Plaza Hotel Tenjin

The hotel's most notable feature is its prime location in the vibrant Tenjin and Daimyo areas, making it an exceptional base for exploring the city. It is ideally suited for sightseers, shoppers, and diners who wish to be within easy walking distance of numerous restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment venues. Its central position also appeals to nightlife enthusiasts and solo travelers looking for convenience. While some business travelers find its location beneficial, they should note the hotel's older infrastructure. Guests frequently highlight the convenience of having amenities like toiletries available for self-pickup in the lobby. To ensure a comfortable stay, it is advisable to manage expectations regarding the hotel's age and potential for external noise, particularly if sensitive to sound from the surrounding lively area. Despite its age, many appreciate its overall value, especially when considering the unparalleled access to the city's offerings.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests have mixed feedback regarding the hotel's facilities. The Wi-Fi connectivity is a significant point of contention, with some guests finding it virtually unusable or patchy, while others report it as adequate. A unique aspect is the self-service approach to amenities, which are available for guests to pick up from the lobby, though some feel the selection is somewhat limited. For convenience, a microwave and an ice machine are located on the fifth floor, which guests find useful. However, the refrigerator in the rooms is noted for its weak cooling capacity, making it unsuitable for items requiring strong refrigeration. The air conditioning system in the rooms is described as having a three-stage switch, making precise temperature adjustment challenging. The lobby itself lacks seating, which can be inconvenient, especially during busy check-in times.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly varied, with many guests noting the hotel's age and the need for renovation. While some rooms are described as clean despite being old, others report significant issues such as stains on the carpet, hair, and dirty toilet seats. Some bathrooms show signs of wear, including cracked toilets and holes in doors, with the bidet/washlet often being old and having weak water flow. A recurring complaint is the bed comfort, with many finding the mattresses uncomfortably hard. Noise insulation is a major concern, as guests frequently report hearing sounds from adjacent rooms, the street, and nearby bars, making it difficult to sleep. Some rooms also have a faint smoke odor, which sprays provided do not effectively eliminate. The carpet is often described as worn and in need of replacement, and some towels have been noted to have an unpleasant smell.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, placing guests directly in the heart of the Tenjin and Daimyo areas. This prime spot offers unparalleled proximity to numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, including major shopping centers and popular stores like Don Quijote. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of most of the city's tourist attractions, making exploration convenient. For those relying on public transport, the hotel is a manageable 7-10 minute walk from both Tenjin Station and Tenjin-Minami Station, providing good access to the wider city. However, guests arriving by car should be aware that the hotel is situated on narrow, busy streets, which can make driving and locating the entrance challenging. Parking is available but is noted as being expensive, with some guests feeling the cost is not justified.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Many guests appreciate that there are English-speaking staff available, including those of diverse backgrounds who communicate effectively in polite Japanese, ensuring smooth interactions for international visitors. The check-in process involves machine kiosks, which, while intended for efficiency, often require staff assistance and can lead to delays. Guests commend the staff for their attentiveness, such as promptly bringing requested items like blankets to rooms and assisting with the storage of frozen goods. However, some guests noted a lack of response to online inquiries regarding issues like internet connectivity. Additionally, the hotel does not offer a taxi calling service, directing guests to find one on their own. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing good customer service is a recurring positive theme.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the relatively early 10:00 AM check-out time. The hotel's perceived value for money is highly subjective, with some guests feeling it is overpriced given its age and condition, while others find it reasonable depending on the booking rate. The presence of many foreign guests and staff contributes to a unique, international atmosphere. The building itself has an distinctive antique brick exterior, reminiscent of a European hotel, though the interior shows its age. A minor inconvenience noted by some is the lack of seating in the lobby, which can be problematic during busy periods. The hotel is known to participate in national travel support programs, which can offer benefits like regional coupons. Guests appreciate the convenience of the card key system and the helpful service of staff who assist with storing frozen items for extended stays.