Hotel WBF Grande Hakata

This hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly for its unique outdoor bath tubs available in some rooms, complemented by a relaxing sky lounge with free drinks and a convenient public bath. It is well-regarded for its overall cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and a breakfast that receives consistent praise. The hotel is an excellent fit for inbound tourists and business travelers seeking good value, while couples can enjoy the private bath features and families appreciate the available room configurations. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to book breakfast in advance, and be prepared for potential wait times for the elevators, especially during peak hours.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the hotel's diverse facilities, including a public bath on the top floor, which, while popular, can become crowded, leading to wait times for showers and lockers. The sky lounge, also on the top floor, is a significant draw, offering free soft drinks, coffee, and tea with pleasant views, though it can get busy and has a time limit for use. The hotel provides Wi-Fi access, though some guests reported inconsistent signal strength in certain rooms. There are only two elevators for the entire hotel, which often results in long waiting periods, particularly during check-in/out or when large groups are present. Additional conveniences include laundry facilities and a microwave on the first floor, adding to the practicality of a longer stay.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally maintains a good standard of cleanliness throughout its rooms, with many guests finding them well-kept. However, the room size is a recurring topic, with many twin and double rooms described as quite small, making it challenging to open large luggage. Despite this, the comfortable beds are often praised, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Some rooms feature spacious private bathrooms with excellent showers, including rain and mist functions. While air conditioning is effective, some guests noted noise levels from adjacent rooms, corridors, or street traffic, including police sirens. A few isolated comments mentioned specific cleanliness oversights, such as dirty floors or uncleaned cups, and some rooms were reported to be cold due to the hotel's open-air corridor design.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is a standout feature for many guests, consistently receiving positive feedback for its variety and food quality. The spread typically includes both local Japanese and Western options, with popular items such as steak, tonkotsu ramen, and mentaiko, providing a taste of local cuisine. While the quality is generally high, some guests noted that certain meat options like the steak could be tough or dry. The breakfast area can become quite crowded, especially during peak times, and booking in advance is recommended as the price is higher if purchased on the morning of. The hotel also has a restaurant on the second floor, though its operating hours are limited.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient, situated approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk from Hakata Station and about 10 minutes from Higashi-hie Station. While some guests find this walk manageable, especially without heavy luggage, others consider it a bit far. A bus stop directly in front of the hotel offers easy access to various parts of the city. The hotel is also well-positioned for quick access to the airport, being only a short taxi ride or a couple of subway stops away. Nearby amenities include several convenience stores and a local market, providing easy access to daily necessities. Parking is available, but it is limited, can be expensive, and has restricted in-and-out privileges, leading some guests to prefer nearby public parking options.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel are frequently commended for being friendly and helpful, contributing positively to the guest experience. Many reviews highlight their attentive service and willingness to assist with queries, including some staff members who can communicate in English. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient. However, there were isolated instances where guests reported less satisfactory interactions, such as perceived rudeness, lack of follow-up on lost items, or insufficient explanation of additional charges. While housekeeping is provided, some guests noted that for shorter stays, only the restroom might be cleaned, or sheets might not be changed daily. The luggage service is available, but some guests found the storage area unwatched.

Additional Information
The hotel features a distinctive open corridor design with an atrium in the center, which means corridors are exposed to outdoor temperatures, potentially making them cold during winter months. Guests should be aware that rooms typically do not include free bottled water, though complimentary drinks are available in the sky lounge with a restriction against taking them out. Furthermore, rooms are not equipped with an in-room safe. The hotel is particularly popular with international guests, especially those traveling in groups, which can sometimes lead to crowded common areas and longer waits for facilities like elevators and the public bath.