HOTEL Third Place Hakata

This hotel offers a unique stay, particularly appealing to train enthusiasts due to its direct proximity to the railway tracks, allowing for a distinctive viewing experience from some rooms. Its signature feature is a blend of compact yet highly functional room design and the rare provision of separate bath and toilet facilities within a small footprint, a detail highly appreciated by guests. The hotel consistently receives praise for its exceptional cleanliness and the friendly, attentive staff who contribute significantly to a positive guest experience. Its convenient location near Hakata Station makes it an excellent choice for solo travelers and business travelers seeking efficient access to transport and city amenities. For short-stay guests and budget-conscious travelers, the hotel provides good value. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the tracks if you are a light sleeper, and plan to purchase any necessities before arriving, as nearby convenience stores require a short walk.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel's facilities to be well-maintained and functional, despite the compact room sizes. Many appreciate the availability of USB charging ports and the large televisions equipped with HDMI inputs, allowing for streaming services. For longer stays, the coin-operated washing and drying machines located in the Annex building are a convenient addition. While there is no traditional wardrobe, guests note the presence of an air purifier in rooms, contributing to a fresh environment. Basic in-room amenities such as pajamas, fresh towels, and bath salts are provided or replenished daily, adding to guest comfort. The hotel also offers vending machines and a microwave in common areas. Security is enhanced by a key card system required for building and floor access.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently earns high marks for its cleanliness, with guests frequently describing rooms as tidy and well-maintained. However, the room size is a recurring point of discussion, often described as "extremely small" or "compact," making it challenging to fully open large luggage. Despite this, many guests find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Noise levels are a mixed bag; while some guests report train noise due to the hotel's proximity to the tracks, others find it manageable or not disruptive. Some reviews also mention thin walls, leading to occasional awareness of neighbor noise. A notable positive is the separate toilet and bath, though the shower area or bathtub itself is often noted as narrow, with shower curtains sometimes clinging. In-room amenities like hair dryers and coffee makers are appreciated.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's breakfast is varied. Many guests describe it as a decent standard breakfast, highlighting its good quality and finding it delicious. However, some reviews express disappointment, characterizing it as "catastrophic" or comparable to convenience store offerings, particularly noting a lack of variety as the menu remains the same daily. Some guests also feel the breakfast is expensive for what is provided. Beyond breakfast, there is no consistent mention of other on-site dining options such as a full-service restaurant or room service. Guests can find basic coffee options available at the reception area or as part of in-room amenities.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, situated within a convenient 5 to 10-minute walk from Hakata Station, providing excellent access to public transportation, including bus and subway lines. This proximity makes it easy for guests to explore the city's attractions. The surrounding area is generally quiet and located along a riverside. However, some guests note that the walk to the station, especially at night, can feel long due to narrow sidewalks and less populated sections, which some solo female travelers found concerning. While some reviews mention nearby convenience stores within a few minutes' walk, others advise purchasing necessities closer to the station before checking in. Parking is available nearby in coin-operated lots, as the hotel does not have its own on-site facilities.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and politeness. Guests frequently highlight their attentive service and professional demeanor, noting that staff go out of their way to assist with various requests. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as smooth and efficient. A particularly appreciated service is the complimentary luggage storage available both before check-in and after check-out, allowing guests to explore unencumbered. Housekeeping is also commended for daily cleaning and towel replenishment, though minor inconsistencies were occasionally noted. Staff are also helpful with specific requests, such as assisting with taxi bookings and providing local information or umbrellas when needed.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel operates with a main building and an Annex building, with the latter being unstaffed and requiring check-in at the main reception. The Annex building does offer convenient coin laundry facilities. The hotel's architectural design is unique, described by some as apartment-like with an open-air central atrium. Guests appreciate the thoughtful provision of various amenities at the reception, such as bath salts, tea, and coffee, which they can pick up as needed. While rooms are compact, they are designed to be highly functional, though some guests noted the absence of a traditional wardrobe or an in-room safe.