CS and I embarked on a 5-day Costa NeoRomantica cruise across Japan last August - one of the many things I am grateful for 2018. Since the boarding in Fukuoka is at noon time and most flights out of Manila won't connect, we thought it was best to just spend a night in the city. Only requirement that we considered is location - hotel must be near the bus stop that would take us to Hakata Port. Such specification brought us to Hotel Route Inn - Hakata Ekimae.
Check-in was fast and efficient; the staff spoke fluent English so communicating was not a problem. For check-out, you can drop your key cards in the designated boxes and you're off to go.
I booked a double non-smoking room with breakfast for 2 via Agoda for about Php5,500 per night. Room was basic and small - barely enough space to move around especially with luggage.
Room features include a double bed, air-conditioning/heater, television with local channels only, dresser, personal ref, instant coffee and tea, and private toilet and bath with Shiseido toiletries.
Most people who have been to Hotel Route Inn also commends the property's superb breakfast selection. An ample variety of Japanese, Western, and Asian cuisine to start off your day - and yes, I had more than one plateful of rice and grilled saba (mackerel).
Pros: Proximity to Hakata Station, affordable room rates, delicious buffet breakfast, well-maintained room, courteous staff, and availability of onsen bath at the hotel basement.
Cons: Old hotel with small rooms, no housekeeping service, and non-working WiFi.
~o~o~o~
Hotel Route Inn Hakataekimae
1-1-20 Hakataekimae
Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
Tel.: (8192) 477-8885