Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Richmond Hotel Hakata Ekimae's Hidden Gem in Fukuoka!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits? Hold Your Horses! My Hakata Hideaway at Richmond Hotel Ekimae – The Good, the Bad, and the Absolutely Confusing!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Richmond Hotel Hakata Ekimae. Or, you know, maybe just lukewarm water from that in-room kettle… We'll get there. This wasn't just a hotel stay, it was a whole experience. A messy, occasionally fabulous, and sometimes baffling experience, let's be honest. And listen, I'm no travel blogger with pristine prose and perfectly curated Instagram feeds. I'm just a regular Joe (or Jane, in this case) who loves a good hotel and a strong opinion. So, here we go…
First Impressions (and a Quick Rampage About the Entrance):
Okay, the "hidden gem" marketing is a bit… optimistic. It's right there, smack-dab on the main drag, Ekimae for crying out loud! But let's be real, "hidden gem" sounds sexier than "kinda hard to miss." The exterior is sleek, modern, all glass and chrome, the usual drill. Accessibility? Check. Elevators galore, ramps, the whole shebang. Felt very inclusive, which is a great start. Good on ya, Richmond!
Check-in, Check-out and a Near-Disaster with the Keycard:
Check-in/out [express]? Yup. Smooth as butter. Contactless check-in/out? Absolutely. They even had a little welcome screen with my name, which always makes me feel like a VIP… even though I'm probably not. Until, the keycard incident. Listen, I was jet-lagged, okay?! My brain was pure mush. I swiped that thing about five times before the poor front desk guy had to come over and… well, it turns out I was holding it upside down. Mortifying. But hey, they were super chill about it so all is forgiven. Check-in/out [private]? Didn't see that. Might have missed it, too busy fumbling with my keycard.
Rooms: The Good, The Okay, and the Slightly Baffling Decor Choices:
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (thank GOD!), Alarm clock, Bathrobes (yes!), Bathroom phone (do people actually use those?), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (a must!), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker (vital!), Complimentary tea (nice touch!), Daily housekeeping (excellent!), Desk, Extra long bed (yesss), Free bottled water (hydration is key!), Hair dryer, High floor (beautiful view!), In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (expensive!), Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers (heavenly!), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Now, the room itself. Spacious, clean, and… functional. The bed was like sinking into a cloud. Seriously, I slept like a baby. The blackout curtains saved my sanity. The Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free] was strong, which is a huge win for a digital nomad like myself. The Mini bar was tempting, but a quick glance at the price list and I decided I’d buy from the convenience store. The decor, however… felt a touch… corporate. Like a stylish office pretending to be a hotel. But hey, it was clean, comfy, and had everything I needed. Also, a massive shoutout for the additional toilet. Game changer when you're sharing a room!
Cleanliness and Safety: Reassuring, But Not Without a Few Quirks:
Cleanliness and safety: were obviously a priority. They were boasting about their Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Which all sounds great on paper. Room sanitization opt-out available - perfect! And don't get me started on the hand sanitizer. I was drowning in the stuff, but you can't complain about too much cleanliness. The Hygiene certification signs everywhere helped me to stay calm. However, I found myself a bit confused about the shared stationery removed statement. How much does it matter, anyways?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Buffet Bonanza and the Quest for a Decent Coffee:
Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast. This is where things got… interesting. The breakfast buffet was an absolute carnival of food. A chaotic, delicious, and slightly overwhelming carnival. A ridiculous amount of options. They had everything a person could want, from Japanese staples to Western breakfast options. So many options, so little time. Coffee/tea in restaurant. This needs urgent attention. The coffee was… well, let's just say I've had better from a gas station. The Coffee shop situation was non-existent. Which is a crime against humanity. I ended up stumbling to a convenience store for a proper caffeine boost. Which, let's be honest, is a good source for essential condiments. Restaurants, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: Yes. But I mostly relied on the buffet. Room service [24-hour]. The temptation to order everything at 3 AM was strong. I managed to resist. Mostly. Poolside bar. Didn’t see one of those. Snack bar. Didn't spot one. Desserts in restaurant. Yes, delicious, but my brain was fried by the time I reached dessert.
Spa, Sauna, and Relaxation: Where Dreams (and My Tension) Go to Die (In a Good Way):
Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom. Okay, now we're talking! There's a fantastic spa area. Massage. The massage was exactly what I needed to unwind from a long travel. Body scrub, Body wrap. I was seriously tempted. Foot bath. Ah, the foot bath… Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. After a day of exploring Fukuoka on foot, my feet were screaming for mercy. Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool (outdoor). The pool was… well, it wasn’t exactly the tropical oasis I’d envisioned, but it was clean, refreshing, and the view from the pool (which was actually quite nice) was a bonus. Fitness center, Gym/fitness. The fitness center was there. I didn’t use it. Shh!
Things to Do and Getting Around: Exploring Fukuoka and the Art of the Taxi Haggling:
Getting around: Airport transfer. Yep, they did that. Super convenient. Taxi service, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Valet parking, Bicycle parking. Got all of that. Shrine. There's a nearby shrine. Access. Easy to access.
As for Things to do… Fukuoka is amazing! The hotel is well-located, making it easy to explore the city.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Confusing, and the Slightly Annoying:
Services and conveniences. They had the usual suspects: Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. Daily housekeeping was flawless. They even folded my pajamas into cute origami shapes! (Okay, maybe not, but it certainly felt like it!) Contactless check-in/out was also a huge win. The Concierge was helpful, but I felt a bit guilty asking for help with anything too complicated.
For the Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kid's meal. Didn’t see much in the way of kid-specific amenities, but the overall atmosphere felt family-friendly.
The Final Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Look, the Richmond Hotel Hakata Ekimae isn’t perfect. It’s not some ultra-luxurious, mind-blowing experience. But it's a solid, comfortable, and convenient hotel. And honestly, after a long day exploring Fukuoka, that’s all I really wanted. The staff were lovely, the room was clean, the **Free Wi-Fi in
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Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because here’s what happened during my Fukuoka adventure at the Richmond Hotel Hakata Ekimae. Don't expect a perfectly curated, Instagram-ready travelogue. This is real, people. Prepare for feels. And maybe a little bit of regret for that extra plate of ramen…
Richmond Hotel Hakata Ekimae - Fukuoka: A Messy, Magical Jaunt
(Pre-Trip Anxiety Stage – AKA, “Am I Even Packed?”)
- T-minus 3 Days: Panic sets in. Did I even remember to pack underwear? (Spoiler alert: yes, but only just.) The usual pre-trip chaos: frantic Googling of "Currency exchange Fukuoka," mentally re-calculating the Yen-to-USD ratio (which makes my brain hurt), and the terrifying question…what if my passport expires mid-trip? Deep breaths. Mostly.
- Day Before Departure: The final frantic packing dash. Stuffing two weeks of clothes into what might fit into a carry-on. The fear of being "that person" at baggage claim is real. Finally, I find my passport. Phew!
(Day 1: Arrival & Ramen Revelation – And the Jet Lag Monster Strikes!)
- Morning (The Flight): Oof, the dreaded red-eye. Planes are not designed for people who like to sleep. Watched three terrible movies, ate airplane food that tasted suspiciously like cardboard, and endured the symphony of snorts and snores from my fellow travelers. But hey, the views! The moment the plane descended over Fukuoka… pure, unadulterated "I'm here!" bliss.
- Afternoon (Richmond Hotel Check-in): The hotel lobby felt surprisingly modern. The staff was ridiculously polite, even after I stumbled over "Arigato" approximately seven times. Check-in was smooth, and the tiny but tidy room at the Richmond Hotel was a relief. It felt so clean and efficient. I love you, Japan. Showered, unpacked in record time (because efficiency is key when you're slightly delirious from jet lag), and then the hunger pangs hit.
- Evening (Ramen Pilgrimage – The First Bite!): Right, ramen. This was the thing I was most excited for. After a quick online search, I found one that walked me to Ichiran Ramen. It was an experience. The lines, the vending machines, the individual booths! The anticipation was killing me! And then… the broth. Oh. My. God. Rich, savory, perfect. I'm getting emotional now (just remembering it). The noodles were cooked perfectly. The char siu was melt-in-your-mouth. I actually wanted to weep with joy. I inhaled that bowl so fast, I'm pretty sure I slurped the whole thing. And, okay, I ordered a second. Don't judge. The jet lag made me do it! This was the best ramen of my life, and I realized I was utterly (and happily) transformed. Ramen-conquered.
(Day 2: Exploring Hakata & Cultural Curiosity… and a Slight Misunderstanding)
- Morning (Tocho-ji Temple): Decided to be all cultured, visiting Tocho-ji Temple. The giant wooden Buddha was mesmerizing. The incense smoke, the quiet… it was genuinely moving. I could feel the peace wash over me. This is why I travel! This is what it’s all about! The zen… the beauty…
- Afternoon (Canal City Hakata): Ah, the mall. I get it. I'm not proud, but I wandered the shops, pretending I understood the nuances of Japanese fashion. The dancing water fountain show? Surprisingly awesome! Did some souvenir shopping, bought a ridiculously adorable Hello Kitty keychain (don't judge!).
- Evening (Yatai Food Stalls & the Language Barrier): The Hakata Yatai! The food stalls lining the streets are so cool! Lights, noise, the delicious smell of grilled everything. I attempted to order grilled chicken skewers. I thought I wanted chicken (thinking I did) but somehow, through various hand gestures and mangled Japanese, ended up with… something… else. It was definitely… interesting. Spicy. And maybe a bit off-putting, but I tried it all. It was a good laugh (for the vendor, definitely). Lesson learned: learn basic food-related Japanese phrases!
(Day 3: Dazaifu & The Power of Shrine Visits - AND the Unexpected Melodrama)
- Morning (Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine): A day trip! Dazaifu was breathtaking. The plum blossoms were in bloom, the air was sweet. I wandered the shrine grounds, throwing coins into offering boxes, hoping for a little luck. I bought some of those famous plum-flavored mochi. SO GOOD. A perfect moment of quiet contemplation.
- Afternoon (The Kyushu National Museum): Back in the city, I visited the Kyushu National Museum. The architecture was stunning, modern, and it had a very interesting history.
- Evening (Misunderstanding Melodrama): I thought, "Hey! I've got this Japanese thing down!" So, I ordered Takoyaki from my favorite place. I pointed; all set. My takoyaki arrived, and I dug in. Then I choked. I thought I knew Japanese. I'm quite wrong, as I realize I've bit into a baby octopus with eyes and head, and arms. My stomach was in my throat. I looked at it. The octopus looked back. I felt a wave a nausea. The chef laughed. I wanted to cry. I needed oxygen. This moment of sheer panic, shame, and utter mortification… it was cinematic, really. (In my memory. Probably less so for the chef.) I ate one bite. And promptly left.
(Day 4: Back to Ramen & the Farewell Feels – And a Promise to Return)
- Morning (Ramen Round Two): Needed redemption. Went back to Ichiran. Another moment of pure ramen bliss. I savored every single bite, knowing this would be my last for a while. I already miss it.
- Afternoon (Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt & Reflections): A frenzied dash through the shops, grabbing last-minute presents, and re-buying the Hello Kitty keychain. This trip has been… a lot. Exhausting. Exhilarating. Humbling. Delicious.
- Evening (Packing & Departure Prep): The bittersweet task of packing. Folding my clothes, remembering the faces of the friendly staff at the Richmond Hotel. I wanted to stay. I didn't want to go back. I looked at the window - the city lights glowed – and promised myself I'd be back.
- Night (The Airport): Saying a silent "Sayonara" to Fukuoka. The security line. The airport food (still bad). The long flight home. But I knew, as I watched the city lights of Fukuoka disappear behind me, that I’d carry the memories, the flavors, and the slightly traumatizing takoyaki experience with me forever.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost. I ate something questionable. I spoke terrible Japanese, but every single experience was worth it. The people in Fukuoka were incredibly kind, the food was sublime, and the city itself had a unique blend of modern and traditional that I absolutely adored.
Would I go back to the Richmond Hotel Hakata Ekimae? Absolutely! It was clean, convenient, and the perfect base for exploring this incredible city. Would I go back to Fukuoka? In a heartbeat. I already miss the ramen. The chaos. The adventure. Japan… you have stolen my heart (and perhaps my stomach). Until next time, Fukuoka! Arigato!
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So, what *is* the Richmond Hotel Hakata Ekimae, anyway? And why are you so obsessed?
Alright, buckle up, because this is where my love affair with this place starts. The Richmond Hotel Hakata Ekimae... well, it's a sneaky one. On the surface, it's just a hotel near Hakata Station in Fukuoka. *Boring*, right? Wrong! It's a hidden gem because it's surprisingly *luxurious* for a place that doesn't scream "five-star" from the outside. Think comfortable, maybe a little fancy, but definitely *convenient* for exploring the city. And *obsessed*? Let's just say I've got a loyalty card... and a slight problem. (Don't judge!)
Seriously, what makes it "luxurious"? I've stayed at hotels before, Deb.
Okay, okay, "luxurious" might be stretching it a tad. It's not a Ritz-Carlton. But the *details*, my friend, the *details*. First off, the lobby. Lovely, airy, not some cramped, dingy hallway. The rooms are actually *spacious* for Japan (which is a freaking miracle). And then... the beds. Oh, the beds! Seriously, I'm a terrible sleeper, but I could *easily* spend a week just comatose on those beds. And the *bathrooms*! Spotless, modern, with all the tiny, lovely little toiletries that make you feel like you're worth something. Forget the free soap in a wrapper, we're talking good stuff! And the *Japanese toilets*! Heated seats, bidets, the whole shebang... pure bliss.
Okay, location-wise? Convenient or a total nightmare?
Hakata Station. It's a blessing AND a curse, let me tell you. On the *one hand*, the hotel's practically *attached* to it. Bullet trains? Easy. Subway? Done. Buses? Right there. Airport? A short hop. But on the *other* hand... Hakata Station is a *giant* labyrinth, especially when you’re dragging your luggage after a long flight. Seriously, it's easy to get utterly lost. I've nearly had a full-blown meltdown there once. But the hotel's proximity means you can easily escape the madness. It's like a haven. A tiny, comfy bubble of sanity right next to a swirling vortex of people and neon lights. It’s a love-hate relationship, but the convenience is so, so worth it.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Do they understand English? Do they judge you for eating too much on the breakfast buffet?
The staff? Generally, lovely. Super polite, always bowing, always helpful. English is… variable. Some are fluent, some know enough to get by. Don't expect deep philosophical conversations, but they'll absolutely figure out your needs. As for the breakfast buffet… listen, I *may* have been known to visit it multiple times. And I *may* have been caught, red-handed, piling up pastries. But! They didn't judge me. I think they're used to it. And honestly, that buffet is a *highlight*.
Alright, the breakfast buffet. Tell me everything! Is it *really* that good?
Oh, you want *everything*, huh? Okay, okay, let me get into "breakfast mode". The breakfast buffet… it's a *dream*. They've got everything! Western options: scrambled eggs (usually good!), bacon (sometimes crispy, sometimes… not quite. But still bacon!), toast, cereal. And the *Japanese* options… OMG. Miso soup, rice, pickled vegetables, grilled fish (which I'm still learning to love, but *try*). Fresh fruit. Pastries (which is where I usually spend most of my time. Don't tell anyone!). And the *coffee*! Decent coffee, which is HUGE in Japan, where strong coffee sometimes feels like a myth. Look, I’m not saying it’s Michelin-star quality, but it’s fresh, plentiful, and a fantastic way to start the day. I've eaten enough there to probably fund a small island nation's economy. And, honestly, the breakfast buffet is probably the #1 reason I keep going back!
So, the rooms... how much space are we talking about, really? I'm claustrophobic.
Look, okay, I've stayed in some *tiny* hotel rooms in Japan. The kind where you can barely swing a cat (not that I travel with cats, of course). These rooms? They're... good. Not a ballroom, mind you. But *enough*. You've got space to put your luggage (which, let's face it, is a major win). You've got a desk (which is important for me, because I can't stop the need to email while I'm on vacation). You've got a comfortable chair. And enough room to not feel like you're sleeping in a closet. It really gets better than that, or just enough. I want *more* space always, but I do like it over the many choices.
Wi-Fi? Laundry services? Anything else a forgetful traveler needs to know?
Wi-Fi: Good. Reliable. Free. Crucial for staying connected and scrolling through Instagram, obviously. Laundry services: Yes! A lifesaver, especially if you're traveling light. Just remember your detergent. Other things: Amenities are great. Toothbrushes, razors, all the usual suspects. They even have comfy pajamas in some rooms. Oh! And the *tea*. They always have a selection of lovely green tea. And that's how I make the most of my stay, I think.
Come on, Deb. It can't be *perfect*. What are the drawbacks? What did you dislike?
Okay, okay, let's be honest. It's not *perfect*. The price… well, it’s not *cheap*. It's mid-range, maybe a bit on the higher side, depending on the season. Sometimes you pay a premium for location. The elevators get busy during peak times, which is a minor annoyance. The view from my room was... not amazing. I once had a view of another building's air conditioning units. Romantic, right? And no, thatHospitality Trails
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