Ark Blue Hotel

This hotel offers a unique and highly appealing concept, blending the comfort of a hotel with the extensive amenities of a manga cafe, making it a memorable stay for many. Its signature feature is the 24-hour complimentary food and drink service, including delicious curry, freshly baked bread, and udon, alongside an extensive manga library that guests can enjoy in their rooms. This makes it an excellent fit for budget-conscious travelers, solo adventurers, and manga enthusiasts seeking a relaxed and value-packed experience. Families can also find comfortable, spacious accommodations. While the location is a bit of a walk from the main station, the generous offerings and unique atmosphere often outweigh this minor inconvenience. To maximize your stay, consider utilizing the free bicycle rentals to explore the surrounding area and take full advantage of the diverse complimentary food options.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests consistently praise the wide array of complimentary facilities and amenities available. The hotel boasts an impressive manga collection of over 20,000 volumes, accessible to guests for in-room reading. A 24-hour drink bar offers a variety of beverages, from coffee to soft drinks. For convenience and relaxation, massage machines and hair irons are available for rent. The hotel also provides free bicycle rentals, allowing guests to explore the local area easily. A coin laundry with paid washing machines and dryers is on-site, and luggage storage is available for early arrivals or late departures. The common lobby area is spacious and designed like a cozy cafe, providing a comfortable atmosphere for guests to relax or work. Basic amenities such as towels, night clothes, and toiletries are provided, and free earplugs are offered for those sensitive to noise. Some guests also appreciate the public bath for relaxation.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives positive feedback for its cleanliness and room comfort. Many guests find the rooms surprisingly spacious for Japanese standards, often accommodating multiple large suitcases comfortably, and some rooms are large enough for families of four. The beds are described as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, feedback on bathrooms is mixed; while some find them adequately sized and clean with powerful showers, others note they can be small, dated, or have a musty smell. A recurring theme is the lack of openable windows in many rooms, leading to occasional humidity or a stuffy atmosphere, though air purifiers are provided. Noise can be an issue in some room types, particularly those with open ceilings, where sounds like snoring or conversations from adjacent rooms may be audible. Room lighting is often described as dim, making activities like applying makeup challenging.

Dining & Food Quality
The dining experience is a significant highlight, with guests consistently praising the 24-hour complimentary food and drink service. The hotel offers an unlimited supply of curry, which is frequently described as delicious and flavorful, often enjoyed with rice. Udon noodles are also available, allowing guests to prepare their own hot meals. A standout feature is the freshly baked bread, served hot at specific times, with popular options like croissants and various other types, accompanied by jams and margarine. The drink bar provides a wide selection of beverages throughout the day. While the food is simple, it is highly valued for its quality and convenience, offering a substantial and cost-saving option for all meals. Many guests find the food so satisfying that they choose to eat at the hotel frequently, though some still recommend exploring local restaurants for variety.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location offers a balance of convenience and a quieter atmosphere away from the immediate bustle of the main station. It is approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk from Kokura Station, which some guests find manageable, even with luggage, while others note it can feel a bit far. For closer public transport, Monorail Tanga Station is about a five-minute walk away. The surrounding area is well-equipped with amenities, including two convenience stores within seconds of the hotel and a large supermarket nearby. There are also numerous restaurants in the vicinity, offering diverse dining options. While the hotel does not have its own dedicated parking lot, ample paid coin parking is available directly in front of and around the hotel. Some guests appreciate being slightly removed from the main station area, finding the immediate surroundings quieter at night.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel receive varied but generally positive feedback. Many guests commend the staff for being friendly, helpful, and attentive, contributing to a pleasant stay. The check-in process is often described as quick and simple, with some staff members capable of communicating in English. However, a few guests have noted that some staff, particularly younger members, can appear stiff or unsmiling, though their efficiency is not typically questioned. The hotel offers 24-hour check-in and check-out, providing flexibility for travelers. While daily room cleaning is not automatic, guests can request it or simply have fresh towels replaced by leaving a sign. The staff are also helpful with specific requests, such as assisting with taxi arrangements or providing instructions in different languages.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is a remodeled old building, which contributes to its unique, stylish atmosphere but also explains some of the structural quirks, such as the limited window access in certain rooms. The hotel's concept is a blend of a traditional hotel, a manga cafe, and a hostel, offering a distinct experience that appeals to a specific type of traveler. For those staying in the more budget-friendly open-ceiling rooms, earplugs are recommended due to potential noise from neighboring areas. While the hotel provides extensive complimentary food, it's worth noting that the shuttle bus service to the main station has been discontinued, requiring guests to walk or use other transport options. The hotel also provides thoughtful touches like individually wrapped alcohol wipes in rooms and various bath salts for guest use.