Sky Garden Hakata

N/a

The extra cleaning charge was the shock: it came to another 4,500 yen, the same as the room, so my Booking.com reservation for 4,500 yen ended up costing 9,000 yen. The small print mentioned the fee, but I couldn’t cancel once I found out. It’s a tiny studio and wasn’t clean, despite that charge. There’s barely anything provided, just shampoo, conditioner, and hand wash, so I had to buy a toothbrush at a convenience store. Check-in is also very inconvenient if you can’t make it between 3 PM and 6 PM. For what it costs, this is the worst hotel I’ve stayed in. I’d book somewhere else.

I was on my own for two nights and found the apartment comfortable, especially with the washing machine and balcony. It’s near the west gate of Sumiyoshi Shrine, handy for Nakasu and Canal City, though the closest station is Watanabedori on the Nanakuma Subway Line. There’s no front desk at the studio. You pick up the key at a separate spot in front of Hakata Station, then leave it in the key return box beside the first-floor mailbox when you check out. I’d definitely come back.

The room was tidy and cozy, and the staff were friendly. Getting to Hakata Station takes about a 20-minute walk, though. The Wi-Fi isn’t working at the moment, which is annoying, and hot water only started coming two days ago. You can’t cook, but there’s a microwave, kettle, and fridge, and you can get cooked food from convenience stores.