Beyond expectations
I was undecided between two properties, but I chose this one because it offers free cancellation until the day of check-in, a late check-out at 11 AM, and is located in the Tenjin area, making it possible to have a late dinner. Additionally, recently some hotels only respond to inquiries via email instead of phone, or have phone numbers starting with 050 which incur high call charges, but this one has a phone number starting with an area code, which was another reason for my choice.
On the day of check-in, I was prepared for an unmanned front desk due to the automatic check-in system, but there was always a female staff member at the front desk who kindly assisted with a smile, which was reassuring. I had reserved a single room, but due to the hotel's circumstances (I believe it was a consideration), it was changed to a twin room, allowing me to enjoy a luxurious and spacious room comfortably. The bathroom is the same as a household type with a separate bathtub and washing area, and the toilet is in a separate room with a fully functional bidet. The heated toilet seat was too hot, so if the hotel can adjust it, I think it would be better to lower the temperature for energy saving. The cleaning was thorough, and the pillow covers, sheets, and others were as clean as if they were almost new.
Amenities, Japanese tea packs, and coffee drip packs are available on the front desk floor. Although amenities are listed on the website, there was no mention of beverages, so I think it would be better to clearly state this service.
On the morning of my stay, I completed the Richmond membership registration at the front desk, and despite checking out that day, I was allowed a 12 PM check-out, which enabled me to do some last-minute sightseeing while leaving my luggage.
It was my first time having the Royal Host breakfast buffet, and it was a satisfying breakfast. Although I had bread in the morning, the mentaiko, grilled fish, and kibinago (small fish) were local specialties and delicious. The mentaiko had firmer grains and was tastier than the one included in the set at a famous motsunabe restaurant. The staff also kindly recommended freshly baked bread.
Additionally, on the day of my stay, I did some last-minute sightseeing and had dinner at a yatai (food stall) in the Tenjin yatai area near the hotel at 10 PM. In Fukuoka, there are more bus rides than subway rides, and it was challenging due to wrong rides, but the hotel was easily accessible by taking a bus to Tenjin, which was helpful.