Fukuoka's BEST Hotel? APA Hakataekimae Chikushiguchi Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the whirlwind that is the APA Hotel Hakataekimae Chikushiguchi! Forget those picture-perfect brochure reviews, because this is the real deal, warts and all. We're talking Fukuoka, food, and a whole lotta APA-ness, and it's gonna be fun. Let's get messy. Let's get real.
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Right, first things first: Accessibility. This is key for me, and honestly, it's where the APA starts to shine, or… well, mostly shines. The elevator is readily accessible, and the hallways, while not palatial, are definitely manageable. Wheelchair access is listed, but I didn't test it personally. However, the presence of facilities for disabled guests is promising. It's not going to be the most seamless experience (Japan, generally, still has work to do on this front), but they've clearly made an effort. I give them points for trying.
Quirky Observation: You know, the sheer dedication to efficiency in Japan is fascinating. It's like, "Okay, we will provide accessibility, but we will ALSO make sure you know you're in Japan with its… unique architectural choices." (More on the "unique" later).
Cleanliness, Sweet Cleanliness (Especially Now!): Okay, in post-pandemic times, hygiene is a thing. And the APA Hakataekimae Chikushiguchi is obsessed with being clean. They hammer it home! They've got anti-viral cleaning products, and daily disinfection in common areas like it's their job (which, I suppose, it is). Rooms are sanitized between stays, and they even offer a room sanitization opt-out. Talk about overachievers! They're going all out – and I appreciated it. Seeing hand sanitizer everywhere was reassuring.
Strong Emotional Reaction: Okay, I loved this. The little things matter and I felt safe. Simple as that.
Rooms: Micro-Living, Macro Comfort?
Alright, the rooms. Let’s be honest, APA hotels are not known for sprawling suites. This is compact living, folks. However, they pack a LOT into a small space. You get air conditioning, a comfortable bed (extra long if you request it!), a desk, a TV (with on-demand movies!), and the all-important free Wi-Fi, of course. I’m pretty sure there's a hair dryer, slippers, and your standard Japanese hotel issue: a tiny bathtub and very compact toilet. However, the blackout curtains are a godsend. And the soundproofing? Surprisingly effective.
Messy Structure Anecdote: I remember trying to, uh, ahem, "stretch out" in the room after a long day of navigating Hakata. Let's just say I had to get creative with my poses. But honestly, the compactness is part of the charm. It's efficient, and it forces you to be organized (which is a good thing, because my life pre-travel is a mess).
That "Japanese" Bathroom Experience:
The bathroom is… an experience. Let's just say it's cozy. I’m talking, if you drop the soap, be prepared to put on a show with some stretches. However, everything is functional and clean. Plus, let's not forget the toilets! (a topic that deserves its own review).
Internet, Internet, Internet!
Yes, folks, you get free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it's pretty darn reliable. They also have Internet access – LAN if you're into wired connections, and Wi-Fi in public areas. I had zero problems streaming my favorite shows.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Hakata Food Adventure (Sort Of)
Now, the dining situation. This is where the APA Hakataekimae Chikushiguchi is… well, let's call it "functional." They have restaurants (I had a breakfast there, which I’ll get to), a coffee shop, and a snack bar.
My Breakfast Breakdown: The breakfast buffet (a Western breakfast and Asian breakfast mix) was… serviceable. Nothing to write home about, but enough to get you going. There were the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, rice, miso soup, some questionable pastries. Coffee/tea in restaurant was available and plentiful. The strongest point was its convenience. I skipped the breakfast takeaway service.
Services and Conveniences: Perks and Quirks
The APA excels at convenience. They offer 24-hour front desk service, daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, luggage storage, and a convenience store. There's also a cash withdrawal option. They had the essentials: essential condiments and bottled water waiting.
Opinionated Language: The convenience factor is crucial in Japan, and the APA nails it. You can get anything you need, at any time.
For the Kids: Family Friendly (But… Not Exactly Kid-Focused)
The hotel is family/child friendly, but I didn't see much in the way of dedicated kid-focused facilities. There’s a babysitting service listed, but that’s it.
Getting Around: Airport, Trains, and Taxis
The hotel is easily accessible by taxi service (though, of course, be prepared for the cab fare!), and they do offer an airport transfer. The location's pretty central to Hakata Station (which, of course, has incredible train connections). I'd recommend the train because getting the cabs can be a pain during rush hour.
Quirky Observation: The hotel’s location is close enough to everything you need, and it’s a straight shot to Hakata Station, making it easy to explore the city and surrounding areas.
The Verdict: Is the APA Hakataekimae Chikushiguchi Worth It?
Absolutely, yes! For location, cleanliness, convenience, and value for money, this hotel is a winner. It’s not luxurious, but it's practical, safe, and does what it promises! It’s a great base for exploring Fukuoka.
The Offer: Book Your Fukuoka Adventure!
Ready to experience the APA Hotel Hakataekimae Chikushiguchi? Book your stay now and enjoy:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi: Stay connected with lightning-fast internet.
- Convenient Location: Explore Fukuoka with ease, minutes from Hakata Station.
- Spotless Rooms: Relax in our meticulously sanitized rooms.
- 24/7 Service: Our friendly staff is ready to assist you.
- Exclusive Offer! Get a free upgrade (subject to availability) and a discount on your next stay when you book using the code "HakataExplore".
Don't wait! Book your Fukuoka adventure today at the APA Hotel Hakataekimae Chikushiguchi – and experience a truly memorable Japanese journey!
Hilton Houston Hobby Airport: Spark Your Next Adventure!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your sanitized, corporate-approved itinerary. This is a messy, beautiful, and utterly real account of my Fukuoka adventure, based out of the APA Hotel Hakataeki Chikushiguchi. Prepare for some feels.
Fukuoka Fugue: A Chaotic Chronicle
Day 1: Arrival, Ramen, and Regret (Sort Of)
14:00: Landed at Fukuoka Airport. Smooth as silk… literally. Even the conveyor belt was polite. First impression of Japan: clean. Ridiculously, wonderfully clean. My inner germaphobe was practically orgasming. Seriously, I almost kissed the airport floor.
15:00: Shuttle to the APA Hotel. Okay, here's where the cracks in my carefully curated image of myself begin to show. First, I tripped over my own suitcase. Twice. Right in front of a group of impeccably dressed Japanese businessmen. Mortifying. Second, the lobby… well, it's classic APA. Compact, efficient, and… let's say it's not overflowing with personality. It’s practically a spaceship for your weary traveler.
16:00: Checked in. The room… ah, the room. Shoe-horned but functional. I swear, the bed is about a millimeter from the wall. But hey, who needs space when you have a heated toilet seat? That, my friends, is a game changer.
17:00: Ramen Run! Holy. Freaking. Moly. I’d heard tales of Hakata ramen, and I was prepared. But, I wasn't prepared. The ramen shop I went (I won’t name it out of sheer embarrassment for not keeping track) was tiny, cramped, and filled with the glorious, porky aroma of my impending doom. The broth? Unctuous, rich, and the perfect combination of spicy and savory. I slurped. I moaned. I nearly cried with joy. I definitely spilled some on my shirt. But it was heaven. Pure, slurp-soaked, pork-flavored heaven. Afterwards, I felt that delicious, full-belly, 'I might need a nap' feeling.
18:30: Walkabout. Wandered Hakata Station, lost in the labyrinth of shops. The sheer volume of people! The blinding lights! The overwhelming choice of KitKat flavors! It was sensory overload. And I loved every second of it. Found a vending machine dispensing tiny, adorable cat figurines. Had to resist the urge to blow my entire budget on miniature felines.
20:00: Back at the hotel. Jet lag kicking in hard. Attempted to watch some Japanese television. Failed spectacularly. The only thing I understood was ‘kawaii’. (Cute) And, wow. Everything IS Kawaii in Japan. I tried to read my book, but my eyelids felt as though they were filled with lead. Sleep. Sweet, sweet sleep.
22:00: Woke up at 22:00, starving. Found crackers I bought at the convenience store. This is the life.
Day 2: Dazaifu Shrine, Cultural Confusion, and a Culinary Triumph!
08:00: Dragged myself out of bed. The room is STILL small, but the bed is fine, and the heated toilet seat remains a source of constant delight. Breakfast, included at the hotel, was a rather predictable affair. Rice, miso soup, eggs (questionable), and a lonely piece of toast. Fuel, I guess.
09:30: Train to Dazaifu. Okay, so I am an idiot. It took me nearly an hour to find the right platform. Japanese train stations are like a video-games. A very efficient video game, mind you, but a game nonetheless. After some serious trial-and-error, and a lot of frantic pointing, I finally made it. The train ride itself was lovely though. Scenic views, and remarkably quiet fellow passengers.
10:30: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Breathtaking. The architecture. The colors. The feeling of… well, the feeling of something. It was a beautiful place. I tried to absorb the serenity, but my inner monologue was something along the lines of, “OMG, so many tourists! Where's the best photo spot? Okay, maybe I should get one of those mochi things… but is that weird?” So, I was not the ideal spiritual tourist. I did get the mochi. Soft, warm, and delicious. Definitely the highlight of that experience.
12:00: Exploring the shops. Every single shop had beautiful, handcrafted items of every denomination. I could have spent an entire day in each shop. This is my kryptonite. I had to set a budget before getting lost in the shops, and just look.
13:00: The Ramen Redemption. This time, I made sure to remember the name: Shin-Shin Hakata Ramen. This place was different. It felt like a local's haven, with people smiling in the restaurant, all kinds of people, but not a tour group in sight. I started with a beer, as you do. The ramen here? A different animal entirely. The broth was cleaner, lighter. The chashu pork practically melted in my mouth. This was the ramen of champions. I didn't even care that I spilled some on my shirt. It was worth it.
15:00: Return to the hotel. Collapse. Nap. Regret not bringing a better camera.
17:00: Grocery run to the convenience store. The snacks! The drinks! The sheer variety! I'm not sure I'll ever return to eating normal American chips. The Japanese snacks are unparalleled.
19:00: Back at the hotel. Trying to plan tomorrow, and failing. The sheer volume of stuff to see in Fukuoka is making my head spin. The Internet is so convenient, yet so much information is overwhelming.
Day 3: Whatever, I'm going with the flow.
09:00: Breakfast. No comment.
10:00: Walk along the waterfront. The weather is amazing. This is the best.
11:00: Went to Ohori Park. So many ducks. Saw a lot of beautiful people.
13:00: Went to a shopping mall, but it was much too long.
15:00: Back at the hotel.
17:00: Ramen, again.
21:00: Pack, so I can go home tomorrow.
Day 4: Departure - Sadness and the Promise of Return
08:00: Pack.
11:00: The shuttle to the airport.
13:00: Departure.
Emotional Breakdown: I will always remember my time in Fukuoka. The people, the Ramen, the heated toilet seats. I will be back.
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is, by no means, a blueprint for the perfect trip. It's a snapshot of my experience, my thoughts, my triumphs, and my many (many) moments of utter bewilderment. Japan is a place that challenges you, confuses you, and ultimately, enchants you. And even though the APA Hotel isn't exactly the lap of luxury, it was my home base, a small, functional outpost in a land of wonder. So, go forth, embrace the chaos, and get lost in the deliciousness. You won't regret it.
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APA Hakataekimae Chikushiguchi - The Real Deal (or Is It? Let's Talk!) - FAQ-ish Thing
Okay, spill it! Is the APA Hotel Hakataekimae Chikushiguchi actually *good*? Like, REALLY good? Because the photos... they're a bit...shiny.
Room Size: The elephant (or rather, *your suitcase*) in the room. How *small* are we talking, exactly? And what about luggage storage?
Breakfast: Yay or Nay? Because hotel breakfasts can be a gamble.
The Bathroom: Tiny, but functional? Or claustrophobic nightmare?
Location, Location, Location! How convenient is it *really*?
What about the amenities? Anything other than the tiny room and a semi-sad breakfast?
Overall, would you recommend it? The *honest* truth, please!
Let's talk about *that* lobby...
