Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [534]
MIDRANGE
Hotel Twins Momochi (852-4800; fax 845-8637; www.twinsmomochi.jp, in Japanese; 1-7-4 Momochi-hama, Sawara-ku; s/d from ¥5800/7800; ) Near Yahoo! Dome, you’ll find this great-value couple- and family-friendly hotel, perhaps inspired by Ikea. Room types vary but all have refreshingly personal touches. There’s a coin laundry and shared kitchenettes.
Hotel Ascent (711-1300; fax 711-1717; 3-3-14 Tenjin; s/d from ¥7245/13,650; ) This large, neat hotel in the heart of Tenjin is good value for the single traveller, though little Japanese is spoken. Some rooms have LAN cable internet.
Richmond Hotel Hakata Station (433-0011; fax 433-0166; 6-17 Chuo-gai, Hakata-eki; s/d/tw from ¥7900/10,800/14,800; ; JR Hakata, Chikushi-gate) A business hotel with a little more style, behind the station near Yodobashi Camera. All rooms have free LAN cable internet.
Plaza Hotel Tenjin (752-7600; fax 752-7550; www.plaza-hotel.net; 1-9-63 Daimyo, Chūō-ku; s/tw from ¥7300/12,000; ) Don’t be fooled into thinking the room styling follows the lead of the schmick common areas – it doesn’t. But this is still an excellent choice for a nice price and cool location. Rooms have cable internet.
Plaza Hotel Premier (734-7600; fax 734-7601; www.plaza-hotel.net; 1-14-13 Daimyo, Chūō-ku; s/tw from ¥8200/14,000; ) Located in trendy Daimyō, big brother of nearby Plaza Hotel Tenjin, the Premier is a smooth operator rivalling far pricier hotels. The night vibe on the street outside is uber-cool and its Trattoria Bal Musette could be straight out of Paris.
Hotel Leopalace Hakata (482-1212; fax 482-1289; www.leopalacehotels.jp/hakata_top.html; 2-5-33 Hakataeki-higashi; s/d from ¥12,000/15,000; ; JR Hakata, Chikushi-gate) This trendy new hotel near the station is targeted at young Japanese professionals. It has a slick, minimalist foyer leading to sleek, hi-tech rooms, all with LCD TVs and free cable internet. Some have floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s a coin laundry and Italian restaurant, but little English is spoken.
TOP END
If you can afford a splurge when in Kyūshū, Fukuoka is the place to do it.
Nishitetsu Grand Hotel (771-7171; fax 751-8224; www.grand-h.jp/english/index.html; 2-6-60 Daimyo; s/tw/d from ¥12,705/25,410/27,720; ) One of Fukuoka’s originals, this massive property appeals primarily to the Japanese, but its location, scale and service levels all rate highly. Rooms have cable internet.
La Soeur Hotel Monterey (726-7111; fax 726-7100; https://www.hotelmonterey.co.jp/eng/index.html; 2-8-27 Daimyo; s/tw & d from ¥13,860/19,635; ) A popular wedding spot, this property has a prime location and comfortable, well-appointed rooms, with cable-internet jacks. Check the website for online, pay-in-advance bargains and avoid weekends.
Hyatt Regency (412-1234; fax 414-2490 www.hyatt.com; 2-14-1 Hakataeki-higashi, Hakata-ku; d/tw from ¥18,000; ) Five minutes’ walk from JR Hakata Station, you’ll find the imposing building. Inside, plush, well-appointed guestrooms and lounges are synonymous with the Hyatt brand. It’s even better when the rates are discounted online.
Hotel Okura (262-1111; fax 262-7701; www.okura.com; 3-2 Shimokawabata-machi; s/d/ste from ¥19,950/25,200/84,000; ) Rooms are large and suitably appointed, but this enormous Japanese five-star is all about the service. It is well located as part of the Hakata Riverain complex.
Grand Hyatt Fukuoka (282-1234, 282-2817; http://fukuoka.grand.hyatt.com; 1-2-82 Sumiyoshi; d/tw from ¥20,000, ste poa; ) This massive yet sumptuous property adjacent to Canal City is Fukuoka’s truest international five-star. Warm, light-filled rooms synthesise traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary comforts. Western and Japanese suites are magnificent, decadent and appropriately expensive.
With the Style (433-3900; www.withthestyle.com; 1-9-18 Hakataeki-minami; d/ste with breakfast, minibar & welcome drinks from ¥31,185/63,525; ) This sexy designer hotel will be a little wasted if you are flying solo. Each of the 16 rooms exudes rock-star cool and guests are invited to reserve complimentary