Smile Smart Inn Hakata

“Our second but not the last Smile hotel in Japan.”

It was our second but not the last Smile hotel in Japan. First one was in Tokyo, the third one in Nara. These chain hotels attracted us by the price and location. Smile hotel Hakata was the oldest, smallest and simplest. The room got smoked, although I put a mark in the booking always. Basic amenit… more

It was our second but not the last Smile hotel in Japan. First one was in Tokyo, the third one in Nara. These chain hotels attracted us by the price and location. Smile hotel Hakata was the oldest, smallest and simplest. The room got smoked, although I put a mark in the booking always. Basic amenities are available. Judging by the alarm-clock, radio and plastic panels in the toilet hotel didn't know the repair since the 80 - ies of XX century. It takes 20 min to get to Hakata station by walk.

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“You get what you pay for!”

This was the least expensive option that I could find on short notice to get out of town for the weekend, since I preferred not to go to a capsule hotel with two of us. The whole room is smaller than our master bedroom, and we live in a Japanese apartment, so that says something. Although it is com… more

This was the least expensive option that I could find on short notice to get out of town for the weekend, since I preferred not to go to a capsule hotel with two of us. The whole room is smaller than our master bedroom, and we live in a Japanese apartment, so that says something. Although it is compact, the room provides all of the bare necessities, plus a full bath that wouldn’t look out of place on an airplane. This isn’t my first time in Fukuoka, but I had never seen this hotel in particular, so I wasn’t expecting to open the window and stare at a wall. I’m not totally disappointed with what we got for the money, but I think we’ll spend a little more next time for more space and an actual view. I guess we all live and learn.

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“Very close to Hakata Station but very small rooms (even for Japan)”

We stayed here for 1 night only after taking the ferry from Busan. It is quite a long walk from the ferry terminal and as we had been travelling all day (from Seoul) we took a taxi.It is possible to walk if you need to . The hotel was clean and staff were friendly. The room was the smallest I have … more

We stayed here for 1 night only after taking the ferry from Busan. It is quite a long walk from the ferry terminal and as we had been travelling all day (from Seoul) we took a taxi.It is possible to walk if you need to . The hotel was clean and staff were friendly. The room was the smallest I have ever stayed in and we had difficulty fitting our luggage and ourselves into the small space. I realise rooms in Japan are small but this was extra small and felt even worse because the window was opaque and we could not see out. When we opened the window we realised it was because we were directly facing a brick wall. Air con was fine and the location was exactly what we needed as we were going off to Tokyo the next morning. There were places to eat and the station was a great place to spend the evening:looking at all the shops and the food stalls. There is an amazing bakery that we used to stock up on food for our trip the next morning. So-a good hotel for the money as it was cheap and clean and friendly but not the best introduction to Japan as we felt as if we were in a cave.

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“Smile hotel Hakata, Fukuoka”

I chose this hotel as it was within walking distance to the convention center located at the sea front and was cheap. This was probably the cheapest hotel I have ever stayed in. While the location was perfect, the hotel is really small and the rooms so tiny and box like but that is pretty usual in… more

I chose this hotel as it was within walking distance to the convention center located at the sea front and was cheap. This was probably the cheapest hotel I have ever stayed in. While the location was perfect, the hotel is really small and the rooms so tiny and box like but that is pretty usual in Japan. Two people would find it difficult to fit their luggage in the double room at this hotel. If you have never stayed in a tiny room, you would find it hard. The bathroom and shower though small were comfortable and the fixtures modern and functioned well. The room had no view at all, like the manager said "for the price you can't expect a view". The carpets in the narrow corridors outside were frayed and need replacing. On the plus side the staff were really friendly and helpful and the hotel has a great location lying within walking distance to the sea front and ferry terminal as well as to the downtown shopping area or even the train station. However, If you do not fancy walking, the bus stops are located nearby. There are a couple of decent restaurants on the same street and heaps more choice further afield but well within walking distance. There is a convenience store round the corner, where one can buy packaged japanese food, fruit and even hot coffee. Tip, the seven eleven stores around Japan sell great coffee, and there is one located just a five minute walk from the hotel. So, if you are on a budget, this is a nice hotel to stay in.

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