Hotel RELIEF Kokura Station

The hotel offers an exceptional value proposition, making it a highly recommended choice for business travelers and budget-conscious guests seeking convenience and efficiency. Its signature feature is the provision of 24-hour complimentary bread, snacks, and beverages, a service consistently praised by visitors for its convenience and variety. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's prime location near the train station, its overall affordability, and the generally attentive service from the staff. While rooms are typically compact and functional, they are often noted for their cleanliness and efficient layout. The hotel is also considered suitable for couples and families due to its accessibility and the significant value it provides. To maximize your stay, be sure to take full advantage of the free food and drink offerings, and if you require parking, it is advisable to book well in advance due to limited availability, as on-site spots are scarce.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of functional amenities designed for a comfortable stay. Each room is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, bedside power outlets, and an air purifier that is often pre-adjusted for guest comfort upon arrival. Guests appreciate the televisions that support streaming services like YouTube. While some rooms are described as compact, they are generally efficient, though a few guests found twin rooms to be quite cramped, making movement difficult. The bathroom equipment is frequently noted as being dated, with some reporting issues such as weak water pressure, difficulty adjusting water temperature, or even broken shower parts. Some guests also experienced black water from the faucet upon arrival. A kettle is available for rental from the front desk, and a selection of beauty amenities, including face masks and bath salts, are provided. It is important to note that the rental cycle service has been discontinued.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed but generally positive. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and free from unpleasant odors, including the bathrooms, which were often described as spotless with no mold. However, some guests reported significant issues, such as a strong smoke smell emanating from vents or from nearby smoking rooms, or pervasive cooking odors from surrounding restaurants. There were also isolated complaints about moldy shower curtains and dirty air purifiers or dryers. Room comfort varies; while some found the beds comfortable, others described them as hard with thin mattresses, leading to discomfort. Rooms are generally compact but efficient for luggage. A recurring theme is the dim lighting due to small or fixed windows, often requiring lights to be on even during the day. Noise can be an issue, with reports of sounds from cleaning activities, machines on upper floors, or even sounds resembling a door unlocking, impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
A significant highlight of the hotel is its extensive complimentary food and beverage service, available 24 hours a day. Guests can enjoy a variety of breads, including mini croissants and other types, along with coffee, tea, and juice. In the mornings, onigiri (rice balls) are also provided, though they are popular and tend to run out quickly. Additionally, the hotel offers a selection of snacks and traditional Japanese candies, known as "dagashi," available for a limited time. While this free offering is widely appreciated, some guests who paid for breakfast were disappointed to find that it consisted of the same complimentary items, leading to a feeling of being overcharged. Some also noted that the pastries could sometimes be dry or stale, and that previous offerings like curry and udon are no longer available. Despite these minor points, the 24/7 access to food and drinks is a major draw and contributes significantly to the hotel's value.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an exceptionally convenient and strategic location, situated just a few minutes' walk from Kokura Station. This proximity makes it an ideal base for both business and leisure travelers exploring Kitakyushu, as guests can easily access public transportation and avoid getting wet during rainy weather. The hotel is directly in front of Saint City Mall and within seconds of a bustling shopping arcade, ensuring easy access to numerous restaurants, bars, and shopping options. A discount store and several convenience stores are also nearby, adding to the convenience. While the location is highly praised, parking is a notable consideration. On-site parking is limited and requires advance reservations, and guests often report having to use nearby coin parking facilities, which can be expensive, especially for overnight stays. Despite the parking challenge, the hotel's central position is a major advantage.

Staff & Service
The hotel generally receives high praise for its staff and service, with many guests commending the kindness, helpfulness, and attentiveness of the team. Staff members are often noted for their multilingual abilities and willingness to go the extra mile, such as providing handwritten welcome messages or preparing detailed maps and suggestions in English for local attractions. The check-in process is typically described as quick and efficient. However, feedback is not uniformly positive; some guests reported negative experiences with specific staff members, citing unclear communication, a perceived lack of politeness, or even a sense of being judged. There were also complaints about staff not proactively informing guests about the complimentary food and Wi-Fi services, or even charging extra for early check-in or for visitors entering the room, leading to suspicions of monitoring. Despite these isolated issues, the overall impression of service is positive, with many guests appreciating the staff's efforts.

Additional Information
For guests seeking flexibility, the hotel offers a day-use option, providing a convenient choice for short stays or rest periods. It is important for guests to be aware of the accommodation tax that is applied to stays. A recurring point of confusion for some guests is the distinction between the main hotel and its annex building, as online booking platforms sometimes display photos of the main hotel while booking the more distant annex, which is less accessible without a car. Guests should also note that the previously attached cafe has permanently closed. While the hotel provides information via QR codes, some guests felt that clearer, more direct explanations from staff regarding complimentary versus paid amenities would be beneficial. The complimentary drink bar is exclusively for hotel guests.