station, and a 7eleven right on the block has quick food, drinks, and other things you might need. Its ATM takes most foreign cards and can also recharge IC cards. The streets are quiet, even though the busier part of the area is only a few minutes away. The lobby is fairly small, with amenities like hairbrushes, q-tips, shavers, and body towels available there. There are two washers, which already have detergent, and two dryers. A wash cycle costs 100 yen and takes around 30 minutes. The dryers are different from American ones and can take a while with thick clothes or more than three days’ worth of laundry. Each 30-minute drying cycle is 100 yen. The smoking room and drink bar are in the same area. Cups, stirrers, gum syrup, creamer, and ice are provided. There’s no breakfast on site, but the 7eleven is close by. The room itself is fairly small. The bed was comfortable, though the pillows were just so-so. You’ll probably fall asleep easily after a tiring day anyway. The TV has plenty of channels, though that’s about it. I’m not sure whether there’s VOD, since I hardly used it. The bathroom is small too. I was glad I booked with my spouse rather than a friend, so I could change in the room if needed. They don’t clean during your stay unless it goes beyond a certain number of days.

The room was spacious for the area near Hakata Station, but the receptionists were all unfriendly and always looked unhappy. We were on level 1, behind an automatic door next to reception. Each time it opened, I could hear a strong gust of wind, and the noise disturbed my sleep even at night. I’d avoid the level 1 rooms.