Prince Smart Inn Hakata

The room was a comfortable size for Japan, with room to open my luggage, and the bed was comfortable. The bathroom and toilet are separate. The hotel is about a five-minute walk from Hakata Station, with lots of restaurants and convenience stores nearby. Self check-in and checkout are done on the second floor using the hotel’s high-tech system. There are some amenities, though fewer than at other hotels. A light breakfast is included, with a choice of rice or a burger, served on the first floor. You can eat there or take it away.

Check-in and checkout were easy, and there was always one staff member around to help if you got stuck. The bathroom was clean and the shower was a good size. The rooms are small, but you can adjust to that. The trouble is there’s nowhere comfortable for your luggage. The only spot is the tiny entry hallway, and once you open your bag, it blocks the door. You end up squeezed in or stepping over it the whole time. Get a larger room if you’re traveling with someone or bringing big luggage.

The rooms we booked were quite small, though that’s what we expected in Japan. I lost my wallet near the hotel, and it had the key for our rental car. The staff were approachable and helpful. They weren’t very comfortable speaking English, but did their best to understand and helped contact the car rental company. Eventually, someone from the rental company came down with a spare key to open the car. I really appreciated the staff’s help, which lasted more than two hours.

It’s a newer hotel in a great spot, with popular places to eat close by. Hakata Station, shopping areas, Full Full Hakata Bakery, and Canal City are all within a ten-minute walk. Self check-in and checkout were easy. The rooms were clean and small but decent, with separate shower and toilet. Burger breakfast was included.