Smile Hakata Ekimae

The hotel offers a highly convenient and comfortable stay, with its signature feature being its exceptional proximity to Hakata Station, a major transportation hub. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's cleanliness, the comfort of its beds, and the generally friendly and helpful staff. This makes it an ideal choice for solo travelers seeking good value and a quiet environment, business travelers needing easy access to transport and a functional workspace, and sightseers looking to explore the city and embark on day trips. The hotel's location also provides immediate access to numerous dining options and convenience stores, enhancing the overall guest experience. To make the most of your stay, guests should be aware that amenities like toothbrushes and razors are self-serve from a common area, and the hotel generally maintains a cleaning schedule of every few days, though fresh towels are provided daily.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel's facilities practical and convenient, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. The Wi-Fi is generally available, but some guests express concern that it is unsecured, lacking a password. For longer stays, the presence of washing and drying machines is a significant plus, allowing guests to do laundry on-site. The hotel provides a range of amenities such as toothbrushes and razors, which are conveniently located for self-service near the elevators on each floor, rather than inside the rooms. While rooms are equipped with individual air conditioning units that are reported to work effectively, some guests note the absence of coffee and tea making facilities within the rooms themselves. Additionally, vending machines are available in the lobby for quick purchases.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. The beds are a standout feature, frequently highlighted for their comfort, often equipped with quality mattresses and multiple pillows, ensuring a restful sleep. However, the room size is a recurring point of discussion; while adequate for solo travelers, many guests find them small or narrow, making it challenging to fully open large suitcases, especially for two people. The bathrooms are also generally described as compact, though the shower pressure is often noted as excellent. Noise levels receive mixed reviews; some guests report a quiet environment, while others occasionally hear street noise or sounds from neighboring rooms, particularly snoring. In-room features like multiple power outlets near the bed and a mini-refrigerator are appreciated.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is a popular feature, generally receiving positive feedback for its quality and taste, despite some guests feeling the variety could be expanded, especially for longer stays. Many appreciate the inclusion of local specialties like mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and other Japanese dishes, alongside Western options, fresh salads, fruits, and a good selection of bread and coffee. Staff are noted for regularly replenishing the food, ensuring items are available. However, some guests mention that the breakfast area can become crowded during peak times, and the timing for last orders is strictly enforced, which can lead to a rushed experience if arriving late. Beyond the hotel, guests highly value the abundance of nearby restaurants and convenience stores, offering diverse dining choices within easy walking distance.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, positioned just a 5 to 10-minute walk from Hakata Station, a major hub for trains, subways, buses, and Shinkansen. This makes it exceptionally convenient for both local exploration and day trips. Guests appreciate its proximity to numerous restaurants, bars, and convenience stores, ensuring easy access to dining and daily necessities. While the hotel is close to the station, it is situated on a quieter side street, offering a more peaceful environment. Popular attractions like Canal City are also within walking distance. However, parking is a notable concern for those traveling by car, as the hotel does not have its own dedicated parking. Guests must rely on nearby coin parking, which can be expensive and lacks clear guidance from the hotel.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and politeness. Many guests highlight their willingness to assist with inquiries, luggage storage before check-in, and providing directions, contributing to a positive experience. The check-in process is frequently described as smooth and quick. However, a common point of feedback is the language barrier, with several guests noting that staff proficiency in English can be limited, which occasionally makes communication challenging for international visitors. Regarding room maintenance, the hotel operates on a specific cleaning policy: full room cleaning is typically provided every three to four days for longer stays, though fresh towels and trash collection are offered daily by hanging them on the doorknob.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a specific hotel policy regarding room keys, as some have reported being charged a fee for a damaged or broken key, which caused frustration. Another point of concern for some is the hotel's Wi-Fi network, which is noted as being unsecured and lacking a password, raising privacy considerations for certain users. Additionally, while rooms are generally comfortable, some guests mention that their rooms had frosted windows or no external window at all, limiting natural light and views. The hotel also does not provide complimentary bottled water or in-room coffee/tea facilities, which some travelers might expect. These details, while minor, are worth noting for a fully informed stay.