Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Gion

The open-air hot spring was a highlight. I watched the sunrise there for three mornings in a row, and breakfast was delicious, with a nice mix of Japanese and western-style dishes. The paid luggage service also worked well for my travel needs. Before my four-day stay at Mitsui Garden Hotel Gion, I had a credit card issue that might have affected my booking. Mr. Ishikawa at the front desk dealt with it quickly and professionally, which put my mind at ease before I even arrived. The desk team stayed helpful and attentive throughout, even making a phone call for me to handle a small request. They kept up a consistently high level of service despite the number of guests. The staff showed a strong service mindset and good attention to detail. I feel confident choosing the Mitsui Garden Hotel chain again.

Dinner at the restaurant was only so-so. The meat wasn't the highest quality, and the vegetables visibly weren't fresh. The room was clean and well kept, though small, like rooms in most Japanese hotels. It's close to Hakata station. Breakfast was delicious with lots of variety, but expect crowds during peak hours and possibly a wait for a seat. Apart from dinner, I had a perfect stay.

I stayed in a Superior Double Room, and the 21 sqm of space was a real plus. We could open two large suitcases comfortably, which is unusual in Fukuoka. Still, if you mainly want room to spread out, this place is fine. It may disappoint if you expect modern tech and attention to detail. Cleanliness was my biggest concern. I saw water marks in the bathroom, and there were stray hairs on the bed and on towels that were supposed to be unused. Even 1-2 hairs make a big difference to how clean a room feels. The room faced a cemetery, so I kept the curtains shut. With the lighting already insufficient, it felt gloomy. The TV also wasn't a Smart TV, with no YouTube or Netflix, unlike the other similarly priced hotels I stayed at on this trip. The power outlets were awkwardly placed, either on the floor or headboard, and some wall outlets had no table nearby.

The facilities were spotless, the location was good, and the exceptionally friendly staff and best onsen, open late at night, made me want to return. After check-out, though, I asked to leave my luggage and was told storage was “full” and they couldn't take it. I've travelled in many countries and stayed at many hotels, and this was the first time I couldn't store my bags. It would have helped to know about this limit ahead of time. Please inform guests in advance so they aren't surprised at check-out.