My itinerary – both the work and leisure segments – were centered over three cities: Fukuoka, Tokuyama, and Hiroshima. I was interested to try staying in different hotels as much as possible, so intentionally chose a different hotel even though I would be returning to Fukuoka city at the last leg of my trip.
These are all primarily business-centered hotels, though in two cases, the hotels are significantly larger – so there might be room types suitable for small families. Consistently across all four properties I stayed at too, every one of the four hotels were clean, provided toiletries, with liquid bathing soap, conditioner and shampoo in dispenser bottles, bidet-type toilets, included breakfast, and TV with broadcast channels (paid channels are available). In all cases too, bookings were fully refundable until close to the booking date.
The hotel prices are fairly attractive and comparable to Singapore equivalents. Two properties were Royal Park, and the other two Hotel Route Inn Ekimae, and they were in different price brackets: the two Royal Park hotel rates were about SGD150/night or so, while the Route Inns were just under SGD100/night, but the general quality of accommodation was also obviously better at the more expensive properties.
Comments and brief notes on each!
Royal Park Fukuoka Hotel (3D2N, ¥23,300) / ~SGD149 per night / Booked through Japanican
Entire hotel is non-smoking. Room decor and styling is modern, and bathroom is bright and cheerful. Hotel is a doable 5 minute walking distance to Hakata Station along quiet side roads, though you might have to pull your luggage on roads as pavements are narrow along the these side roads. Hotel was able to hold luggage until the 3PM check-in time. No problems speaking English to reception staff. Breakfast range is decent.
Hotel Route Inn Tokuyama Ekimae (4D3N, ¥20,551) / ~SGD88 per night /Booked through Agoda
Most properties near to the station were fully booked, but I managed to get a room to my first-choice property after rechecking for vacant rooms close to departure date. Hotel has non-smoking and smoking rooms, so you absolutely must select such at the point of reservation, or you will not be guaranteed a non-smoking room. Room decor and styling is quite ordinary and bland. Hotel is very close to the station at just a two minute walk along wide pavements, and there’s a Starbucks, Lawsons convenience store, and Yoshinoya along the way. Hotel was able to hold luggage until check-in time. No problems speaking English to reception staff. One of the staff in fact was a young gentleman who’d worked in Singapore before – he stayed in Simei! Breakfast range is somewhat limited, but begins at 6:30AM – important for those who want to step off early for a long day itinerary.
Royal Park Hotel Hiroshima Riverside (4D3N, ¥36,600) / ~sgd156 per night / Booked through Japanican
Hotel is a little further away than the others at 7 minutes walk across wide pavements, and also crossing a scenic looking bridge. If you’re coming via Shinkansen and are unfamiliar with the area, Google Maps will show you a route that requires you to walk around the perimeter of the (very large) station to get to the river side. That’s not fun, especially if you’re pulling around luggage. Instead, exit the Shinkansen gate, turn right, walk past the head JR Train ticketing booths and gates on your right, go down the escalator, and leave the station on the ahead of you. That’ll bring you to the starting spot and also more optimal walking route highlighted in the map below. Hotel is situated beside the river with a small park strip if you like morning walks.
Property felt and looked like the newest of the four with modern decor. All rooms are non-smoking. There are a few restaurants along the way, but since Hiroshima Station will have all the shops and restaurants you can shake a stick at. Hotel was able to hold luggage until the 3PM check-in time. No problems speaking English to reception staff, though reception charged ¥1,500 to dispose of my luggage case that broke. Cafe where breakfast is served each morning has the beautiful view of the river and park strip. I liked this hotel the most, though the space between the bed and desk chair is very narrow – I stubbed my toe several times! Breakfast range is good.
Toyoko Inn Hakata-guchi Ekimae (3D2N, SGD186) / SGD93 per night / Booked through Expedia
Property is very close to Hakata Station. Walking distance is even closer than what Google Maps advises, as you can go cross the road via overhead bridge rather than go the long way round that Maps suggests. There’s a Family Mart next to the hotel, and Hakata Bus Terminal is just opposite the road. Super convenient if you’re coming to or returning to the airport.
Hotel was able to hold luggage until the 4PM check-in time. Staff had some problems with English, but I managed to make myself understood. Selected toiletries – e.g. shaver and comb – are picked-up from the lobby as needed in order to reduce wastage. Room was the smallest of the four hotels. Cafe where breakfast is served is very small and styled like a school canteen, with almost shoulder to shoulder seating. Range is also quite limited, but at least breakfast also starts at 6:30AM. My least favorite of the four properties all said, but rate was attractive.
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