THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier

We found it convenient for getting around the prefecture. Hakata Station, the main train and Shinkansen station, is a 5-7 minute walk, with several bus stops a couple of blocks away. Kushida Shrine and Gion subway stations, on two separate lines, are both under five minutes away. If your plans are mostly around Hakata, it may be less ideal. The hotel seemed popular: elevators were busy except early in the morning, and the lobby often had plenty of people and luggage in the afternoons. But on the premium floor, things were very quiet. I saw only three other guests during my six-night stay. The premium room was spacious, with the usual amenities plus included water, juice and alcohol, replenished when the room was cleaned. The deep tub was a little short; at 170 cm, or 5'6, I couldn’t stretch out fully. The curtains blocked most daylight very well. Soap and shampoo came in travel-size bottles rather than dispensers in the shower, which was unusual but not a big deal. WiFi was strong and steady throughout the hotel. Laundry has four machines, with progress shown on the TV, though updates may lag by a few minutes. The premium lounge had good snacks and drinks, including craft beer from a dispenser. A couple of things bothered me: the pillows were too firm and flattened a lot overnight, and the shower kept shifting between lukewarm and hot. That may have been the Refa shower head. I could also clearly hear people outside, even from the top floor. It’s a place where you’ll spend extra, but I think the value is good if you’re comfortable with that.

A good choice for international travelers. It’s clean, well located, and easy to reach most major sights on foot or by subway. Hakata Station is about five minutes away, which is handy if you’re taking trains to other cities. My room was clean and spacious, though the bed was firmer than I like. The check-in staff were nice.

Our floor was peaceful, and the four-night stay was pleasant overall. We found the lounge acceptable, though the sake choices were limited. The hotel is around a 10-minute walk from Hakata Station. We paid extra to change from a Premier King to a Premier Twin, expecting similar or more space because the twin room was available. It turned out to be much smaller. We were tired already, so we stayed put for the rest of the visit. The hotel also limits water to four bottles a day, with no way to ask for more, which felt restrictive over four nights.

The Blossom hotels have been the best I’ve stayed at in Kyushu so far. The staff were attentive, the room was clean and well beyond what I expected, and the location was convenient, with plenty of conbini nearby. There’s also a nice bakery close by, Full Full bakery. I’d give it six stars if I could.