Miyu Birdie
July 24, 2024
Personal opinion as a female Asian traveler.
Location: 20 mins walk from Hakata station. 4 mins walk to Gion bus stop or canal city bus stop, both go to Hakata station in around 10 mins. Also, 15 mins walk to Kawabata Shopping Arcade and Canal CityHakata. There are not many restaurants nearby, only convenient stores around the area. Better eat before returning to the hotel. There is a MaxValu Express (open for 24 hrs, 2 levels: 1st floor drugsstore and B1 supermarket) 4 mins walk from the hotel. Great option for late night snacks, drinks,daily necessities, and tax-free shopping.
Room: small and a bit old, cleanliness ok, no bath tub only shower stall. Shower water is not hot enough. Very poor sound insulation (recommended to use earplugs when sleepping. Provided on 1st floor of hotel). You can hear almost every single activity happening next door(literally meaning). Light switches far away from bed, which is a bit inconvenient.
Front desk: it is an unmanned hotel. Self check-in via smartphone prior (utilizing the QR code) or via computer on 1st floor. Self check-out via tablet provided inside the room or computer on 1st floor. Using password to enter room. There is a female staff member in the lobby area in the morning if needed help for anything. She doesn't speak much English but is very friendly and willing to help. Also, you can text the hotel staff member for assistance if needed via the room tablet provided. They reply quickly.
Amenities: self-service, self luggage storage, only basic items provided. There is no ice maker and only 1 laundry machine on the 1st floor (always being occupied).
All in all, Pros: though the hotel is unmanned, I find it pretty chill, easy and efficient as long as you figure out how things work (not hard at all, perhaps more accessible for younger visitors). Cons: You really have to lower your expectations for everything else. I personally feel it is more like a hostel than a hotel. But considering it is the Hakata area and with this affortable price, can't murmur.