If you can afford to stay elsewhere, do so. While this hotel in Fukuoka City isn’t a complete dump, it comes really close to it. The cigarette-smelling rooms are completely worn out, the hallways are reminiscent of an old university dorm room, the reception area that doubles as the breakfast room is dingy and harshly lit by a set of flourescent lamps. The rooms were typically cramped like any budget hotel in Japan. The ominous buzzing flourescent lamp on our floor can be straight out of a movie that takes place in a haunted or crime-ridden hotel. The staircase also looks like it has seen a few visitors coming through. The ancient elevator also doesn’t offer much confidence at first glance, and certainly looks like it is ready to trap someone in any day.
The place, however, does have loads of potential. A fresh coat of paint, new mildew free shower curtains, a working coin laundry, and perhaps a new PC can make HaWeiDa a good alternative to the centrally located hotels in Tenjin. The location is only one stop from Tenjin, 20 minutes from the Hakata Station, and only a block from the Ohori Park. And for roughly USD$60 for a double, the price is comparable to most budget hotels in the country. If you do decide to stay at HaWeiDa and cannot read Kanji, note that the sign outside is not in English. The hotel is around the corner from exit 2 at the metro station. Look for a big blue sign hanging off the side of a building. You will enter through an automatic door. Either take the elevator or stairs to the second floor where the reception is located.
