Heiwadai Hotel Arato

This hotel offers an exceptionally convenient location near the subway and Ohori Park, making it a popular choice for budget travelers and sightseers looking to explore the city. Despite its age, guests frequently highlight its affordability and the friendly, helpful staff as key advantages. It is particularly well-suited for solo travelers and those attending events at PayPay Dome, given its accessible position. While the hotel shows its age, many guests find it perfectly adequate for short stays where the primary need is a place to sleep. To make the most of your visit, guests recommend managing expectations regarding the facilities' modernity and taking advantage of the complimentary luggage storage.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential amenities for a comfortable stay, including reliable Wi-Fi that guests found to have good speed. For convenience, a coin laundry facility is available, though some guests noted the dryer can be slow. Common areas feature sofas in the reception, a vending machine offering beverages, and a microwave for guest use. Guests appreciate the availability of basic hygiene supplies such as toothbrushes, combs, and razors at the reception, along with green tea bags. A hairdryer can also be borrowed from the front desk, adding to the practical offerings for travelers.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed, largely influenced by the hotel's considerable age. Many rooms are described as small or tiny, with some guests finding the bathrooms particularly cramped and challenging to navigate, often noting issues with drainage or toilet functionality. While some reviews commend the staff's efforts to maintain cleanliness despite the dated appearance, others report visible grime, dust, stains on carpets and walls, or mold in bathrooms. The air conditioning units are often old, noisy, and lack precise temperature control, which can be a concern for comfort. Additionally, thin walls frequently lead to audible noise from adjacent rooms or the corridor, impacting sleep quality for some.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast that is consistently mentioned by guests, though its quality and variety receive mixed reviews. Most guests describe it as very simple and basic, typically consisting of two small bread buns or croissants, a boiled egg, coffee, and juice, sometimes accompanied by instant soup. While some appreciate this offering as a convenient and free start to the day, others express disappointment, noting a significant discrepancy between the advertised buffet and the actual limited selection. Guests are generally advised to manage their expectations for breakfast, as it is primarily intended to provide a quick and light meal rather than a substantial spread.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight, consistently praised by guests for its convenience. It is situated just a few minutes' walk from Ohori Park subway station, providing excellent access to key areas like Tenjin and Hakata Station, as well as Fukuoka Airport. Guests appreciate its proximity to popular attractions such as Ohori Park, Fukuoka Castle Ruins, and Nishi Park, which are within walking distance. The surrounding area also offers numerous amenities, including 7-Eleven and other convenience stores, a supermarket, and various restaurants and cafes. While parking is available on-site, guests frequently note that it is narrow and can be challenging to navigate, especially for larger vehicles.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently commend their polite and sincere demeanor, noting that the staff go out of their way to assist with requests, contributing significantly to a positive stay. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient, with the option for early check-in being a welcome convenience for many. Staff are also noted for their willingness to store luggage free of charge both before check-in and after check-out, which is highly appreciated by travelers. Their dedication to providing excellent service is a recurring theme in guest feedback, often compensating for the hotel's older facilities.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel, established in 1969, has a distinctly vintage feel, with some areas showing signs of wear. While efforts are made to maintain cleanliness, the age of the building is evident in its infrastructure. A common concern among guests is the persistent tobacco smell, even in designated non-smoking rooms, which can be unpleasant for those sensitive to odors. The hotel offers both Japanese-style rooms with futons on tatami mats and Western-style accommodations, catering to different preferences. Guests are typically required to check out by 10 AM. A small city tax is collected upon check-in, which some guests noted they were not aware of beforehand.